The Business and Social Studies Department Synopsis

KS4
Students can select courses delivered by the department as part of their GCSE options.

The department offers students the opportunity to study GCSE’s in Business or Sociology. 

KS5
Students entering the sixth form can choose from a number of qualifications at levels 1, 2 and 3.
Advanced Level Applied Business provides students with a broad knowledge of the world of business.  In year 13 students must complete 4 portfolio assignments and 2 externally assessed tests.  The students’ year 12 grades are combined with their Year 12 grades to give them a overall grade ranging from AA to EE. A full VCE is the equivalent of 2 GCE A levels. 
A level Business Studies helps students to develop an understanding of business organisations and the markets they serve and the process of adding value. Students are encouraged to consider business behaviour from a variety of perspectives, using an investigative approach.
A level Sociology encourages students to consider the relationship between themselves and society the society around them and to what extent individuals are influenced by the groups to which they belong; and how, in turn, the can influence the behaviour of those groups. In addition, students begin to consider methods of social research and the debates underpinning different approaches to research.

BTEC First Business provides knowledge and understanding of this vocational area. They are for students who want a broad background in business and will allow them to progress to further or higher education, training or employment.  In order to understand the nature of business, students actively experience the business environment through a variety of approaches including work experience, links with local employers, case studies and research.

Department Staff
Sharon Folkes - Subject Leader
Morette Allen
Helen Childs
Nick Matthews

GCSE Sociology

What will I study?

There are 8 units of study
• The Family
• Education
• Social Differentiation
• Poverty
• Power and Politics
• Employment
• Population Change
• Crime and Deviance

How will I be assessed?
• Coursework 20%
• Written Exam 80%

Progression?
You could continue in the 6th Form to study Advanced level Sociology

Who to speak to for more information
Sharon Folkes

Applied GCSE Business

What is an Applied GCSE?
An applied GCSE is equivalent to 2 GCSE’s and is designed to provide you with a number of routes into further education or employment.

What will I study?
You will study a balanced spread of content, covering business organisation, operations, human resources, marketing, the economy and finance. It enables candidates to develop a valuable insight into how businesses operate via investigation, educational visit and practical classroom activities

How will I be assessed?
• 2 coursework assignments (two thirds of the final grade)
• Written Exam in Business Finance (one third of the final grade)

Progression?
You could continue in the 6th Form to study Advanced level or AVCE Business

Who to speak to for more information?
Sharon Folkes