Business

Curriculum Sequence

Please click on the icons below to view the curriculum sequence for each Key Stage.  The curriculum sequence will show you what students should know and be able to do in the subject, alongside the key ‘tier 3’ subject specific vocabulary that your child needs to understand to allow them to access the deeper curriculum.  The curriculum sequence also lists the ‘key assessment questions’ each term/half term that your child will be asked during assessments to help your child to prepare effectively, as well as the ‘disciplinary rigour’ which explains the methods, conventions, rules and practices that are specific to that subject.

Business KS5

LIBF KS5

Curriculum Intent

At St Thomas More we are committed to fostering a dynamic learning environment that equips our students with essential business skills and knowledge. The business department  aims to inspire entrepreneurial thinking, enhance financial literacy, and promote ethical decision-making. Through a blend of theoretical understanding and practical application, we prepare our students to thrive in a competitive economy. We encourage collaboration, innovation, and a growth mindset, ensuring our students are not only prepared for future careers but also empowered to make a positive impact to society.

KS4

  • GCSE sequencing document

KS5

  • A Level sequencing document
  • LIBF sequencing document

 

Curriculum Content

GCSE:

  • Business in the real world
  • Influences on business
  • Business operations
  • Human resources
  • Marketing
  • Finance

A Level

  • What is business?
  • Managers, leadership and decision making
  • Decision making to improve marketing performance
  • Decision making to improve operational performance
  • Decision making to improve financial performance
  • Decision making to improve human resource performance
  • Analysing the strategic position of a business
  • Choosing strategic direction
  • Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies
  • Managing strategic change

Curriculum Content

GCSE (AQA)

GCSE Business  Paper 1 – 50% of GCSE (1 hour 45 minutes)  Paper 2-  50% of GCSE (1 hour 45 minutes)
What topics are assessed?  Business in the real world

Influences on business

Business operations

Human Resources

Business in the real world

Influences on business

Marketing

Finance

Question breakdown   Section A has multiple choice questions and short answer questions worth 2 0 marks.

Section B has one case study/data response with questions worth approximately 34 marks.

Section C has one case study/data response with questions worth approximately 36 marks.

Section A has multiple choice questions and short answer questions worth 2 0 marks.

Section B has one case study/data response with questions worth approximately 34 marks.

Section C has one case study/data response with questions worth approximately 36 marks

 

A Level  (AQA)

 

Assessed on all subject content in all three papers.

 

A Level  Paper 1  Paper 2  Paper 3
How are you assessed?  Written exam: 2 hours

100 marks in total

33.3% of A-level

written exam: 2 hours

100 marks in total

33.3% of A-level

written exam: 2 hours

100 marks in total

33.3% of A-level

Question breakdown  Three compulsory sections:

Section A has 15 multiple choice questions (MCQs) worth 15 marks.

Section B has short answer questions worth 35 marks.

Sections C and D have two essay questions (choice of one from two and one from two) worth 25 marks each

Three data response compulsory questions worth approximately 33 marks each and made up of three or four part questions One compulsory case study followed by approximately six questions

Curriculum Implementation

  1. Knowledge: To provide students with foundational and advanced knowledge of key business concepts, including finance, marketing, operations, and management.
  2. Skill Development: To enhance essential skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork through real-world scenarios.
  3. Critical Understanding: To cultivate a critical understanding of the external factors influencing businesses, including economic, social, and technological trends.
  4. Entrepreneurial Mindset: To foster an entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging students to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to business challenges.
  5. Ethical Awareness: To instil a sense of ethical responsibility, emphasising the importance of sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility.

 

Assessment and Feedback: We prioritise continuous assessment and feedback to track student progress and inform teaching practices. Through diagnostic quizzes, deeply marked work and curriculum assessments we ensure that students are prepared for their exams.

 

Career Links

Our curriculum not only prepares students for academic success but also equips them with the skills and knowledge needed for a variety of career pathways in business and beyond. We provide opportunities for work experience in year 10 and 12 to bridge the gap between education and employment.

St Thomas More has its very own dedicated careers team.  To find out more about careers at St Thomas More, please click here. 

 

 

Further Information

GCSE Specification: https://cdn.sanity.io/files/p28bar15/green/85a13a92ddf27ffd158bcc1e1be853fb9076a629.pdf

 

A Level Specification:

https://cdn.sanity.io/files/p28bar15/green/5c265ac92b9358f142c2b69483df78f811d52739.pdf

 

Subject Leader Information

For more information or if you have any questions please use the contact details below.

Subject leader- Miss B Morton

bmorton@stmca.org.uk

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