MODULAR
Business Studies focuses in on developing the skills and abilities of students in order to prepare them for the world of work. Relevant in all walks of life, students will study a variety of topics throughout the course, considering not only how they relate to business, but also how important things such as financial management are in their own personal lives. The OCR qualification in Business provides a more vocational context for students, allowing them to learn by doing it in relation to business, and presenting them with a variety of options on which to focus their studies.
Year 1 and 2 Topics studied
- Year 1: Level 3 Certificate In Business – equivalent to 1 AS.
- Unit 1: The Business Environment – 120GLH, Externally Assessed.
- Unit 4: Customers and Communication – 60 GLH, Internally Assessed
- Year 2: Level 3 Extended Certificate In Business – equivalent to 1 A-Level.
- Unit 2: Working in Business – 60GLH, Externally Assessed.
- Unit 5: Marketing and Market Research – 60GLH, Internally Assessed.
- Unit 11: Accounting Concepts – 60GLH, Internally Assessed.
Please note that students completing the full A-Level in Business will begin their Year 2 work whilst in Year 12, in order to gain a head start in to Year 13
Assessment details
The OCR Level 3 Business course offers students the opportunity to complete their work in a variety of methods, involving both coursework based units, and exam units. The coursework units will be assessed within the school, whilst the exam units will be booked into the Summer series in May and June. Over the course of their time on the course, students will be set specific tasks and deadlines, and will be asked to work to achieve the best level possible, ranging from Pass to Distinction.
Entry Requirements
Whilst a B in GCSE is preferred, most students will be accepted onto the course providing they have achieved a minimum of a C in both English and Maths, and that they demonstrate an enthusiasm towards the course itself.
Expectations
Business Studies relies on students taking initiative and researching key topics which relate to the work being covered. As such, students are expected to read around the topic area, keep up to date with current affairs relating to Business, and complete a minimum of 2 hours independent study per week.
As well as this, due to the nature of the portfolio assessment, students will be required to investigate specific business organisations in relation to the headings covered, however members of staff will be on hand to provide help and guidance with this. Further to this, students will need to ensure they work to meet deadlines in order to progress at the appropriate rate through the course. Students failing to meet deadlines risk being limited to a Pass overall, or not completing the qualification.
Outside of the Classroom
Business Studies provides a key insight into how the world of business works, allowing students an insight into the opportunities which will be presented to them once they leave the Advanced Academy. As such, opportunities to investigate specific businesses and to complete work experience in order to further develop learning are welcomed. Further links are also maintained to the idea of enterprise, with students being encouraged to take part in enterprising activities across the school.
Reasons to Study this
Business is what makes the world go around, whether it be on a global scale involving organisations such as Apple or Sony, or smaller enterprises local to the area. Whether a student wishes to become the next Alan Sugar, Richard Branson or Deborah Meaden, Business Studies is the starting point which will provide them with the launch pad that they need.
Further to this, Business is a skill which helps students with their own personal financial management at university and in life, meaning they are better equipped to move forwards into the bigger wider world.
Find Out More
http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/258757-centre-handbook-certificates.pdf