Head of Department: Miss C Morgan cm@forest.org.uk

Business is a challenging and relevant subject that will help students to understand the key issues involved in setting up, expanding and managing a business in the 21st Century. Some of these key issues are raising finance, managing people, meeting customer needs and coping with change. In Business, students will study important theories and concepts from all the main elements of a business (marketing, finance, operations and people). The course offers a management-style, skills building approach that is grounded in current business developments and concerns. Application to real businesses and market examples is important throughout the course.

In Business, students will study important theories and concepts from all the main elements of a business (marketing, finance, operations and people). It is a dynamic subject where students will apply the knowledge learnt in the classroom to

Pupils will have opportunities to engage with the subject both within and beyond the specification.

Our rich curriculum includes:

  • Trip to the Bank of England
  • A walking tour of the city’s financial district
  • Support with external competitions
  • Academic stretch sessions for sixth form students applying for scientifically rigorous university courses

A-level Overview

Assessment at A-level

Curriculum Maps – All Years

Future career paths

Due to the vast array of multifaceted skills developed through the course student are able to access a wide array of courses at university or competitive apprenticeships which leads to a diverse set of career choices. This can include working within the financial sector, marketing, human resource management, the world of fashion or corporate law.

Key skills gained include:

Cognitive skills

  • Non-routine problem solving – expert thinking, metacognition, creativity.
  • Systems thinking – decision making and reasoning.
  • Critical thinking – definitions of critical thinking are broad and usually involve general cognitive skills such as analysing, synthesising and reasoning skills.
  • ICT literacy – access, manage, integrate, evaluate, construct and communicate.

Interpersonal skills:

  • Communication – active listening, oral communication, written communication, assertive communication and non-verbal communication.
  • Relationship-building skills – teamwork, trust, intercultural sensitivity, service orientation, self-presentation, social influence, conflict resolution and negotiation.
  • Collaborative problem solving – establishing and maintaining shared understanding, taking appropriate action, establishing and maintaining team organisation.