The Business and Enterprise curriculum fits with our whole school aims because vocational curriculum pathways have never been as important as they are in today’s modern economic climate.
The Business Studies, Enterprise and Travel and Tourism based courses that we offer our students aim to “promote the development of pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills as part of the wider school curriculum.” (The National Curriculum in England, Dec 2014), whilst preparing them for future careers and vocational roles that are very prevalent in Buckinghamshire and the wider region.
As a department, we play a key part in developing skills that will prepare students’ workplace skills. This in turn will contribute to their economic wellbeing. Our curriculum contextualises learning through the use of real life situations and problem solving scenarios.
Key Stage 3
Enterprise is delivered across Key Stage 3 as an enrichment learning experience. Students are given the opportunities to develop skills that prepare them for the world of work and allow them to mature into more well-rounded individuals through exposure to SMSC, Citizenship, Careers and Personal Development learning opportunities.
Key Stage 4
A range of courses are offered at Key Stage 4 which include both academic and vocational variations. The academic qualification, GCSE Business Studies from the WJEC/Eduqas exam board gives our students the breadth and depth of the subject needed and is linked directly to real life scenarios and situations. Assessment in the GCSE course is through terminal examinations. The Vocational courses include BTEC Tech Awards in Enterprise and Health and Social Care. These courses offer our students a more hands-on approach to the subjects, putting the theory into a vocational context that suits students’ academic needs. Assessment for these courses are a mixture of internally assessed coursework and externally set and assessed examinations.
Key Stage 5
At Key Stage 5 there is a direct transition from Year 11 to Year 12. We offer A-Level Business for the WJEC/Eduqas exam board and BTEC Nationals in Business, Health and Social Care and Travel and Tourism which allow for a direct continuation in learning opportunities for Key Stage 4.
The A-Level course is divided up between the subject specialisms of the teaching staff, ensuring our students receive the highest level of expert knowledge in their lessons. BTECs are delivered to ensure that students are able to take advantage of the resit opportunities for assessments in both externally and internally set tasks. The nature of the courses that we offer in Key Stage 5 are not limiting and are all enabling subjects. These allow students to go on to Higher Education utilising these valued subjects to assist them to transition to the next level of education or enter employment with skills that are employer recognised.
- Business GCSE Learning Journey (Key Stage 4)
- Enterprise BTEC Level 1 and 2 Learning Journey (Key Stage 4)
- Business A Level Learning Journey (Key Stage 5)
- Business BTEC Level 3 Learning Journey (Key Stage 5)
- Travel and Tourism BTEC Level 3 Learning Journey (Key Stage 5)