Business

Curriculum Intent 

Purpose 

Our Business curriculum empowers students to understand how the world of work, enterprise, and finance operates — equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed choices about their future learning, careers, and financial decisions. Students develop an enterprising mindset, becoming creative, reflective, and commercially aware individuals who can analyse, evaluate, and solve business problems in real-world contexts. 

Ambition 

The intent of the OCR GCSE Business course is to enable students to: 

• Know and understand key business concepts, terminology, objectives, and interdependent functions such as marketing, finance, operations, and human resources. 

• Apply their understanding to a range of contexts, from small start-ups to global corporations, recognising the impact of external influences such as ethics, globalisation, and the economic climate. 

• Develop enterprise skills, including communication, teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving, which are essential for modern employment and entrepreneurship. 

• Analyse and evaluate real business data and decisions, demonstrating logical chains of reasoning and the ability to make supported judgements. 

• Use quantitative skills confidently when interpreting financial and market data, preparing them for further study or vocational routes in business, economics, and finance. 

Structure 

The curriculum is taught across two years and organised into two components: 

1. Business 1: Business Activity, Marketing, and People – exploring how businesses start, grow, and operate successfully through enterprise, planning, and human resource management. 

2. Business 2: Operations, Finance, and Influences on Business – examining how businesses produce goods, manage finance, and respond to external influences such as the economy, ethics, and globalisation. 
   Both components develop an understanding of the interdependent nature of business activity and how decisions in one area impact another. 

Implementation 

Students learn through: 

• Case studies, simulations, and enterprise projects that connect theory to authentic business scenarios. 

• Think–Pair–Share, structured discussions, and exam-style practice to develop extended responses and evaluation skills. 

• Quantitative tasks to build confidence with data and finance calculations. 

• Ongoing retrieval practice to secure knowledge and prepare for linear assessment. 

Impact 

By the end of the course, students will: 

• Demonstrate a broad and applied understanding of business activity and decision-making. 

• Be able to analyse complex problems using business evidence and present reasoned conclusions. 

• Be prepared for future study in business, economics, or vocational pathways. 

• Show the curiosity, resilience, and ambition required to thrive in further education and employment. 

Links to CARES values 

Courage – We never give up! 

In Business Studies, students learn about entrepreneurs who take bold risks to start businesses, often facing setbacks and failures along the way. Studying these stories helps students understand that resilience, perseverance, and not giving up are essential for success in business and in life. 

Aspiration – We work hard to make our dreams happen. 

Business Studies encourages students to set ambitious goals and understand how to turn ideas into reality. Whether it's designing a business plan or studying real-life case studies, students are inspired to aim high, think innovatively, and work hard to succeed in future careers. 

Respect – We treat others how we wish to be treated. 

Successful businesses thrive on ethical practices and respect for customers, employees, and communities. Students learn the importance of fair treatment, good customer service, teamwork, and ethical decision-making in business – principles that reflect mutual respect. 

Equality – We accept others for who they are. 

Business Studies highlights the importance of inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities in the workplace. Students explore issues like discrimination, fair pay, and diversity policies, and they are taught that businesses must value and support people from all backgrounds. 

Self-control – We manage our behaviour and impulses. 

Running or working in a business requires discipline, planning, and making informed decisions rather than impulsive ones. Students develop skills like budgeting, strategic thinking, and understanding the consequences of poor financial or ethical choices – all linked to strong self-control. 

Links to British Values 

Business Studies teaches students about how democratic processes affect the economy and business decisions. Students learn that businesses must follow legal frameworks and that the law applies to all, regardless of size or status. Business Studies encourages students to explore entrepreneurship and enterprise, promoting freedom of choice and opportunity. Respect is essential in business; Respecting customers, employees, and business partners is key to long-term success. Students explore how global businesses operate in diverse cultural and religious environments. 

Links to Careers 

GCSE Business Studies opens up a wide range of career opportunities by developing skills in finance, marketing, management, enterprise, and communication. For example: 

• Business Manager 

• Project Manager 

• Operations Manager 

Enhanced Provision 

Throughout the year there are ESS and catch up sessions for exam groups. 

Learning Journey 

Link to document 

Ks3 Curriculum overview 

Not required 

Ks4  

Curriculum  

overview 

Link to document - Business