The GCSE in Business (Double Award) has been designed to form a qualification, which provides the technical knowledge, skills and understanding to equip students with some of the skills they will need in the workplace or in further education or training. The course involves practical work looking at real businesses through visits and case studies.

Structure & Assessment

The course consists of three units of work. The first two of these are assessed solely by coursework and the final unit solely by external examination.

Unit 1 - Investigating Business

Every business is part of a wider business world in which there are many different influences. Pupils will investigate the ways in which businesses sell their products, how they choose locations, how they use new technology and how they produce goods and services competitively without harming the environment.

Unit 2 - People and Business

One of the most valuable resources of any business is its people. This unit helps students to understand the roles played by people within a business. Students will also investigate the role and impact of people outside the business such as customers and the local community.

Unit 3 - Business Finance

Students will learn the importance of keeping track of money as it flows into and out of the business. Students will investigate the role of ICT in business finance and the production of financial documents. This unit is assessed by a 1½ hour examination.

Progression

The course provides a good base for progression to A-level, Vocational A-level, employment or work-based training in the business field.