Business Studies

Intent

Business education enables students to understand and participate in the systems that drive the modern economy and shape our daily lives. Without business knowledge and commercial awareness, the structures that support employment, innovation, and enterprise would struggle to thrive. In an increasingly competitive and fast-changing global landscape, where digital technology, economic shifts, and entrepreneurial thinking are transforming the workplace, young people must be equipped with the skills to adapt and succeed. Business knowledge empowers students to challenge ideas, make informed decisions, and pursue a wide range of future pathways. It is essential that learners gain this powerful understanding, making Business a vital part of the Meridian curriculum.
 

Learning hours

Knowledge, understanding and skills

At Key Stage 3, students begin by learning how to use computers safely, effectively, and responsibly. They are introduced to the concept of entrepreneurship, exploring what it means to be an entrepreneur and the various aspects of business. Students will also examine the local community of New Addington and understand how businesses connect to it. In digital literacy, students focus on the main software programs within Microsoft and Google, practicing these tools throughout the Key Stage to prepare for their KS4 studies. The curriculum also covers important topics such as personal and business finance, marketing and the marketing mix, social enterprise, human resources, and the economy. These foundational skills and knowledge set the stage for more complex business concepts in the following years.

In Key Stage 4, students study the OCR Level 2 Cambridge National in Enterprise and Marketing. Building on the knowledge gained in KS3, they explore key concepts like the characteristics, risks, and rewards of enterprise. Students learn how to conduct market research, target specific customers, and determine the financial viability of a product. They then create a marketing mix to support their product and consider various factors when starting up and running an enterprise. Students are tasked with reviewing the likely success of their business proposals and learning how to market and pitch these proposals to an external audience. This helps students develop both their practical business skills and confidence in presenting ideas.

The coursework is split into two key pieces. The first involves conducting market research and developing a design idea set by OCR. This design is then used in the second piece of coursework, where students create a brand identity and pitch their idea to an external panel. After completing the coursework, students revisit the fundamentals of business before preparing for their final assessment at the end of Year 11. This process not only tests their business acumen but also encourages teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving in real-world scenarios.

5 year learning journey

Specification

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals/enterprise-and-marketing-level-1-2-j837/

Careers

The combination of academic challenge and practical focus makes the prospect of studying business and taking it further as a career highly appealing for those attracted to the competitive, yet collaborative learning environment offered by many business schools and departments.

• Data analyst
• Software engineer
• Marketing
• Entrepeneur
• Insurance
• Banker
• Economist
• Accountant
• Teacher
• Risk management

 

Extra curricular opportunities

• Charity Ambassador
• Cadbury World
• Local visits and tours 
• Bank of England visit and external speakers 
• National Apprenticeship Week