Business

"Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." by Winston Churchill

Subject Overview
Business Studies is a dynamic and practical subject that introduces students to the world of commerce, enterprise, and economics. It explores how businesses are established, operated, and managed, while highlighting the key principles of marketing, finance, operations, and human resources.

As part of the school curriculum, Business Studies plays a crucial role in helping students understand the economic environment they live in. It develops critical thinking, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills — all of which are essential for success in both academic and real-world settings. 

Through case studies, simulations, and project work, students learn not only how businesses function, but also how to think like entrepreneurs, engage in ethical reasoning, and contribute positively to society. Whether students aspire to run their own businesses or simply become more informed consumers and citizens, Business Studies equips them with practical knowledge and a solid foundation for future careers.

Curriculum Intent
The business studies curriculum at Forest School is intended to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to become entrepreneurial, employable and independent learners who can identify business problems, analyse opportunities and threats and make formed investment decisions to ensure a successful business future. Business studies is considered one of the most studied subjects currently worldwide, due to diverse areas of knowledge that is covering. It is a crucial element in many daily problems and is hugely important in industries such as accounting, finance, digital technology, commerce, marketing, leadership, management, human resources, customer service, research etc. 

The main objectives of the subject are: 

• To introduce key concepts in finance, marketing, operations, and management.
• To develop students' understanding of business environments and real-world challenges.
• To promote critical thinking and problem-solving through case studies and scenarios.
• To inspire entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.

The skills and knowledge gained through studying Business are:

• Business planning and financial literacy
• Communication and teamwork
• Strategic and ethical decision-making
• Research and analytical skills

Business Studies supports the school’s ethos (Aspire to become Elite) by promoting the following values:

• Aspiring – encouraged to set goals and pursue business success
• Safe – understanding ethical, legal, and responsible business conduct
• Prepared – equipped with practical skills for future education and careers
• Independent – confident in making decisions and solving problems
• Respectful – valuing different roles, cultures, and perspectives in business
• Excellent – striving for high standards in work, conduct, and achievement.

Curriculum Implementation
Details about how the subject is taught across our different year groups is presented in the table below:

Curriculum Impact
Explain how student progress is assessed and monitored. Highlight any notable achievements, examination results, or improvements in student outcomes.

Enrichment Opportunities
Extracurricular activities, clubs, trips, or competitions related to Business Studies that enhance student learning and engagement are listed below:

1. Enterprise Club: Students develop business ideas, work on mini-projects, and build entrepreneurial skills through challenges and workshops (Starting date: Sept 2025).
2. Workplace Visits & Industry Trips: Visits to local companies, factories, banks, or start-ups to see business operations in action (Throughout the year).
3. Career Fairs: Opportunities to explore career paths, meet business professionals, and learn about higher education options (Organised by the Careers lead).
4. Stock Market Simulation: Interactive games and challenges where students buy and sell stocks to learn about financial markets (Starting in Sept 2025, open to Y10, Y12 and Y13 students).

Curious about the curriculum
If you are interested about the Business studies subject you can get more information in the links below:

• Investopedia
  • Great for understanding finance, investing, and business terminology with easy-to-follow articles and tutorials.
• Khan Academy – Economics & Finance
  • Free videos and exercises on economics, finance, and entrepreneurship fundamentals.
• Tutor2u
  • Offers revision notes, case studies, and quizzes tailored for GCSE and A-Level business.
• BBC Bitesize Business Studies
  • Engaging revision materials and quizzes ideal for GCSE students.

Looking for something to read
Interesting reading to develop students’ knowledge, understanding or love of learning further.

• "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek.  Inspires students to understand the purpose behind successful businesses.
•  "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries.  Introduces the principles of starting and growing a business efficiently.
• "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson.  Insightful biography revealing the mindset of a visionary entrepreneur.
• "The Everything Store" by Brad Stone.  The story of Amazon and Jeff Bezos’ rise.

Resources and Facilities
Business Studies is supported by a range of dedicated facilities and modern resources designed to enhance both teaching and student learning:

Specialist Classrooms

• Equipped with interactive whiteboards for engaging, visual instruction.
• Flexible seating arrangements to support group work, debates, and presentations.
• Visualisers for modelling

Learning Resources
Class sets of exam board-approved textbooks, workbooks and revision guides.  Digital learning platforms such as Seneca, Tutor2u, and BBC Bitesize are used.

Contact Information
If you'd like to find out more please contact Mrs K. Fotopoulou, Subject Leader on kfotopoulou@forest.academy