Business Studies at Ballard looks at the whole picture – everything in life involves business. Think of an item of clothing you are wearing and then what businesses made it possible for you to be wearing it right now? The obvious ones are the shop and the manufacturing plant but what about the cotton growers? The label makers? The delivery company? Health and Safety?
Even the companies who manage the finances of the business are involved. Thinking about all these processes and people allows you to understand what GCSE Business Studies is about.
Business is a major part of everyone’s life and anyone who has a good idea about how businesses work are at an immediate advantage.
At Ballard, we offer GCSE Business Studies (Edexcel), which aims to inspire future entrepreneurs, leaders & innovators.
Lower Prep
Pupils in Lower Prep begin learning about business and money concepts via their Maths and PSHE studies.
Year 3: The Purposes of Money
Understanding what money is and why we use it.
Recognising different forms of money (coins, notes, digital).
Learning how people earn money (jobs, services).
Exploring how money is used for spending, saving, and giving.
Year 4: Making Money Decisions
Making choices about spending and saving.
Understanding needs vs. wants.
Learning about value for money and comparing prices.
Introduction to budgeting and planning for purchases.
Year 5: Priority Spending
Developing more advanced budgeting skills.
Understanding the consequences of financial decisions.
Exploring ethical spending and how our choices affect others.
Introduction to financial products like bank accounts.
Upper Prep
Upper Prep continues their financial education through PSHE, Maths, or special enrichment activities, i.e. our Dragon’s Den challenge, where pupils have to invent, design and market a new brand new cereal.
They will also explore topics such as how feelings influence spending habits, peer pressure and advertising, along with tax, insurance, and inflation.
Senior
At Ballard, we offer GCSE Business Studies (Edexcel), which aims to inspire future entrepreneurs, leaders & innovators.
Why Choose Business Studies at GCSE?
Business Studies is more than just a subject, it’s a gateway to understanding the world around us. From global brands to local startups, this course empowers students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in any career path.
What will pupils learn?
Our Edexcel GCSE Business Studies course covers:
Entrepreneurship & Enterprise: Learn how businesses are started and grown.
Marketing & Finance: Understand how products are promoted and how businesses manage money.
Operations & Human Resources: Discover how businesses produce goods and manage people.
External Influences: Explore how economic, environmental, and legal factors affect business decisions.
Skills for Life:
Pupils will develop:
Critical thinking & problem-solving
Numeracy & financial literacy
Communication & teamwork
Decision-making & strategic planning
These are essential for careers in business, law, finance, marketing, and beyond.
