Curriculum Intent
The students at Werneth School study Business and Enterprise to get them ready for the fast-paced world of work. Pupils will develop a range of business terms, understanding and knowledge using traditional teaching methods along with ICT equipment and software which will help them to develop into a valued member of the economic and digital society. Business Studies is a subject which draws, develops and implements a range of different disciplines; including mathematics, science, engineering, geography and art. The subject embeds high quality numeracy and literacy skills through analysis and evaluation techniques and at the centre of the subject is creativity and enterprise. At Key Stage 3 pupils in Business are given the opportunity to develop their enterprise skills through fortnightly sessions with the MUFC hub coordinator Phil McGrath where the class are enriched in exploring the brand that is MUFC. At Key Stage 4 the subject allows for deeper study of the business world they live in, potential career opportunities and with the skills developed at KS3 the confidence to take risks, become resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens.
Curriculum Features
At Key Stage 3 (Yr 9) we develop business knowledge through a taster course touching key elements of how a business is run such as looking at marketing, operations, entrepreneurship and human resources.
Pupils are encouraged to develop their thinking skills and be creative and have access to IT in order to develop research skills
We look at key global businesses and brands including statistics in the world of business such as Google, Amazon and Tesla
Pupils are encouraged to develop their own business ideas through research and applying their knowledge of business throughout the year.
Specialised enterprise lesson per fortnight with Phil McGrath from the MUFC Hub Foundation where pupils explore the business of football and the global brand to apply their knowledge further.
In Key Stage 4 pupils are given a more in depth understanding of how a business operates through looking at marketing techniques, operational strategies and financial performance of businesses.
Co-curriculum Enrichment
There are a plethora of educational visit opportunities in Business and Enterprise from visiting the local shops nearby to school to the world of entertainment at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Alton Towers.
Pupils are offered and encouraged to participate in the extra curricular enterprise club where products are developed in school and sold to pupils and staff.
Cross curricular learning occurs in most other subjects from Drama, developing paid performances, Geography with globalisation and sustainable business practices to Engineering and the development of products for consumers. Food technology, MFL and business can collaborate to develop an in school enterprise initiative in a ‘French/Spanish Cafe’.
There are strong curricular links to careers education within each lesson and the subject as a whole which is highlighted in the scheme of works for example the recruitment process that is undertaken by all businesses when filling a vacancy and the importance of a good application.
Overview
The Business Studies Department at Werneth is experienced, enthusiastic and innovative.
Key stage 3
In Year 9 students study a wide range of topics to give them a broad introduction to Business Studies. These include: Business Purpose, Aims and Objectives, Business Ownership, Marketing. This provides students with the foundation knowledge necessary to succeed at Key stage 4.
Students will also complete an enterprise project where they work in teams to come up with new product ideas and decide how they will encourage customers to buy them.
Key stage 4
In Year 10 you will study BTEC Tech Award in Enterprise.
With the BTEC Tech Award in Enterprise, you can explore what it means to set up and run a business enterprise, as well as develop key skills and gain an insight into the sector.
The BTEC Tech Award in Enterprise is a practical introduction to life and work as an entrepreneur, and you will:
- Develop an aptitude in planning and carrying out an enterprise activity.
- Develop the knowledge that underpins the effective use of skills that can affect the performance of an enterprise.
- Develop attitudes and ways of working that are important for enterprise.
The course has two internally assessed components, and one that’s externally assessed.
Assessment
| Unit 1 Controlled Assessment 60% | Unit 2 Examination 40% |
| This unit is internally assessed under controlled conditions. Students select two businesses and complete 3 controlled assessments based on the content of the unit. | A 1 hour exam comprising a mixture of multiple choice, short and extended answer questions. This unit is externally assessed. |
At both key stages students develop a number of skills:
- communicating and explaining ideas
- thinking creatively and making decisions
- working with numbers to solve business problems
- learning about the world of business through research and investigation, as well as through practical tasks.
Any enquiries about Business Studies can be made by emailing the address below...