The Business Education Department provides academic and vocational courses to students from Years 10 to Sixth Form. The Department has a computer suite equipped with Windows operating systems, with 20 networked computers. Each networked workstation enables pupils to access a full range of resources relevant to all Business courses.

Key Stage 4

Students can choose to study GCSE Business Studies, assessed primarily via examination (75% exam; 25%controlled assessment) or the BTEC First Certificate in Business.
Further information on each course can be found at the following links:

(GCSE Business Studies)

http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/newgcses/business/new/business_overview.php?id=05&prev=05

(BTEC First Certificate)

http://www.edexcel.com/quals/firsts/business-serv/business/Pages/default.aspx

Key Stage 5

A LEVEL Business Studies
In the sixth Form, students who have achieved the school’s AS entry requirements can study AS Business. Students study 2 units:

Starting a Business
Growing a Business

At A2, students study the remaining 2 units:

Strategies for success
The Business Environment and change.

Further information can be found at:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/business_studies_AS_new.php and
http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/business_studies_A2_new.php

The department also offers the BTEC First Certificate and Diploma in Year 12, for students who have not yet achieved the entry requirements for AS studies. Further information on these courses can be found via the following link:

 http://www.edexcel.com/quals/firsts/business-serv/business/Pages/default.aspx

This is a subject that cannot be taught entirely in the classroom, so various trips are organised each year to allow pupils to develop a more thorough understanding. Trips in recent years have included:

Alton Towers
Jaguar Cars
Cadbury World

Sixth form students also have the opportunity to attend revision conferences and Business and Economics events organised by local universities.