BTEC Enterprise

Exam Board:

Pearson

What will I study on the course:

You will learn how businesses operate in the real world, developing knowledge of key business concepts and their application. The course covers six main units:

  • Business in the real world (purpose, ownership, aims, stakeholders, location, expansion)
  • Influences on business (external factors like technology, economy, ethics, environment, globalisation, legislation)
  • Business operations (production methods, procurement, quality, customer service)
  • Human resources (organisational structures, recruitment, training, motivation, employment law)
  • Marketing (market research, segmentation, marketing mix – 4Ps: product, price, place, promotion)
  • Finance (sources of finance, cash flow, break-even, financial statements, ratios) Emphasis is on applying theory to real business contexts, analysing decisions, and evaluating impacts through case studies and examples.

How is the course assessed:

100% exam-based (linear, all exams at the end of the course): Two equally weighted papers (each 1 hour 45 minutes, 90 marks, 50% of GCSE):

  • Paper 1: Influences of operations and HRM on business activity (multiple-choice, short-answer, data response, and extended questions)
  • Paper 2: Influences of marketing and finance on business activity (similar format) Questions include calculations (e.g., finance), analysis, and evaluation. No tiers (single paper for all abilities); no coursework.

Post-16 courses:

A Level Business, A Level Economics, Level 3 BTEC National in Business or Enterprise, apprenticeships in retail, management, or administration. Good GCSE grades support progression to sixth form, college courses in business-related fields, or vocational training.

Careers:

Entrepreneurship, management, marketing manager, accountant, human resources officer, retail manager, financial advisor, sales executive, event organiser, banking, supply chain/logistics. Business skills are versatile and valued in almost every sector, including public services, charities, and start-ups, for roles requiring organisation, decision-making, and commercial awareness.

Specific advantages:

The course is engaging and relevant, using real-life business examples and current events to make learning practical. It develops transferable skills like analysis, evaluation, numeracy, and communication. No prior knowledge is needed, making it accessible, and it encourages creativity in suggesting business ideas/solutions. At Discovery Academy, as part of the options, it provides a strong foundation for students interested in the world of work without heavy memorisation.

How useful it is in the real world:

Highly useful – business knowledge helps you understand everyday economic issues, manage personal finances, start your own venture, or succeed in employment. Employers value the skills for roles involving planning, problem-solving, teamwork, and understanding markets/customers. In a competitive job market, it demonstrates commercial awareness and enterprise, opening doors to apprenticeships, university, and careers in a dynamic economy. GCSE Business fosters financial literacy, ethical decision-making, and adaptability essential for lifelong success in work and personal life.

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