Business Studies
An understanding of business and enterprise is central to the world in which we live. The business curriculum encourages students to be inspired, moved and challenged by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. The aim of the business department is to support students develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.
Head of Department: Mrs C Ramsamy
Email: CRamsamy@stanborough.herts.sch.uk
What will students study?
In KS4:
GCSE Business Studies
The course is aimed at students who wish to start their own business or are simply interested in business. The GCSE course considers the practicalities of making a business idea happen and focuses on the implication this has on the different functional areas within a business. Students will learn how to spot a business opportunity to making a business effective and much more.
The course comprises of two exams which contributes to 100% of the final award.
In KS5:
As with Key Stage 4 we also offer a viable route to continue the study of business at Key Stage 5. We offer A-Level Business. The course is two years and is a Level 3 qualification. All specifications are available online for you to read.
A Level Business
A Level Business Studies is for those students who have a real interest in how businesses are managed and the internal and external factors that influence their ability to be successful as well as focussing on how businesses expand on a global scale. Students will be able to gain crucial management and leadership skills and be able to generate enterprising and creative approaches to business opportunities, problems and issues. They will acquire a range of relevant business and generic skills, including decision making, problem solving, the challenging of assumptions and critical analysis.
This is a linear two year course with all examinations taken at the end of the two years.
How can I support my child in this subject?
In order to support your child further in business go through the work your child has covered in lesson, obtain a copy of the textbook used in class and visit the recommended business websites, some of these are as follows:
https://www.businessed.co.uk
ww.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/zpsvr82
www.tutor2U.net
www.bbc.co.uk/news/business
All business homework is posted on ClassCharts where you can access your child’s homework and further support them.
What equipment does my child need in this subject?
For GCSE Business, basic equipment in line with the Stanborough School expectation is required. Ideally access to a computer outside of school is useful when completing tasks set. A Level students will need all of the above and their own A4 lever arch folder with dividers. Ideally access to a computer outside of school is useful when completing tasks and a copy of the study text. Where a computer at home is not available the business computer rooms are accessible as well as the LRC. All rooms are open before and after school as well as at lunchtime.
Celebrating successes in this subject
Student’s work is presented on the ‘Teaching and Learning’ board. We send home business post-cards and letters for outstanding work and students also receive end of term achievement awards. Students are also nominated to lead business extra-curricular activities and have often received certificates and rewards from external organisations such as the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF), BASE and many more for their outstanding achievements.
Extra-Curricular Activities and Visits
Business students make and sell products for our annual ‘Festival on the Field’. Students also have the opportunity to enter ‘Base Competition’ run by the University of Hertfordshire. The focus of this competition is on accountancy. Students have participated in the Dragon’s Den Apprentice Challenge where our students were the overall winners and won the ‘Best Corporation with a Charity’ Award. Our Valentine project is run by business students and contributes to the school’s chosen charity. We also have numerous links with both local and national businesses and run various ‘ad-hoc’ projects lead by business students throughout the year. During the year we run revision clubs and catch-up clubs.
