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

• Business in the real world: Purpose, ownership, aims, stakeholders, location, expansion
• Influences on business: External factors like technology, economy, ethics, environment, globalisation, legislation
• Marketing: Market research, segmentation, marketing mix – 4Ps: product, price, place, promotion
• Analysing, Planning and Pitching of business ideas
• 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.

Coursework (60% of total grade)

• Component 1: Students will explore different enterprises to develop their knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of enterprises and the skills needed by entrepreneurs to be successful. Learners will explore how enterprises use market research to find out about their customer needs and competitor behaviour and how internal and external factors may affect enterprises.
• Component 2: Learners will generate two realistic ideas for a micro-enterprise and choose one of these to plan within budget. They will individually present their business plan for their idea and review the production and delivery of their presentation to make recommendations for improvements

2 Hour Examination (40% of total grade)

Learners will be examined on how marketing is used by enterprises and the factors that influence how enterprises identify and target their market. Learners will complete financial documents and statements and demonstrate how to use them to monitor and improve the performance of an enterprise in order to make decisions and recommend strategies for success.

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

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.

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 your academy, as part of the options, it provides a strong foundation for students interested in the world of work.

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. fosters financial literacy, ethical decision-making, and adaptability essential for lifelong success in work and personal life.