Business

In Year 10, we study theme 1 which concentrates on the key business concepts, issues and skills involved in starting and running a small business. It provides a framework for students to explore core concepts through the lens of an entrepreneur setting up a business.

In this theme, students will be introduced to local and national business contexts and will develop an understanding of how these contexts impact business behaviour and decisions.

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 

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 including examination questions.   

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.  

In Year 11 we study theme 2 which examines how a business develops beyond the start-up phase. It focuses on the key business concepts, issues and decisions used to grow a business, with emphasis on aspects of marketing, operations, finance and human resources. Theme 2 also considers the impact of the wider world on the decisions a business makes as it grows.

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. 

A Level‑ Business at St Wilfrid’s (Edexcel Business)

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 

Theme 1 Marketing and people

• Meeting customer needs
• The market
• Marketing mix and strategy
• Managing people
• Entrepreneurs and leaders

Theme 2 Managing business activities

• Raising finance
• Financial planning
• Managing finance
• Resource management
• External influences

Year 13 

Theme 3 Business decisions and strategy

• Business objectives and strategy
• Business growth
• Decision-making techniques
• Influences on business decisions
• Assessing competitiveness
• Managing change

Theme 4 Global Business

• Globalisation
• Global markets and business expansion
• Global marketing
• Global industries and companies (multinational corporations)

Assessment

Students sit three exams at the end of Year 13:

• Paper 1: Marketing, people and global businesses - 2 hours, 100 marks, 35% Paper 1 will assess marketing, people and global businesses. Questions will be drawn from Themes 1 and 4, and from local, national and global contexts.

• Paper 2: Business activities, decisions and strategy - 2 hours, 100 marks, 35% Paper 2 will assess business finance and operations, business decisions and strategy. Questions will be drawn from Themes 2 and 3, and from local, national and global contexts.

• Paper 3: Investigating business in a competitive environment - 2 hours, 100 marks 30%. Paper 3 will assess content across all four themes. Questions will be drawn from local, national and global contexts.

Students will also sit internal assessments at the end of a unit of work. Mock examinations will take place throughout the course.

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.