Skip to content ↓
The Buckingham School

The Buckingham School

Business Studies

Business Studies department Curriculum Intent 

Our intent in delivering the Business curriculum is to provide all students with the knowledge, confidence, and ambition to succeed in an increasingly competitive and entrepreneurial world. Rooted in the belief of “Success for All,” we are committed to ensuring that every learner—regardless of background—has access to a rich, relevant, and engaging curriculum that builds both academic excellence and essential life skills. At every stage, the curriculum is underpinned by kindness, mutual respect, and a focus on individual growth.

Business Studies Department Ethos

In Business, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, thrive, and grow into a confident, informed decision-maker. We create a learning environment that values resilience, creativity, and initiative, nurtured through real-world case studies, collaborative problem-solving, and reflective thinking. Our ethos is built on inclusivity, aspiration, and ambition—ensuring that all learners are empowered to shape their futures and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

Key Stage 4 - Being Independent: Taking Responsibility for Learning and Growth

  • We develop independent thinkers capable of analysing business problems, applying theory, and making reasoned decisions using real-world contexts—while promoting respect for differing perspectives, encouraging responsibility through self-directed learning, and fostering reflection to evaluate and refine personal progress.
  • We promote financial and commercial literacy, enabling students to confidently navigate future economic environments grounded in respectful understanding of ethical consumption, responsible financial decision-making, and reflective review of budgeting practices.
  • We foster resilience, creativity, and initiative through real-world case studies and collaborative problem-solving—cultivating respect for team dynamics, responsibility in task ownership, and thoughtful reflection on learning experiences.
  • We support all learners to achieve success, whether through grade progress, presentation confidence, or entrepreneurial ambition—celebrating individual progress with respect, encouraging students to take responsibility for their growth, and embedding reflection into their journey.

By the end of Key Stage 4, students are an independent and confident learner who can apply business theory to real-life contexts, make informed decisions, and consistently demonstrate respect, responsibility, and reflection. You will be equipped to manage your learning and finances wisely, collaborate effectively, and begin shaping your future with kindness and ambition.

Key Stage 5 - Exemplary: Habitually Showing Integrity, Reflection, Responsibility and Respect

  • We build on Key Stage 4 foundations to develop exemplary academic rigour, preparing students for further education or the workplace—embedding respect in academic discussions, nurturing responsibility in independent study, and promoting reflection to support continual personal and academic improvement.
  • We deepen analytical and evaluative skills through complex business scenarios—reinforcing respectful collaboration, personal accountability, and reflective practice in strategic decision-making.
  • We encourage aspiration and ambition with a focus on leadership, ethical business, and global enterprise—advocating for respectful global citizenship, responsible leadership, and reflective growth rooted in ethical awareness.
  • We provide tailored support and challenge to ensure success for all—respecting diverse needs, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning, and guiding reflection to refine strategies for achievement.

By the end of Key Stage 5, students are an exemplary learner prepared for higher education, employment or enterprise. They will habitually demonstrate integrity, and exemplify respect, responsibility, and reflection in all areas. You will be equipped with analytical thinking, strategic awareness, and a kind, ambitious mindset to succeed and contribute positively to the world.

Careers linked to business studies

Why Study Business?

Business Studies gives you practical skills for the real world—how companies are run, how decisions are made, and how to manage money, people, and products. It opens doors to careers in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and management.

Skills You’ll Gain

  • Problem-solving and decision-making
  • Financial literacy and budgeting
  • Leadership and team management
  • Communication
  • Strategic thinking

Education & Career Pathways

  • GCSE Business ➝ A-Level / BTEC Business ➝ University or Apprenticeship
  • T-Levels in Management, Finance, or Administration
  • Higher education in Business, Economics, Finance, Marketing, or Management
  • Professional routes: ACCA (accounting), CIPD (HR), CIM (marketing)

Example Careers in Business

  • Marketing Executive - Promotes products and services using advertising, social media and campaigns.
  • Entrepreneur - Starts and runs their own business venture, often turning an idea into a product or service
  • Human Resources (HR) Officer - Manages the recruitment, training, and employee welfare of a company. 
  • Accountant - Keeps track of financial records, ensures budgets are met, and helps businesses stay profitable. 
  • Business Analyst - Uses data to solve problems and improve efficiency.#
  • Retail Manager - Oversees day-to-day operations in stores, managing staff and customer service. 

assessment

Needs to be added 

Further reading

Independent Research & Reading

For All Levels:

  • BBC Bitesize Business Studies (especially GCSE): Clear, curriculum-aligned summaries.
  • Tutor2u.net: Great for GCSE, BTEC and A Level – includes study notes, quizzes, and exam support.
  • Seneca Learning: Free interactive courses tailored to GCSE, A Level, and BTEC.
  • The Economist – “The Explainer” series: Concise explainers on business issues (ideal for advanced students).
  • Business Review Magazine (Hodder Education): Targeted at A Level students.

