GCSE Business Course
Exam Board and Specification Code: Edexcel (4BS1)
The Course
The course is an excellent introduction into the world of business. It is designed to give students a sound understanding of both small start-ups and larger businesses in the context of both UK and international markets. There are five topic areas covering: Business Activity and Influences on Business, People in Business, Business Finance, Marketing and Business Operations. Business combines with any other arts or science subjects at IGCSE. A good grade at IGCSE can enable you to go on to study for A Level Business or an equivalent qualification.
What skills do I need?
· know and understand business terminology, concepts and issues
· apply this knowledge and understanding appropriately in different business contexts
· analyse business issues and make suitable judgements based on evidence
· calculate and interpret business data using basic numeracy skills
· have a good grasp of both written and verbal communication.
How is the course assessed?
The course is assessed by two written papers. Both papers are 1 hour 30 minutes in length and draw on topics from all five sections of the syllabus as follows:
· Paper 1 (4BS1/01) Investigating Small Businesses, consists of four questions requiring a mixture of
multiple choice answers, short answers (1-6 marks) and extended responses (9-12 marks). This paper is worth 50% of the total marks.
· Paper 2 (4BS1/02) Investigating Large Businesses, consists of four questions requiring a mixture of
multiple choice answers, short answers (1-6 marks) and extended responses (9-12 marks). This paper is worth 50% of the total marks.
Reading
Edexcel International GCSE (9-1) Business Student Book 4th Edition Paperback
By Rob Jones, Published by Pearson, ISBN 978-0435188634
Some useful web sources:
• https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses-and-edexcel-certificates/business-2017.html
• www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zkc2jhv/revision/1sebitesize/business/
• www.bbc.co.uk/news/business
• www.tutor2u.net/business/blog/gcse-igcse-business-studies-revision-notes-master-listing
