Business Studies

Intent – why do we teach what we teach in Business Studies? 

At Harris academy Chobham, our teaching in Business is underpinned by the aim that we want to prepare students to be part of the UK workforce. It’s estimated that on average the UK has a 14% year on year increase in entrepreneurs and worldwide there is always a host of new business set ups. We ensure we teach our students the vital components of what it is needed to start your own business and be an entrepreneur. As a result, some of our students have their own businesses and confident talk about how the taught lessons in Harris Chobham helped them with their business plans.

The curriculum of business acts as an anchor of knowledge developed both within the subject and through other subjects. Helping to take abstract terms and place it in a real-world scenario. This helps develop students’ overall skills of problem solving, effective communication and leadership. Students will consider the practical application of business concepts. The content provides opportunities to explore theories and concepts in the most relevant way, through the context of events in the business and economic world. The knowledge and skills gained from this specification will provide students with a firm foundation for further study. A variety of teaching and learning strategies/activities are used to provide pace and challenge within the subject to engage students to achieve their potential whilst enjoying the subject and their experiences. We make use of our surroundings and arrange regular student trips to Westfield Stratford – a known hub of business activity in the UK.

Implementation – how do we teach Business Studies? 

In Key Stage 4 (KS4), students engage in the Enterprise BTEC course. This program is meticulously designed to equip learners with the knowledge and competencies essential for comprehending the intricacies of the business world, viewed through the lenses of both entrepreneurs and marketers. Throughout this course, students delve into various facets, including the distinct phases of the product lifecycle, the art of conducting thorough market research, and the strategies for conceiving and executing effective marketing campaigns. Additionally, they are encouraged to cultivate their own entrepreneurial talents by conceptualizing, marketing, and presenting their own product ideas.

Upon completion of this course, students will have acquired the capacity to comprehend the diverse stages within the product lifecycle, conduct market research to identify target audiences and their needs, proficiently orchestrate and execute marketing campaigns, design and market their innovative products, nurture their entrepreneurial aptitude, communicate adeptly in a professional business context, and appreciate the ethical and legal dimensions inherent in the world of commerce.

In Key Stage 5 (KS5), the CTEC Business Level 3 course is strategically designed to furnish students with the comprehensive knowledge and proficiencies essential for thriving in the realm of business. The curriculum spans a wide spectrum of topics, encompassing business types and functions, financial management, marketing, human resources, operations management, and the business environment. Students receive a thorough grounding in the theoretical underpinnings of business, complemented by the practical skill sets imperative for succeeding in a professional setting. They are also afforded the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills through diverse projects and assignments. The competencies honed during this course are highly adaptable and pertinent to a wide array of career pathways within the business domain. In parallel, students nurture their transferable skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication.

The skills acquired throughout the KS4/KS5 curriculum have a broad spectrum of applications in diverse career avenues, spanning entrepreneurship, marketing, sales, and business administration. Students are not only equipped with the practical knowledge to potentially launch their own enterprises but also primed for careers in fields such as advertising, public relations, sales, and business management. The course serves as an invaluable steppingstone, preparing students for the multifaceted demands of the business world and fostering competencies that will serve them well in a multitude of professional endeavours.