Business and Enterprise

Term 1:  Introduction to Business Concepts
Topic: Market Research 
Enquiry Question:  Why is Market Research so significant for Business owners? 

Term 2:  Business Concepts
Topic:  Market Research Tools
Enquiry Question: Why do we need to use both primary and secondary research in our design model concepts? 

Term 3: Developing a Product
Topic: Marketing
Enquiry Question: Why is it important to consider your target demographic?  

Term 4:  Financial Costs
Topic: Costs and Revenue
Enquiry Question: Why is it vital to understand the pricing of products before sale? 

Term 5:  Risks
Topic: Financial Viability
Enquiry Question: How can you measure the viability of a product alongside success?

Term 6:  Branding
Topic:  Branding Concepts
Enquiry Question:  How can global businesses dominate an industry? 

Students are introduced to the OCR Cambridge Nationals course in Enterprise and Marketing. 
In Year 10, students will work on a combination of the examination theory unit (RO67) and their first coursework task (RO68). Students learn about the main activities that take place to support a startup business and what the key factors are to consider when starting up a business. As well as this, students learn about customer segmentation and how to target a customer market. 
In the RO67 coursework unit, students are presented with a business challenge from which they create a researched and cost business proposal. They will conduct research, present data, utilise generation tools, seek and act on feedback, and cost their proposals. In their work on this unit, they will develop their self-assessment, collaborative working, creativity, numeracy, research and evaluative skills.

 

Term 1: Creating a Brand
Topic:  Promotional Tools
Enquiry Question: How does a successful business promote itself? 

Term 2:  Entrepreneurship
Topic:  Entrepreneurial Skills
Enquiry Question:  How do you sell a product effectively to a target demographic? 

Term 3: Pitch Delivery 
Topic:  Pitching your product
Enquiry Question:  How can you deliver an effective pitch to a select range of audiences? 

Term 4: Business Characteristics  
Topic: Ownership 
Enquiry Question:  What is the significance of the style of ownership and liability a person may have?

Term 5: Lifestages 
Topic:  Business Cycle
Enquiry Question: Why do we need to know how to pinpoint the life stage of a product effectively? 

Term 6: Course Completion
Topic: Revision
Enquiry Question:  How do we successfully revise Business?

In Year 11, students continue with a combination of the examination theory unit (RO67) and are introduced to their second coursework task (RO69). In these units, students explore the techniques businesses use to understand their market and develop products, investigate what makes a product viable and understand how businesses act and retain customers.
In the second coursework unit, students prepare for and pitch a business proposal. They develop a brand identity and investigate how best to promote their product, then plan, practice, and finally deliver their pitch. Afterwards, they review both their performance and their business proposal. This will help develop their analytical and self-evaluative skills as well as those relating to self-presentation.

This course can lead to further study of the subject at A-level or apprenticeships in areas such as administration, the IT industry, retail, and customer service. 
 

 

 

BTEC Business

Course outline: 

Students will develop practical skills and theoretical understanding of the world of business and complete projects investigating topics such as preparing a marketing campaign, managing an event, and business finance. During the course, students will develop their group work, IT and presentation skills. Students who study Business will gain an insight into the short, medium and long-term running of small to global businesses. Critical thinking about real-life situations gives students the skills to understand how businesses operate and compete in various industries.  

Students will study a range of key areas in Business; these include Exploring Business, where students learn about the purposes of different businesses, their structure, the impact of the external environment, and how they can be dynamic and innovative to survive. Other units covered are Marketing, Finance, and Recruitment in the business world. For students pursuing the Diploma in Business, the areas of study include Business Management, Event Planning, Globalisation in Business, and Customer Service. By the time they have completed the course, they will have acquired a comprehensive knowledge of the business world and a practical skill set that will prepare them for the next stage in their business career. 

This course is all about preparing students for employment and/or entry to university. Future careers include accounting, banking, insurance, human resources, marketing and sales. Business is a broad subject that can be combined with a combination of any other vocational or academic courses.

