GCSE OCR Business
What is a GCSE in Business Studies?
GCSE Business is an up-to-date and engaging qualification that is relevant to the world of business today. Students will gain the skills and confidence to explore how different business situations affect decisions taken in the business world. Students will get the opportunities to make informed choices about a wide range of further learning opportunities and career pathways. They will develop life skills to enable them to become more financially and commercially aware. The course allows students to explore business concepts, business terminology, business objectives and the impact of businesses on individuals and the wider society.
Why should I choose this course?
If you have an interest in the following then this is the course for you:
- If you have an interest in business and entrepreneurial skills.
- If you want to make a well-informed career choice.
- If you want to learn about current and emerging technologies within the business world.
- To gain an understanding of the business world in which we live in.
- To start the journey into being your own boss, entrepreneur or making you highly employable.
- To develop key skills which are highly valued by employers and further education.
- To gain confidence by developing independent learning skills.
Who is this course suitable for?
This course will appeal to you if:
- Have ambition to be a ‘problem solver’ in life.
- Have ambitions of being your own boss.
- Have a keen interest in information and communication technology.
- Enjoy studying a subject that is relevant to your own life and experience.
- Want to potentially follow a career into the business world.
- Are interested in developing an understanding of current and emerging technologies in the business world.
- Want to study a course that is active and enjoyable.
- Want to move on to a related career or further education.
The structure of the GCSE in Business Studies
Unit 1 Business 01: Business activity, marketing and people
You will be introduced to business concepts and issues concerning the activities of a business. You will explore the purpose and role of a business from spotting an opportunity through to the growth of an established business. You will also look at the role of marketing and human resources.
Unit 2 Business 02: Operations, finance and influences on business
In this unit you will take a closer look at the role of operations and finance in business activity. Operations include production processes, quality of goods and services, customer service, and working with suppliers. Finance covers its role, its sources, costs, profit and loss, cash and cash flow.
You will also explore how business responds to external influences, such as ethical and environmental considerations, the economic climate and globalisation, and the interdependent nature of business.
Course Key Details
Examinations: 100% – Examination based
Business 1 (50% – Business Activity, Marketing & People) containing multiple choice and extended written answers – 1hr 30 min
Business 2 (50% – Operations, Finance, Influence on business and the interdependent nature of business – 1hr 30 min
Progression
A level Business Studies (and supports other qualifications too)
FAQs
What is the OCR Business course about?
This course is a GCSE course consisting of several modules looking at businesses and how they function. Two papers (Business 1 & Business 2) each worth 50% of the final grade are completed at the end of the course. Being able to extend answers and use knowledge of real-world business organisations is crucial to developing a deep understanding of topics. Lots of theoretical topics and extended writing opportunities throughout the course and where possible, visits and outside speakers will be available to support learning.
Are there any coursework/NEA assessment in this course?
The OCR Business J204 course is assessed through two exams, each with an equal weighting of 50% and these take place at the end of the course in Year 11. The two papers (Business 1 & Business 2) consist of multiple choice and extended essay questions based upon different real-world business scenarios.
What is the structure of the course?
The course is broken down into multiple chapters that are covered across the 2-year duration of the programme. Each chapter will be studied in detail and an in-class assessment will take place to review learning. Business 1 (Business Activity, Marketing and People) are completed in Year 10 and Business 2 (Operations, Finance and Influences on Business) are studied throughout Year 11.
What skills do you need?
This course is heavily focused on reading and writing; being able to understand a range of business scenarios and apply suitable knowledge, at the appropriate depth, to provide business solutions. You will need to be able to unpick problems and identify appropriate solutions using the breadth of your understanding and knowledge. You need to be able to write extended answers in the form of mini essays and be able to analyse and evaluate.
Will we go on any trips as a part of this course?
We hope to create opportunities to visit local businesses to see how their operations work and for students to be able to ask questions about business processes in a real-life setting. We also aim to get outside speakers in from industries/businesses to be able to help students understand and relate the concepts they learn, to real-world situations.