The Dorcan Academy’s Business Studies curriculum allows students to develop skills that go beyond simply starting your own business and explore a wealth of opportunities preparing them for the world of work and beyond. The ethics of good business practice, and preparation to undertake a professional role in any business is underpinned by The Dorcan Academy Character Values, with significant weighting on personal responsibility and resilience alongside honesty and integrity.
The powerful knowledge accessed through Business Studies, relates not only to curricula-based knowledge such as that which makes a business successful, sources of finance, roles within a business, financial calculations, and the roles of individuals within a business but also to the examples of successful entrepreneurs, the wider impact of globalisation and ethical and environmental considerations and empowering individuals to make informed decisions. We recognise this powerful knowledge allows them to contribute successfully to society whilst also supporting their wellbeing.
We aim for students at the Dorcan Academy who opt for Business Studies to apply what they learn to real-life scenarios, and gain practical experience of enterprise and marketing, no matter what their previous experience has been.
At the Dorcan Academy by developing skills for life that promote interpersonal, independent, professional, reasoning and research skills, Business Studies nurtures the soft skills that businesses are looking for and provides the platform for success. We promote a scholarly approach for those students who wish to pursue business studies beyond their GCSE experience, knowing that they can break down barriers through equipping themselves with the skills to succeed.
In Business Studies last year, 41.7% of students achieved grades 9 to 5; and 60% achieved grades 9 to 4.
In Business Studies, we assess students’ understanding regularly throughout lessons. This helps them build confidence in key skills such as identifying, explaining, analysing and evaluating business ideas and real‑world situations. Students also practise applying what they’ve learned through exam‑style questions, followed by dedicated time to review and improve their work. Alongside this ongoing classroom assessment, students complete summative assessments that check their overall progress and knowledge as they move through the course.
Mr James Allen – Teacher of Business
Students may choose Business Studies as an option at GCSE and will receive 5 lessons a fortnight.
Enrichment opportunities are offered through extra curricular activities and growth mindset days.
GCSE Business – OCR – BBC Bitesize