Term 1: 

Unit 1 - Exploring Business 

Students explore the features of different types of businesses (e.g., sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, non-profits), their aims and objectives, and what factors contribute to their success. A key part is also understanding the role and influence of various stakeholders (like customers, employees, owners, suppliers, and the wider community) on a business's operations and success.

Unit 3 - Business and Finance

This topic is all about the sources of finance available to businesses. Students learn where businesses get their money from to start up, operate, and grow. This includes exploring internal sources (such as restructured profits of the assets) and various external sources (such as bank loans, mortgages, share capital, debentures, grants, and venture capital), along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Term 2: 

Unit 1 - Exploring Business 

After understanding the types and purposes of businesses (Learning Aim A), the next term would usually move into Learning Aim B, which focuses on external influences on businesses (such as economic, social, technological, legal, environmental, and ethical factors). This is followed by Learning Aim C, which dives into the various internal functions of a business (like marketing, human resources, operations, and finance). Finally, Learning Aim D typically covers how companies change and plan for their future.

Unit  3 - Business and Finance

Following on from sources of finance (Topic 1), the next term would typically cover Topic 2, which is all about understanding financial statements. Students would learn how to interpret key documents like the income statement (profit and loss account) and the statement of financial position (balance sheet) to assess a business's performance and financial health. This leads into Topic 3, where students apply financial analysis techniques, such as ratio analysis, cash flow forecasting, and budgeting, to evaluate business performance and make informed financial decisions.

Term 3: 

Unit 2 - Developing a Marketing Campaign 

Students will delve into fundamental concepts such as the marketing mix (the 4 Ps: Product, Price, Place, Promotion, and sometimes the extended 7 Ps). They also begin to understand different types of market research, how to conduct market segmentation, and strategies for targeting specific customer groups and positioning products or services effectively in the market.

Unit 4 - Managing a Business Event

The beginning of this unit focuses on investigating the scope and purpose of event management. Students learn about the diverse range of events (e.g., corporate, charity, social, sporting), the various objectives they might have, and the initial stages of the event planning process. This also includes understanding the different roles and responsibilities involved in successfully managing an event from conception to execution.

Term 4:

Unit 2 - Developing a Marketing Campaign 

After understanding the principles of marketing (the start of the unit), the next phase typically involves Learning Aim B, where students get hands-on with planning a complete marketing campaign for a specific product or service. This includes setting objectives, developing a budget, and selecting appropriate marketing activities. The unit usually concludes with Learning Aim C, which focuses on reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of the planned campaign.

Unit 4 - Managing a Business Event 

Following the initial investigation into the scope and purpose of the event (the start of the unit), the subsequent terms delve into the practicalities. Learning Aim B is dedicated to the detailed planning of an event, covering logistics, risk assessments, budgeting, and resource allocation. Learning Aim C then moves into the actual delivery of the event, putting their plans into action. Finally, Learning Aim D involves reviewing and evaluating the success of the event against its objectives, reflecting on the process and outcomes.

Term 5

Unit 2 - Developing a Marketing Campaign 

This term, the core focus for Unit 2 'Developing a Marketing Campaign' is to ensure a robust understanding and practical application of marketing principles. A thorough revisiting of the marketing mix, market research methods, and strategies for segmentation, targeting, and positioning is essential. Crucial emphasis should be placed on developing and evaluating marketing campaigns in response to diverse business scenarios. 

Unit 3 - Business and Finance

This term, the core focus for Unit 3 'Business Finance' will be on building a strong foundation in understanding and analysing a business's financial health. Students will delve into interpreting key financial statements, including income statements and statements of financial position, to assess performance. Crucial emphasis will be placed on applying financial analysis techniques like ratio analysis, cash flow forecasting, and budgeting. 

 

Term 6

Business Super Curriculum: 

This term, the Business Super Curriculum offers an invaluable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the dynamic business world beyond the core specification. Engaging with a diverse range of resources – from influential books and documentaries to insightful podcasts and real-world visits – will significantly enhance critical thinking, analytical skills, and commercial awareness. This extended learning fosters intellectual curiosity, connects classroom theory to current affairs, and provides a distinct competitive edge for future university applications and diverse career pathways.

How is the course assessed?

