Business Studies

The Department

Business Studies has been taught at A level at WHGS since 1992 and at GCSE level since 2002. The Department is located on the ground floor of the Science Block, with most teaching taking place in rooms 28 and 29.

Business Studies in the Curriculum

Business Studies is an optional subject available to students in Year 10 and above. During Year 9 students can opt to take Business Studies as one of their GCSE options the following year. Students will have four periods of Business Studies teaching during Years 10 and 11.

Students wishing to choose Business Studies as an AS and A2 level option will be taught for 8 periods a week. It is not necessary to have studied the subject at GCSE level to choose it at AS level but it will be an advantage to have done so.

The Staff

Mr P R Hewston joined the staff in September 1990 as teacher of Economics. He has been Head of Department since September 1994. He has also taught British Government and Politics, History, General Studies and Games.

Years 10 and 11

GCSE students follow AQA Business Studies Specification B. The syllabus aims to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to start a small business or work within a larger organisation. There are two examinations at the end of the course, each worth 37.5% of the final GCSE mark. A coursework project accounts for the other 25% of the marks, and will be started during Year 10 and completed early in Year 11.

The Department aims to use a variety of teaching methods throughout the GCSE course including group work, individual research, trips and visits as well as more traditional, didactic methods.

The Young Enterprise Scheme

Year 10 and 11 students are encouraged to participate in the Young Enterprise Scheme, a national scheme designed to introduce young people to some of the skills necessary to run their own business. Shares are sold, and the finance raised used to manufacture a product that can then (hopefully!!) be sold for profit. Shareholders should be rewarded for their investment with a dividend at the end of the year.

AS and A2 Level

Sixth Form students follow the AQA AS and A2 level Business Studies specification. They complete six modules over the two years covering all aspects of business activity. There is an optional coursework module, but most students prefer to complete the "Business Report Writing" module (Module 5W) instead. It is essential that students spend time developing their understanding of the "real world" by reading quality newspapers and periodicals and watching business-related television.

The Department uses a variety of teaching methods in the Sixth Form, with students expected to be more mature and capable of individual study. The formal teaching will be enhanced by trips and visits from speakers.