Business Studies

KS4 (Years 10 and 11): IGCSE

CIE 0450 

Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies is accepted by universities and employers as proof of an understanding of business concepts and techniques across a range of different types of businesses. Successful Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies learners will be able to understand different forms of business organisations, the environments in which businesses operate and business functions such as marketing, operations and finance as well as appreciate the role of people in business success.

What will I learn?

The IGCSE Business Studies syllabus develops students' understanding of business activity in the public and private sectors, and the importance of innovation and change. Students learn how the major types of business organisation are established, financed and run, and how their activities are regulated. Factors influencing business decision-making are also considered, as are the essential values of cooperation and interdependence. Through their studies, students not only learn about business concepts and techniques but also enhance related skills such as numeracy and enquiry. The syllabus provides both a foundation for further study at A Level, and an ideal preparation for the world of work.

Curriculum Content

The scheme of assessment consists of 2 examination papers each 1 hour and 30 minutes.  

What sort of homework will I be set?

  • Reading textbook and constructing notes or completing exercises in supplementary booklet  

  • Investigating businesses and relating business theory to them  

  • formulating projects or presentations individually, in pairs, or via groups in relation to businesses and business concepts/theory covered  

  • past paper questions   

Sixth form: International AS and A level

EDEXCEL XBS11/YBS11 

Covering business in a global context, the Edexcel International Advanced Level in Business Studies is designed to be studied over two years, with the option of a one-year AS level course.

Curriculum Content

The course has been designed so that you 

  • will investigate different types and sizes of organisation in various business sectors and environments, and in local, national and global contexts.  

  • are introduced to the market, explore the marketing and people functions and investigate entrepreneurs and business start-up.  

  • explore the finance and operations functions, and investigate external influences on business.   

  • investigate different types and sizes of organisation in various business sectors and environments, and in local, national and global contexts.   

  • explore influences on business strategy and decision making  

  • explore business activity in a global context.   

 

How is the course assessed?  

At the end of Year 12 you will sit two written papers, each 2 hours long for the IAS in Business Studies.  

At the end of Year 13 you will sit a further two written papers, each 2 hours long for the IAL in Business Studies. 

What are the GCSE requirements for this course?

An IGCSE qualification in Business Studies is not a prerequisite for study of the subject at Advanced Level, but it is highly recommended since it builds on the knowledge and skills developed from the IGCSE Business Studies course.

Students are expected to have taken IGCSE Business Studies or Economics prior to the course and achieved minimum of B. Students with no prior knowledge in these subjects should have achieved a B or above in IGCSE English as this exam requires a good grasp of the English language to be able to answer extended data response questions. 

Future Career Choices

This course will prepare you for 

  • higher education courses such as business management, business administration, accountancy and finance, human resource management, marketing, retail management, tourism management, international business   

  • a wide range of careers, ranging from banking, sales, product management and general management to working in public sector organisations and charities