 TV, Podcasts & YouTube

For All Levels:

  • YouTube channels
    • Two Teachers (GCSE & A Level explanations)
    • Bizconsesh (Business theory and exam practice)
    • EconplusDal (Excellent for A Level but accessible for keen GCSE learners)

A Level / BTEC Level 3 Focus:

  • Podcasts:
    • BBC Radio 5 Wake Up to Money
    • Business Wars (great storytelling of corporate rivalry)
    • The Diary of a CEO (entrepreneurial insights)
  • TV shows:
    • Dragons’ Den (analysis of investment pitches)
    • The Apprentice (real-world tasks to discuss business decisions)
    • Inside the Factory (logistics, operations, and supply chains)

Stay Up to Date with Current Business News

Encourage students to:

  • Read BBC Business News or The Guardian Business Section regularly.
  • Follow major brands on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter/X to observe real marketing strategies.
  • Track companies like Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Tesco for real-world case studies.

Practical and Career-Linked Activities

For All Levels:

  • Enterprise Projects: Run a small business (e.g. Young Enterprise, or informal school projects).
  • Part-time Jobs: Reflect on their employer's customer service, operations, and marketing.
  • Volunteering: Experience in charity shops or event management (insight into non-profit business models).

A Level / BTEC Level 3:

  • Virtual Work Experience:
    • Springpod and Speakers for Schools
  • Create a Business Blog or Vlog: Share opinions on current events or case studies.
  • Start a Side Hustle: Use platforms like Etsy, Depop, or Instagram to understand e-commerce.

 

Learning journey

 

YEAR 10
Term Content Assessment  
Term 1 1.1 Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, 1.2 Spotting a Business Opportunity    
Term 2 1.3 Putting a Business Idea into Practice 1.1/1.2 Assessment  
Term 3 1.4 Making the Business Effective 1.1-1.4 Assessment  
Term 4 1.5 Understanding External Influences on Business    
Term 5 2.4 Making Financial Decisions, 2.5 Making Human Resource Decisions

In-class assessments based on sections of an exam paper.

 
Term 6 2.5 Making Human Resource Decisions, Mock Preparation and Feedback Mock Exams  

 

YEAR 11
Term Content Assessment Trips/Events 
Term 1 2.1 Growing the Business, 2.2 Making Marketing Decisions 1.1-2.1 assessment  
Term 2 2.3 Making Operational Decisions 1.1-2.5 assessment  
Term 3 Exam Preparation    
Term 4 Exam Preparation    
Term 5 Public Examinations  

After School Revision, Booster Sessions

Term 6      

  A-Level Business

YEAR 12
Term Content Assessment   
Term 1 1.1 Meeting Customer Needs, 2.1 Raising Finance 1.1 and 2.1 Assessment  
Term 2 1.2 The Market, 2.2 Financial Planning    
Term 3 1.3 Marketing Mix and Strategy , 2.3 Managing Finance 1.1-1.3 & 2.1-2.3 Assessment  
Term 4 1.4 Managing People, 2.4 Resource Management    
Term 5 1.5 Entrepreneurs and Leaders, 2.5 External Influences Theme 1 assessment  
Term 6 Exam Practice Theme 2 assessment  

 

YEAR 13
Term Content Assessment   
Term 1      
Term 2      
Term 3      
Term 4      
Term 5      
Term 6      

  BTEC Business

YEAR 12 
Term Content Assessment   
Term 1 Unit 3 – Personal and Business Finance Unit 3 Assessment  
Term 2 Unit 3 – Personal and Business Finance    
Term 3 Unit 1 – Exploring Business 12th Jan External Exam. Unit 3  
Term 4 Unit 1 – Exploring Business Unit 1 AB Live Assignment  
Term 5 Unit 1 – Exploring Business Unit 1 AB Resubmission  
Term 6 Unit 1 – Exploring Business

Unit 1 CD Resubmission, Unit 1 E Live Assignment, Unit 1 E Resubmission

 
 
YEAR 13
Term Content Assessment   
Term 1 Unit 2 – Developing a Marketing Campaign    
Term 2 Unit 2 – Developing a Marketing Campaign Unit 2 Mock  
Term 3 Unit 8 Recruitment and Selection Unit 2 Exam 7th & 8th Jan  
Term 4 Unit 8 Recruitment and Selection

Unit 8 A Live Assignment, Unit 8 A Resubmission

 
Term 5 Unit 8 Recruitment and Selection

Unit 8 BC Live Assignment & Unit 8 BC Resubmission

 

 

Revision resources

Accordion content