IGCSE Business
The Edexcel IGCSE in Business is designed as a two-year course. As students’ progress, they are introduced to new ideas and concepts while continuing to use and reinforce previously learned concepts and skills. The course is designed to give students a sound understanding of business and the ability to use knowledge, skills and understanding appropriately in the context of local, national and global markets.
KEY SUBJECT AIMS
The Edexcel IGCSE in Business qualification enables students to:
- develop an interest in and enthusiasm for the study of business
- develop an understanding of business concepts, business terminology, business objectives and the integrated nature of business activity
- understand how the main types of business are organised, financed and operated
- develop and apply knowledge, understanding and skills to contemporary business issues in a wide range of businesses from small enterprises to large multinationals and businesses operating in local, national and global context
- develop critical-thinking and enquiry skills to distinguish between facts and opinion, calculating, interpreting and evaluating business data, to help build arguments and make informed judgements
- develop an understanding of the dynamics of business activity and the related considerations of ethics and sustainability for global businesses.
COURSE CONTENT
- Business activity and influences on business
- People in business
- Business finance
- Marketing
- Business operations
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
There are two exams at the end of two years:
Paper 1: Investigating Small Business (Paper code 4BS1/01) – 1hr 30 (80 marks) 50%
Paper 2: Investigating Large Business (Paper code 4BS1/02) – 1hr 30 (80 marks) 50%
CAREER OPTIONS
IGCSE Business helps the student to develop an understanding of the world of work and, as such, is of value in any career choice. Some of the more obvious careers benefiting from IGCSE Business include: Import/Export Sales; Marketing and Advertising; Hotel Management; Catering; Retail Management; Human Resources Management; Banking and Finance.
This subject can be continued both on to A-level, and into higher education at university.
International Advanced Level Business Studies
The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Business Studies comprises four units and contains an International Advanced Subsidiary subset of two IAS units.
The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary in Business Studies is the first half of the International Advanced Level course and consists of Units 1 and 2. It may be awarded as a discrete qualification or contribute 50 per cent of the total International Advanced Level marks.
The full International Advanced Level award consists of the two IAS units (Units 1 and 2), plus two IA2 units (Units 3 and 4) which make up the other 50 per cent of the International Advanced Level. Students wishing to take the full International Advanced Level must, therefore, complete all four units.
Methods of Assessment
Unit 1 and 2: Examinations of 2 hours, consisting of short and extended-response questions, based on sources.
Units 3 and 4: Examination of 2 hours, consisting of questions based on data, including extended response questions.
- Investigate different types of businesses that develop and sell products and/or services in a local, national or international marketplace. At IA2 level, students will study the ways in which companies make decisions, and grow and operate in the global market place
- Be able to analyse numerical information and understand how it assists the decision-making process of a business.
- Understand how a business is managed, how its performance is analysed and how it could trade internationally.
- These International Advanced Level qualifications in Business Studies require students to use both qualitative and quantitative methods to make justifiable decisions.
Career Options
Students with an interest in Higher Education courses in Accountancy, Business Management and Analysis are recommended to take this course. Many careers have links to Business and Economics courses.
BTEC Business Level 2
KEY SUBJECT AIMS AND CAREER OPTIONS
The Pearson BTEC International Level 2 Extended Certificate qualification in Business have been developed in the business sector to:
● give full-time learners the opportunity to enter employment in the business sector or to progress to Level 3 vocational qualifications
● provide education and training for business employees
● give opportunities for business employees to achieve a Level 2 vocationally specific qualification
● give learners the opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.
The subject is all coursework based and is the equivalent of two IGCSE grades.
COURSE CONTENT
1. Business Purposes
2. Business Organisations
3. Financial Forecasting for Business
4. People in Organisations
5. Business Enterprise
BTEC Business Level 3
KEY SUBJECT AIMS AND CAREER OPTIONS
The BTEC Level 3 Certificate offers a specialist qualification that focuses on aspects of employment within the appropriate vocational sector. The BTEC Level 3 Certificate is a qualification which can extend a learner's programme of study and give vocational emphasis. The BTEC Level 3 Certificate is broadly equivalent to one AS Level. It is also suitable for learners, who wish to follow a vocational programme of study as part of their continued professional development or who want to move to a different area of employment. All assignments are coursework based.
COURSE CONTENT
1. The Business Environment
2. Business Resources
3. Introduction to Marketing
Links
Long Term Plan Business Studies
Long Term Plan Economics