This course will appeal to students wishing to study how business works in depth and provides the opportunity to gain understanding of key strategies which enable companies to succeed. Through taught topics and submitted assignments, learners gain an insight into marketing, finance, human resources and entrepreneurial skills and are encouraged to apply their knowledge when examining a wide range of current case studies. Work experience is arranged for students and is an essential part of the course.

3 GCSE passes.

The course can allow access to the Level 3 Double Diploma in Business, apprenticeships and opportunities for employment.

Coursework assignments assessed by the class tutor and subject to external validation. 100% coursework.

• Business Purposes

• Business Organisation

• Financial Forecasting

• Marketing

• Customer Relations

• Personal Selling

You will need a file to keep notes and a memory stick to keep copies of your work electronically. You are advised to bring a laptop to lessons which may be stored in a locker when not in use. Smart clothing will be necessary for presentations and business events you may attend.

This course will appeal to students wishing to study how business works in depth and provides the opportunity to gain understanding of key strategies which enable companies to succeed. Through taught topics and submitted assignments, learners gain an insight into marketing, finance, human resources and entrepreneurial skills and are encouraged to apply their knowledge when examining a wide range of current case studies.

The Extended Certificate is equivalent to 1 A level, worth a maximum of 56 UCAS points.

5 GCSE passes including Maths & English at grade 4 and above.

The course allows access to a range of Business based university courses and is appropriate preparation for Level 4 Apprenticeships.

60% coursework assignments assessed by the class tutor and subject to external validation. 40% examination.

• The Business Environment
• Working in Business
• Marketing
• Customers and Communication
• Accounting

You will need a file to keep notes and a memory stick to keep copies of your work electronically. You are advised to bring a lap-top to lessons which may be stored in a locker when not in use. Smart clothing will also be required for presentations and business events you may attend.

In addition to learning about key business concepts, the course allows students to follow one of two specialisms, marketing or finance:

The marketing pathway is for learners if they like to stay up-to-date with trends; are optimistic and creative and want to apply this to marketing and business. They will develop the knowledge, skills and understanding of marketing activities and how they are planned and coordinated. Learners will apply their understanding of market segmentation in planning marketing strategies, use different types of market research methods and evaluate the results. They will investigate the promotional methods available and the contribution digital marketing makes to business. They will apply their understanding of the marketing mix and use business tools to propose a marketing strategy and all of this will inform how they plan and pitch a marketing campaign.

The finance pathway is for learners if they have an aptitude for numbers, are good at problem solving and are able to record data accurately. Ideally, they enjoy taking a systematic approach, are organised and pay attention to detail. It will develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to maintain business records, using books of original entry and double-entry bookkeeping, produce final accounts, use ratios to assess the performance of a business, recognise the impact of legislation on accounting procedures, and how to use financial information to make realistic decisions about likely courses of action a business could take in the future.

The courses offers students the opportunity to learn about business in a broad context and will develop skills whilst building understanding. Key concepts are introduced through real-life scenarios which learners will examine and evaluate. All students are encouraged to further study areas of business and commerce that are of particular interest to them through research projects, work shadowing, skills centres, lectures and seminars. Work experience is arranged to ensure that learners can see how modern enterprise works.

The course consists of 6 coursework and 4 examined units. Coursework can include written reports, data analysis, group and individual presentations. Each unit graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction. The course is equivalent to 2 A’levels, worth a maximum of 112 UCAS points.

• How businesses are organised (the business environment)
• Working in businesses
• Decision making in business
• Customers and communication
• Change management
• Project management
• Marketing pathway: market research, strategies and campaigns
• Financial pathway: financial and management accounting

It is useful to have a laptop for note-taking, assignments and presentations. You will need wear formal clothes on occasions for business events, work placements and networking events.