The BTEC National Business course is assessed through a blend of external examinations and internal coursework. Exams test the application of core concepts; practical assignments are teacher-marked and externally moderated. Your final grade reflects performance across all units, showcasing both knowledge and practical business skills.
 

Year 13

Course outline: 

Term 1

Unit 2 (Single Business Only) - Developing a Marketing Campaign:

This term, the core focus for Unit 2 'Developing a Marketing Campaign' is to ensure a robust understanding and practical application of marketing principles. A thorough revisiting of the marketing mix, market research methods, and strategies for segmentation, targeting, and positioning is essential. Crucial emphasis should be placed on developing marketing campaign ideas in response to a specified business scenario. 

Unit 8: Recruitment and Selection:

This term, the focus for Unit 8 'Recruitment and Selection' will be on developing a foundational understanding of how businesses effectively attract and choose staff. Students will engage with learning the key stages and methods of recruitment and selection, alongside exploring the vital legal and ethical frameworks that underpin these processes. 

Term 2 

Unit 2 (Single Business Only) - Developing a Marketing Campaign:

Building on the core marketing principles from last term, the central focus for Unit 2 now shifts to the practical development and initial evaluation of a marketing campaign for a single, specific business. Extensive practice in applying concepts to diverse scenarios is crucial. Students will refine their ability to interpret detailed case study information, critically analyse marketing situations, and structure well-supported arguments, which are vital for success in the external exam.

Unit 8: Recruitment and Selection:

This term, the focus for Unit 8 'Recruitment and Selection' will be on deepening understanding of the various selection methods and their effectiveness. Students will apply their knowledge to practical tasks related to different stages of the recruitment and selection process, developing skills relevant to conducting interviews, designing assessment activities, and understanding induction needs. The aim is to build comprehensive evidence for and complete the substantial internal assignments for this unit.

 

Term 3 

Unit 5: International Business:

This term, the core focus for Unit 5 'International Business' is to establish a strong foundational understanding of how and why businesses operate on a global scale. Students will thoroughly explore the reasons for international expansion, different market entry strategies, and the fundamental benefits and challenges of global trade. Emphasis will be placed on developing analytical skills to understand global economic influences, which is crucial for the external assessment of this unit.

Unit 8: Recruitment and Selection:

This term marks the final push for Unit 8 'Recruitment and Selection'. The focus is on consolidating all learning, refining understanding of best practices, and ensuring that all substantial internal assignments are completed to the highest possible standard. Students will review their practical application of recruitment and selection techniques, ensuring all assessment criteria are met for final submission.

Term 4 

Unit 5: International Business

Building on the foundations of international business, this term's focus for Unit 5 will be on a deeper analysis of the external environment that impacts global operations. Students will rigorously apply PESTLE analysis to international markets and explore global marketing and supply chain strategies. Dedicated practice with complex international business scenarios and exam-style questions will be crucial for achieving a strong performance in the upcoming external assessment.

Unit 14: Customer Service:

This term, the focus for Unit 14 'Customer Service' will be on establishing a clear understanding of what constitutes excellent customer service and its critical role in business success. Students will engage with learning about different customer needs and expectations, and the methods businesses employ to satisfy them. Early practical application and scenario work will be key to building the foundations for this unit's internal assignments.

Term 5 

Unit 5: International Business:

This term represents the final critical push for Unit 5 'International Business'. The primary focus will be on intensive revision and exam preparation, consolidating all knowledge on global markets, strategies, and external influences. Students will engage in extensive practice with complex international business scenarios and exam-style questions to refine their analytical and evaluative skills for the external assessment.

Unit 14: Customer Service:

This term, the focus for Unit 14 'Customer Service' will be on the practical application of customer service skills and the completion of internal assignments. Students will develop their ability to deliver effective service, solve customer issues, and understand how businesses measure and improve customer satisfaction. The aim is to consolidate all learning and finalise all internal assessment criteria for this unit to a high standard, ready for submission.

How is the course assessed?

The BTEC National Business course is assessed through a blend of external examinations and internal coursework. Exams test the application of core concepts; practical assignments are teacher-marked and externally moderated. Your final grade reflects performance across all units, showcasing both knowledge and practical business skills.