St Thomas More
Catholic Academy
FURTHER DETAILS OF OUR BUSINESS DEPARTMENT
DEPARTMENT STRUCTURE
In September 2017 Business Studies will join our Health and Social Sciences Department. Within this
department we currently offer A-level Psychology and Sociology, BTEC Health and Social Care (Level 2
and 3) and GCSE and A level Business Studies. This structure facilitates teachers to lead their individual
subjects within a supportive department.
Mrs A Donbavand
Head of Department
Mrs K Richards
Health and Social Care
Vacancy
Business Studies
There are also several staff who teach these subjects part time alongside other curriculum subjects.
CURRICULUM
Y9-11 GCSE Edexcel, is taught as a three-year GCSE and assessed at the end of Y11. Teaching and
learning explores investigating a small business, considering enterprise and entrepreneurship, spotting a
business opportunity along with making businesses effective. The theme of growing a business and making
marketing, operational, and financial and HR decisions are explored.
Y12-13 Students study the new linear AQA A-level Business, taking all of their exams at the end of a twoyear course. The course examines managers, leadership and decision-making; marketing; finance;
operations management and human resources management in year one. Students in year two study
strategic management; social, technological, economic and political influences on business; along with
competitive environments and organisational culture.
EXTRA CURRICULAR
A variety of extra-curricular opportunities are currently made available to students studying Business such
as the Premier League Enterprise Challenge and Business Young Enterprise.
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AIMS
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To develop within students a critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and
the process of adding value.
To make students aware that business behaviour can be studied from the perspectives of a
range of stakeholders including customers, managers, creditors, owners and employees.
To help students acquire a range of skills, including decision-making and problem solving in the
light of evaluation and the quantification and management of information.
To make students aware of the current structure of business and business practice, as reflected
in events and issues affecting organisations in different sectors and environments; recognising
that they face different degrees of competition.
All staff in the department aim:
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To instil students with a love of learning and provide a supportive environment for all students to
reach their full potential.
To set challenging targets with high expectations for all pupils.
To offer a variety of approaches to teaching and learning to engage and motivate students and
demand their participation so that all students are enthused and motivated to achieve the very
best grade they can.
To monitor the progress of each student within the department and to alert the Head of
Department, tutorial staff, and if necessary, the Director of Sixth Form, of any problems with
students or lack of student progress.
To keep abreast of all developments in GCSE, AS and A level specifications and assessment
methods.
To smooth the transition for students between key stages and ensure progression in teaching
and learning throughout their time at College.
To explore enrichment opportunities outside the curriculum to enhance students’ enjoyment of
Business
Studies.
At the end of his/her business education at St Thomas More Catholic Academy, each student will be able:
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To understand an use business and economic vocabulary
To draw meaning from text and numerical and graphical information to explain the business and
economic situations which will be encountered in daily adult life
To have an awareness of the implications of business activity for the individual, local, national
and international communities and the environment
To reason clearly and logically and to set out a rational argument
To critically evaluate alternative choices and decisions
To work independently and as part of a team
To obtain his/her best possible grade at KS4, AS and A-level courses
To eventually perform their future roles as producers, consumers and citizens effectively
jjmb/DeptdetailsBS/April2017