Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the main areas of study for GCSE Business Studies?
A. The subject content is divided into five topic areas:
- Business: Aims, Types and Organisation;
- Human Resources;
- Production;
- Marketing; and
- Finance and Accounting
Q. Is coursework required for GCSE Business Studies?
A. Yes, students are required to complete one assignment, which is internally assessed by the teacher and then externally moderated by our moderators.
The assignment gives students the opportunity to carry out research and investigation related to a business situation. Students must also show that they have used ICT in the process of selecting, organising, interpreting and analysing the information gathered for the assignment.
Q. Is there a word limit on the assignment to be submitted?
A. Yes, the assignment should be completed in approximately 2500 words.
Q. Who selects the task/topic for the assignment?
A. The task can be selected by the teacher and the student or by the teacher and a group of students. The teacher provides the students with guidance in setting and managing the task and ensuring that it meets the required aims and objectives.
Q. Who marks the assignment?
A. The teacher marks the work and our staff moderate it.
Q. Can students see the Paper 1 case study before the examination?
A. Yes, we issue a copy of the case study to students on 1 March in the year of the examination.
Q. Are students allowed to bring their own copy of the case study into the examination?
A. No, candidates are not allowed to bring their original copy of the case study, nor any information relating to it, into the examination.
A fresh copy of the case study is provided at the time of the examination together with any other supplementary material, if appropriate.
Q. Does the tier of entry affect the grade that may be awarded?
A. Students who enter for the Foundation Tier are eligible for an award of grades between C-G. Students who enter for the Higher Tier can obtain grades between the range A*-D. Students who just fail to achieve a Grade D in the Higher Tier are awarded a grade E.
Q. What happens when a student does not meet the minimum mark required for a grade in their tier of entry?
A. A student who does not achieve the minimum mark required for Grade G in the Foundation Tier will be recorded as unclassified and will not receive a certificate. Students who do not achieve the minimum mark required for Grade E in the Higher Tier will be recorded as unclassified and will not receive a certificate.
Q. How can this qualification help students gain Key Skills?
A. This specification can provide assessment evidence for nationally-specified Key Skills Levels 1 and 2 in: Communication, Application of Number, Information Technology, Working with Others, Improving Your Own Learning and Performance, and Problem-Solving.
Q. What employment applications or prospects can this specification lead to?
A. This specification can give students valuable preparation for careers in any field, not just in business and finance. Students gain a wide knowledge of how businesses operate, and they also gained skills such as researching, investigating, analysing, interpreting, evaluating, decision-making and presentation of written work.
