Business

Why Study Business?

Business is one of the most relevant subjects you can study. Every organisation relies on people who understand how businesses operate, make decisions and respond to change. Whether you aspire to work in management, marketing, finance, law, healthcare or run your own business, this course will give you valuable knowledge and transferable skills that employers and universities highly value. Through the study of real businesses and current events, you will develop commercial awareness, problem-solving skills and confidence in decision-making.

Aims of the Course

This course develops students' understanding of how businesses operate and make strategic decisions. You will explore key business functions, investigate real-world issues and assess the impact of business decisions on stakeholders. The course encourages analytical thinking, creativity and enterprise, while building the research, communication and evaluation skills needed for higher education and future careers.

Course Outline

The BTEC National Extended Certificate in Business is a two-year course equivalent to one A Level. It combines practical coursework with external assessments and is designed to develop both business knowledge and employability skills.

Year 12

Exploring Business: Investigate different types of businesses, their aims, ownership structures and how they respond to internal and external influences.

Personal and Business Finance: Develop an understanding of financial planning, budgeting, personal finance and business accounts.

Year 13

Developing a Marketing Campaign: Explore market research, target markets and marketing activities before creating and justifying a marketing campaign.

Recruitment and Selection Process: Examine how businesses attract, recruit and retain employees, including participating in recruitment activities and interviews.

Throughout the course, students will develop skills in research, data analysis, report writing, presentation, problem-solving and decision-making. Learning is enhanced through the use of real business case studies, current business issues and opportunities to apply theory to practical situations.

This qualification is highly respected by universities and employers and provides an excellent foundation for further study, apprenticeships and careers across a wide range of industries.

The BTEC National Extended Certificate in Business is assessed through a combination of coursework and external assessment, providing students with a balanced approach that rewards both independent study and examination skills.

Assessment

60% Internal Assessment (Coursework): Students complete a range of assignments based on realistic business scenarios and case studies. These tasks may include reports, presentations, research projects and business proposals, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

40% External Assessment: Students complete a combination of examined and controlled assessment units that assess their ability to analyse business information, interpret data and make justified business decisions.

The varied assessment methods allow students to demonstrate their strengths across different formats while developing the skills required for further study and employment.

Course Delivery

Lessons are engaging, interactive and focused on developing both business knowledge and employability skills. Students will:

Study a variety of contemporary businesses and current business issues.

Analyse real-life case studies and business scenarios.

Participate in discussions, debates and problem-solving activities.

Develop professional report-writing and presentation skills.

Use digital technologies and business software to support learning.

Work independently and collaboratively on research and coursework projects.

Students are encouraged to keep up to date with business news and developments, helping them to build commercial awareness and apply their learning to the wider world. The course develops essential skills in communication, analysis, evaluation, teamwork and decision-making, all of which are highly valued by universities, employers and apprenticeship providers.

Regular feedback, targeted intervention and dedicated coursework support ensure students are well prepared to achieve their full potential throughout the two-year programme.

Grade 4 in Business (if studied at Key Stage 4) in addition to our entry requirements of five grade 4 at GCSE including Maths / English

Universities welcome this subject for application to study a wide range of degrees such as Business, Accounting, Economics, Law and Management Studies.