Business
Subject Introduction
GCSE Business students are equipped with the skills and confidence to explore how different business situations affect decision-making. They develop their understanding of concepts, objectives and terminology, and the impact of contemporary issues on issues on business operations.
Students undertake regular assessment develop exam technique. They have the opportunity to learn from real life business and actively encouraged to have an awareness of current news items and business practice to enhance their understanding. Lessons are structured with examples of real-life and relevant business contexts.
GCSE Business is structured in two themes, taking students from how entrepreneurs start businesses (Theme 1) through to growing and global businesses (Theme 2).
Key Stage 4
Modules
1.1 Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
1.2 Spotting a business opportunity
1.3 Putting a business idea into practice
1.4 Making the business effective
1.5 Understanding external influences on business
2.1 Growing the business
Assessment
Each theory module is assessed in 3 parts, retrieval (prior learning), knowledge (understanding of content) and past paper questions (application of knowledge).
Students will also sit a mock exam.
Homework
Homework is set regularly and purposefully. Homework is a combination of retrieval questions to ensure students don’t forget learning, flipped learning content to prepare them for lessons or work to embed learning from the lessons.
Texts to be issued and arrangements for return
Students will be issued a workbook and revision guide in year 11 to help support them with their studies.
Modules
2.1 Growing the business
2.2 Making marketing decisions
2.3 Making operational decisions
2.4 Making financial decisions
2.5 Making human resource decisions
Assessment
Each theory module is assessed in 3 parts, retrieval (prior learning), knowledge (understanding of content) and past paper questions (application of knowledge).
Students will also sit a mock exam.
Homework
Homework is set regularly and purposefully. Homework is a combination of retrieval questions to ensure students don’t forget learning, flipped learning content to prepare them for lessons or work to embed learning from the lessons.
Texts to be issued and arrangements for return
Students will be issued a workbook and revision guide in year 11 to help support them with their studies.
Sixth Form
A Level‑ Business at St Wilfrid’s (AQA 7132)
Subject Intent
A-Level Business at St Wilfrid’s is all about understanding how the real business world works—from the small start-ups to the global giants.
Our students develop the skills and confidence to think like entrepreneurs, analyse real business scenarios, and make well-informed decisions.
We aim to inspire curiosity about how businesses respond to change, meet customer needs, and make strategic choices.
This course is a fantastic springboard into a wide range of careers and further study, and we’re here to support every step of the journey.
Course Overview
Year 12 (AS content)
- What is business? – Business objectives, forms, and the external environment
- Managers, leadership and decision making – Leadership styles, decision-making models, and stakeholder relationships
- Marketing management – Understanding markets, customers, segmentation, the marketing mix, and digital marketing
- Operational management – Setting objectives, improving quality, efficiency, supply chains, and lean production
- Financial management – Budgets, break-even, sources of finance, profitability, and cash flow
- Human resource management – Motivation, organisation, recruitment, and employee relations
Year 13 (A2 content)
- Analysing the strategic position of a business – SWOT, financial ratios, market trends, and external influences
- Choosing strategic direction – Ansoff Matrix, market positioning, and competitive advantage
- Strategic methods – Growth strategies, innovation, globalisation, and digital transformation
- Managing strategic change – Organisational culture, leadership, resistance to change, and strategic implementation
Assessment
Students sit three exams at the end of Year 13:
- Paper 1: Business 1 – 2 hours, 100 marks, 33.3%
- Paper 2: Business 2 – 2 hours, 100 marks, 33.3%
- Paper 3: Business 3 – 2 hours, 100 marks, 33.3%
Each paper includes multiple choice, data response, and extended answer questions, with real-world business case studies wherever possible.
Homework & Independent Study
Students are encouraged to keep up with business news and apply their learning to current affairs.
Weekly homework includes exam-style questions, research tasks, revision notes, and case study analysis.
We also recommend using online platforms, podcasts, and articles to stay connected to the business world.
Enrichment Opportunities
We offer a range of experiences beyond the classroom:
- Guest speakers from business and enterprise backgrounds
- Business simulation games and workshops
- Trips to local and national businesses
- Support clinics and exam skills sessions
- Entry into national competitions such as Young Enterprise or the BASE Challenge
Where Can Business Take You?
A-Level Business prepares students for a wide range of exciting opportunities—from apprenticeships to degrees in business, marketing, economics, law, and beyond.
It’s ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs, future managers, or anyone interested in understanding how the world of work really functions.
The skills developed—critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis, and communication—are valuable in almost any career path.