Frequently Asked Questions

We award GCSE qualifications on an eight grade scale from A*–G, with A* being the highest. For students who fail to attain a grade G, we report their results as unclassified (U).

Students do not require previous business learning to do this course. However, we expect them to be competent in literacy and numeracy to study at this level.

Yes, in GCSE Business Studies students must demonstrate the quality of their written communication. In particular, they must:

• ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar are accurate so that meaning is clear;
• select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to their purpose and to complex subject matter; and
• organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary where appropriate.

Examiners assess the quality of students’ written communication in their responses to questions that require extended writing. The examiners assess the quality of written communication within all assessment objectives and examination components in this specification.

This specification gives students opportunities to develop the following Key Skills:

• Application of Number;
• Communication;
• Improving Own Learning and Performance;
• Information and Communication Technology;
• Problem-Solving; and
• Working with Others.

• It is recommended that the report is hand written and not word processed.
• Research should be included at the back of the report, and the pages numbered for easy reference.
• Reports should be presented for moderation in a lightweight plastic report file.