By the end of KS4, students will understand what a business is, the decisions that need to be taken to run a successful business and how to critically analyse decisions made by a business to ensure its success. The course guides students through the process of an initial concept for a business through to bringing that concept to market to managing and growing the business. Students use this knowledge to make their own decisions on a business scenario as part of their coursework where they simulate working with a business to produce a new product and brand. Through this course, students will have a detailed understanding of the steps they need to take to run their own business and will be able to critically analyse decisions by other businesses to evaluate the likelihood of success. This leads students to be lifelong learners in Business and supports their long-term goals of further and higher education in Business.

Lessons are engaging because they are rigorous. Lessons are sequenced to build on prior knowledge and to facilitate the links between prior knowledge and new knowledge. Business lessons are centred around the retrieval of essential knowledge through retrieval practice at the start of each lesson and connecting this essential knowledge to new knowledge so that students know more, remember more and can do more. Modelling and guided practice take place regularly in Business and forms just some of the central tenants of teaching within the department. Teachers are responsive, systematically checking for understanding through a varied use of strategies. Where misconceptions arise, teachers respond in a timely manner to close misconceptions and further the learning of students. Students will work independently to apply the new knowledge they have learnt to various business scenarios. Students receive regular feedback ensuring that students are clear in what they have done well and how their work can be improved. Teachers are explicit when teaching students how to learn and practice recalling essential knowledge to support the long-term retention of essential information. The department has high expectations for all students, staff believe that no matter a student’s background or starting point, all students can attain and achieve in business. This means that teachers plan appropriately for students and adapt their teaching to support all students within the classroom. This leads to students understanding essential knowledge and being able to apply it to a range of business scenarios, allowing them to leave as well-rounded and productive members of their local economy.

At Ercall Wood Academy, we want to empower our students to become productive members of the local business community. All teachers within the department believe that through comprehension of essential knowledge and analysing the scenario that the business faces each child can unlock their potential within the business sector and become valued members of their community. Progress takes many forms within business, from summative examination results through to students taking the principles they have learnt in lessons and applying to their own ideas for a business. We strive to empower students to be confident, productive and successful within the field of business and to be able to use their knowledge to benefit the businesses they will encounter during their lifetimes. All staff within the department believe strongly that the work students complete should also be presented to the highest standards, to enable students to represent themselves to the highest standards when moving to their next destination. Staff, therefore, scrutinise work extensively and regularly to ensure that presentation as well as the content of the work is being applied optimally. Overall, as a department we know with the rigor and challenge of the curriculum and teaching, students leave Ercall Wood Academy having their potential for impact in the business sector unlocked. Our students leave empowered, aspirational and respectful of those around them and are ready to have an impact in both the local and national business world.

Essential knowledge quizzes are set for Year 10 and Year 11 while completing coursework units, students need to complete the quiz once per week.

In preparation for the R067 exam, practice papers and mark schemes are made available to students with an expectation that one is completed each week.

Students have the opportunity to attend business academics club weekly to allow them to further their learning explore various business topics in greater depth. There are also opportunities to attend trips throughout KS4 to Cadbury’s World and local businesses to develop students understanding

Careers are mapped against the curriculum to show students where the knowledge they are learning fits into the business world and the careers they may pursue throughout their lifetime. This is delivered within lessons to students to give tangible links to the essential knowledge that they are learning.