Business BTEC

Learn, Grow, Succeed

Head of Department: Mrs J Lilleyman

The Extended Certificate in Business is for learners who are interested in learning about the business sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in business-related subjects. It is designed to be taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels.

CURRICULUM INFORMATION (BUSINESS)

Entry Criteria for Pearson Edexcel:
Extended Certificate in Business (BTEC)

5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and Maths
Exam Specification: Pearson Edexcel
Curriculum Map (KS5)
Learning Journey (KS5)

WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?

Over the two years, you will study four units which will give you a broad understanding of the operation and function of businesses. You will look at forms of business and the impact of the economic environment on business activity. You will develop a marketing campaign focused on meeting customer needs. You will learn about personal and business finance as well as the recruitment process and how important they all are in the success of a business.

The course covers the following content areas:

business environments
finance
marketing.

The optional units have been designed to support choices in progression to business courses in higher education and to link with relevant occupational areas:

human resources
accounting
marketing

WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?

For units that are internally assessed, you will be applying what you learn to create project and report style assignments that will be produced on the Google Suite of apps.

For units that are externally tested, you will be learning key concepts (as well researching industry features and business practices) covered in the specification and practising for the external tests. Consolidation will be a key feature of these units.

HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?

External exams are taken throughout the course in units and make up 58% of the assessment. The rest of the course is assessed through internal assessment where students use their own research to complete coursework, case studies, projects and presentations. These are marked by class teachers and then submitted for external moderation.

Units 1 (Exploring Business) and 8 (Recruitment and Selection Process) will be internally assessed by your subject tutor and moderated by BTEC Pearson.

Unit 2 (Developing a Marketing Campaign) will be assessed by a three hour external examination completed on computer. You will be issued with the context two weeks before the examination which will be a supervised assessment period in order to carry out research.

Unit 3 (Personal and Business Finance) will be assessed by a two hour written examination.

Each unit will be graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction. This will lead to a final qualification of Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*. This course attracts UCAS points and is widely recognised by universities and employers.

WHICH OTHER SUBJECTS GO WELL WITH Business?

This qualification is designed to be taken as part of a study programme alongside two other vocational qualification or A level. Across a broad range of subjects including law, sport, psychology, graphics, media, maths etc.

AND AFTER THE COURSE?

Progression routes include higher education and employment: such as a BA in Business, or direct entry level employment, apprenticeships and training in marketing, sales, HR, events, finance or accounting.

WHICH EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS WILL I LEARN?

You will develop transferable skills such as teamwork, creative problem solving, time management and research.

What is the qualification worth?

This qualification is equivalent to one A Level. It may be studied alongside two A Levels as part of our available Academic Pathways.

BTEC Grade	UCAS Points	A Level Equivalent Grade
Distinction*	56	A*
Distinction	48	A
Merit	32	C
Pass	8	D/E (AS Level)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT Business

Q: What's the difference between A level and BTEC business?

A: The A level course is assessed with external exams at the end of the two year course. The BTEC is assessed in January and June in each year of study by a combination of internally assessed assignments and exams.

Q: What's the difference between the single and the double?

A: The single (Extended Certificate) is equivalent to one A level and has 58% examined content. At the end of the course you'll be awarded one grade of Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*. These are UCAS point equivalent to A level grades E, C, A and A* respectively.

The double (Diploma) is equivalent to two A levels and has 45% examined content. At the end of the course, you'll be awarded two grades ranging from Pass Pass to Distinction* Distinction*.

Q: What are the exams like?

A: There are two types of exam. The 'Personal and Business Finance' exam is a three hour written exam. The 'Developing a Marketing Campaign' and 'Principles of Management' exams are two hours and completed on a computer.

Q: What areas of business are covered?

A: This depends on whether you are studying the single or double award. Key topic areas are the economy and external business environment, marketing, recruitment, management principles, finance and accounting, international business and event management.

Q: What will I be doing in lessons?

A: Independent research is a key part of this course. In both examined and internally assessed units, you'll be taught theoretical concepts, which you'll support by applying to businesses through research, predominantly online, and discussion.

Q: Do universities accept BTECs?

A: All universities accept BTECs (apart from Oxford and Cambridge).

CAREERS AND LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION

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