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Key Facts

GCSE Business Studies

Understanding how different types of businesses operate is at the core of GCSE Business Studies. You will study businesses at a variety of scales from sole traders to multi-national companies. GCSE Business is an ideal preparation for A-Level Business Studies or a Level 3 Business course. This course is for school leavers aged 16-18 and must be studied as part of the full time GCSE retake programme.

  • Entry Requirements


    We will invite you to a Meet the Tutor event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

    You will provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other. This is to ensure we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course.

    4 x GCSEs at D/3 or above (including a humanities GCSE subject), or a Level 1 qualification in a relevant subject.

    Your GCSEs must include either maths and / or English , or a Functional Skills qualification in maths and / or English.

    We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

  • Course Content


    The GCSE Business Studies course teaches students about the dynamic environment in which businesses operate and to appreciate the many and varied factors which impact upon business activity and business behaviour in the 21st century. This is the linear 9-1 GCSE qualification. A linear qualification means that students must sit all their exams at the end of the course in June. Students will study the following topics

    Business Activity

    Marketing

    People

    Operations

    Finance

    Influences on business

    The interdependent nature of business

  • Progression Next Steps


    A-Level Business Studies or a Level 3 vocational qualification in business.

    There are lots of opportunities available to you to progress across the South Thames Colleges Group and into the world beyond education.

    During your time with us you will have access to a dedicated team of careers and education advisors who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

  • Additional Information


    Exam Board: The exam board is OCR. The specification is GCSE Business Studies, syllabus number J204.

  • Assessment Details


    The written examination consists of two papers. Paper 1 based on business activity, marketing and people. This paper is worth 50% of the final marks. Paper 2 based on business operations, finance and influences on business. This paper uses synoptic assessment and is worth 50% of the final marks. There are no tiers of entry in GCSE Business.