Business Studies Curriculum at Westfield Academy 

The Business Studies curriculum gives pupils the opportunity to develop a wide range of transferable skills. Pupils will become skilled at making decisions, being creative, solving problems, understanding finance, analysing data and working as part of a team. They will not only gain business knowledge and understanding, but will gain the opportunity to put it into practice through a range of business activities and projects.

At the annual business enterprise event, students have the opportunity to create their own business idea, set it up and run it with the intention of making a profit. This is an incredibly popular, fun and engaging event for our students and a great learning experience.  

Business Studies gives pupils the opportunity to understand the world that we live in and to become more aware of global issues and events. Students will be able to develop an understanding of many key business concepts, such as how to be entrepreneurial, marketing, financial calculations and human resources, as well as many other key business terms. Business studies encourage students to consider the practical application of business concepts, and to explore real business issues, how businesses work and their decision-making techniques. Furthermore, the curriculum integrates traditional business principles with contemporary digital strategies. Students delve into areas such as digital marketing, e-commerce, and data analytics. Understanding the intersection between technology and business operations is crucial, and the curriculum reflects this by fostering a holistic approach.  

In Key stage 4 students have the option to study GCSE Business Studies and L2 Tech Award in Enterprise. 

The Edexcel GCSE Business Studies course introduces students to entrepreneurship and how to develop an idea, spot an opportunity and turn that into a successful business. Students will understand how to make a business effectively linked to research and how to manage and calculate finance. Students will also see how the world around us affects small businesses and all the people involved. They will explore financial aspects of business and be able to interpret and analyse real life business scenarios.

The Edexcel L2 Technical Award in Enterprise will give you the opportunity to develop knowledge and technical skills in a practical learning environment. They will also develop key skills, such as problem-solving, research, decision-making, innovation, project management, planning and communication.

Business studies in the sixth form 

Students have the opportunity to study A Level Business Studies and the L3 BTEC National Diploma in Business. 

A-level Business Studies covers many parts of the GCSE specification, but takes it to a more advanced level. There is a greater focus on understanding a range of decision-making techniques and on globalisation, and this prepares students for living in the modern business world. 

The Pearson Edexcel L3 Diploma in Business gives students the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin the business sector to prepare them for further study or training at a higher level. The course allows students the opportunity to take on a more practical approach to learning. They are able to apply their knowledge and skills through organising a whole school enterprise event. 

Many students go on to take a business-related degree at university, with Business Management being particularly popular, and many universities offer a year in industry to bring to life the theory studied and to give individuals an edge in the employment market after graduation. There is an exciting and diverse range of future careers available to students studying Business Studies, from Marketing Designer to Accountant, Company Director to Human Resources Manager. Business students are highly regarded due to the variety of skills and knowledge that they possess and this makes them suitable for most professions.

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