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Ridgewood School

Ridgewood School

Business

Our Business Department has an inspiring and ambitious vision: ‘Developing leaders for the future’.

Through the Business Curriculum at Ridgewood School we encompass the knowledge, understanding and skills of the world of work. We offer a multitude of topics which will develop independent, creative learners who have a broad and balanced awareness of Business in society. Students are able to develop their entrepreneurial skills and we encourage students to become leaders through extra-curricular activities. We endeavour to provide a creative, engaging curriculum which inspires our students in preparation for their future pathways. 

Our Business Curriculum will provide students with the opportunity to: 

  • Analyse a range of case studies which relate to real life businesses and current affairs.
  • Make links between different areas of each course and using case studies where appropriate. 
  • Reflect on their learning and make suitable evaluations with subject specific literacy. 
  • Understand a range of financial documents and calculations, and be able to apply them to relevant situations.

 

Please get in touch via the enquiry form on our Contact Us page, should you have any further questions about our Business Curriculum please contact Mrs Brasier, Curriculum Lead.

KS4

Current year 10 are studying the following:

OCR Level 1/Level 2 Cambridge National in Enterprise and Marketing J837 

This Business qualification enables pupils to: 

  • understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Enterprise and Marketing including characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, market research, financial viability, the marketing mix and factors to consider when starting up and running an enterprise  
  • develop learning and practical skills that can be applied to real-life contexts and work situations 
  • think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically 
  • develop independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the business and enterprise sector 

Results are awarded from L1 Pass up to Level 2 Distinction * 

 

There are three units: 

  • R067 Enterprise and marketing concepts – externally assessed – 40% 

This unit will provide pupils with the knowledge and understanding of key enterprise and marketing topics. They will then demonstrate and apply this knowledge and understanding within the activities assessed for units R068 and R069. This is assessed through a 1hr 15-minute written examination.  

  • R068 Design a business proposal – Coursework unit moderated in school – 30% 

In this unit pupils will have the opportunity to design a product to meet a business brief. They then apply business theory such as financial modelling and market research to their own product proposal. The skills and knowledge developed from this unit will also be transferable to further learning in and when completing Unit R069 Market and pitch a business proposal. 

  • R069 Market and pitch a business proposal – Coursework unit and moderated in school – 30% 

Finally, pupils will market and pitch their business proposal whilst designing branding and a promotional campaign. This will include presenting a professional pitch to their teacher.  

Resources: 
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals/enterprise-and-marketing-level-1-2-j837/ 

 

Current Year 11 pupils are studying Edexcel Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Business. 

The qualification comprises of two units of work 

  • Theme 1: Investigating small business  - Externally assessments 1 hour 45-minute exam – 50% 
  • Theme 2: Building a business - Externally assessed 1 hour 45-minute examination – 50% 

Both examinations consist of calculations, multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions. Some questions will refer to a business context.  

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:  

  • know and understand business concepts, apply knowledge and understanding to contemporary business issues  
  • develop as enterprising individuals with the ability to think commercially and creatively to demonstrate business acumen, and draw on evidence to make informed business decisions and solve business problems 
  • develop as effective and independent students 
  • use an enquiring, critical approach to make informed judgements 
  • investigate and analyse real business opportunities and issues to construct well-argued, well-evidenced, balanced and structured arguments, demonstrating their depth and breadth of understanding of business  
  • develop and apply quantitative skills relevant to business, including using and interpreting data 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Final Examination: 100%  

Grading: 9 to 1  

Exams: 2 x 1 hour 45 minute exams taken at the end of Year 11 

Resources:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/GCSE/Business/2017/specification-and-sample-assessments/gcse-business-spec-2017.pdf