VLE
Business Studies courses are delivered only in the Upper and Sixth Form Departments.
The collective rationale behind these courses lies in the vital importance of equipping students with knowledge and understanding of the business world in which they live. The courses provide students with highly relevant skills that contribute significantly to preparing them for effective participation in society as citizens, producers and consumers.
Each of the courses contain knowledge and skills which will place students in an advantageous position in today's highly competitive workplace. The obvious relevance of Business Studies to employers provides students with an unquestioned edge.
This compulsory Key Stage 3 / pre-IGCSE course combines elements of Business Studies and Economics to provide an introduction to key concepts and a firm basis for informed IGCSE subject choices.
Terms 1 to 3: The marketing mix, market research and data presentation, advertising and promotion, the location of industry, personal and business finance, public and private sector, partnerships, multinational companies, international trade, profits, costs and revenues. Terms 4 and 5: During this final period of study, students will apply the theory base they have developed during the year. In small groups they will tackle a practical business scenario, identifying problems and developing a start-up plan for a business in Kuwait.
IGCSE Business Studies aims to give students a basic knowledge and understanding of business and the environment within which its activity takes place. They will study how the main types of businesses are organised, financed and operated, as well as developing an awareness of the nature and importance of innovation and change within the context of business activities.
Year 10: Overview
Terms 1 and 2: Introduction to the business environment and business organisation. Term 2: Motivation, human resource management (HRM). Terms 3 and 4: Business structure, growth and size. Term 5: International trade and external influences.
Year 11: Overview
Terms 1 and 2: Sources of finance, break-even, budgeting, final accounts. Terms 2 and 3: Production function. Term 3: Marketing function. Term 4: Competitive environment.
AS Level Business Studies is a highly regarded qualification, providing students with an edge in today's highly competitive job market. For aspiring managers, this course provides an opportunity not to be missed.
The syllabus focuses on the strategies used to achieve business objectives in relation to a dynamic external environment. It enables students to develop understanding of the process of decision making within business organisations, whilst learning to adopt a problem solving approach to the investigation and analysis of business issues. Students also learn to critically evaluate the impact of business organisations on the local, national and international community.
Term 1 and 2: Unit 1 - Developing New Business Ideas. Term 3 and 4: Unit 2a - Managing the Business. Term 5: Revision and examination.
Students who have successfully completed AS Level Business Studies in Year 12 may wish to continue to A2 and complete A Level Business Studies in Year 13. By the end of the course, students should be able to identify business activities and organisations, and to understand the markets which they serve.
Terms 1 and 2: Unit 3 - International Business. Terms 3 and 4: Unit 4a - Making Business Decisions. Term 5: Revision and examination.