Business & Enterprise

The intent of the Business and Enterprise Curriculum

The Business and Enterprise curriculum at Diss High School has been created to provide all students in Year 9 a taster of the subject prior to the options process in the spring term of year 9.

The scheme of work is designed to give students an understanding of relevant topics which are part of the course in Key Stage 4 including finance and marketing elements.

The lessons are designed to develop writing skills relevant to the coursework elements of the Key Stage 4 curriculum. Students will learn subject specific vocabulary and key terminology and how to incorporate these into their own writing. They will also investigate real business case studies. These skills are also relevant to Key Stage 5 courses. The course also develops research skills which allow the students to find, discuss and apply information which has been found during research. The appropriate use of research information through analysis and application of the information is based on taught elements of the course. These skills are also applicable in Key Stage 4 & 5.

Teaching is delivered using a variety of strategies to help students develop skills appropriate to Vocational subjects throughout Key Stages 4 & 5. One strategy involves a project where students develop a new confectionary product using knowledge and understanding of existing marketing and product development techniques applied to their own ideas. The unit develops creative and imaginative skills. The skills are further developed through analysis and review of existing marketing strategies which can be adapted and applied to their own product.

The skills taught would also be relevant to other vocational and optional subjects which may be chosen for Key Stage 4. Furthermore, the Recruitment and Selection unit which is taught during the summer term, is relevant to all students from a careers point of view, even if they have not selected the BTEC Enterprise course as a GCSE subject. Students will learn key stills related to CV writing, job applications, and interviews.

How is the Business Curriculum implemented?

Business is only taught in Y9. It forms part of the Y9 Option Subjects rotation.

Currently, 3 classes do Business in the Autumn Term, with 2 lessons a fortnight. They complete a 12-week programme of lessons.

In the Spring Term, these groups will rotate, and a different 3 groups will do the same 12-week programme. During the Summer term, the groups will each do a 6-week programme, rotating at May Half Term.

12 Week Module 

 
6 Week Module 

The impact of the Business and Enterprise curriculum at the end of Key Stage 3

THE Key Stage 3 curriculum at Diss High School gives students the skills, knowledge, and experience to make an informed decision about studying BTEC Enterprise at Key Stage 4. By the end of Year 9, students will have gained competence in research skills, how to apply those skills and how to use those skills in their own ideas. They will be able to develop their writing skills using appropriate key terms and technical language in the right Business and Enterprise context. These skills and knowledge allow students to make an informed decision based on the structure of the Business and Enterprise BTEC course at Key Stage 4.

How is Business and Enterprise assessed?

Each unit of study is assessed at the end. A variety of assessment methods are used including Self and Peer assessment and through teacher assessment of work submitted through their Google Classroom.

How can I help my child?

• You can encourage your child to think about the world of business which surrounds them every day.
• Encourage discussion around the way products are sold to them through marketing.
• Encourage them to be risk takers and the opportunity to start their own business in the future.
• Encourage them to think about how to develop their skills and experience to contribute to the economy in the longer term through their future careers.
• Encourage them to watch Business related programs such as Dragons Den and The Apprentice.
• Encourage them to watch the News to get an appreciation of the world around them.

KS4 - BTEC Enterprise

Would you like to manage or run your own business?

Know how to make a profit?

Study an exciting new subject?

Studying the BTEC Tech Award in Enterprise provides opportunities to develop skills and techniques essential for successful performance in working life.

Why you should choose Enterprise:

• Assessed by TWO coursework units and ONE written exam
• Lots of independent project work
• Actually run your own mini-business
• Develop business skills through practical, skills-based learning.

BTEC qualifications are recognised by employers, colleges and universities, and they provide a progression route to more advanced qualifications eg BTEC Nationals or A levels.

Learning is achieved through:

• group-work and discussions
• case studies and projects
• practical business tasks
• educational visits and guest speakers

We will study three components:

• Exploring Enterprises – Researching how businesses actually work
• Planning for and Pitching an Enterprise Activity - come up with a business plan, and run your own micro business
• Promotion and Finance for Enterprise - can you control profits and cash flow, and understand advertising, brands, websites, e-tailing and social media?

Studying business will also help you develop skills in IT, numeracy, literacy and research.

Business and Enterprise Students following Business courses at Diss High School have enjoyed great success in recent years. Many students are at UK universities studying subjects as diverse as Law, Accountancy, Business, Teaching, Nursing, Economics and Geography. The independent learning style of the course prepares students well for degree level study. Many other students have found good employment locally within banking, accountancy, engineering, insurance etc. The course aims to develop confidence and professionalism in business management students.