Key Stage 4 Business Enterprise Curriculum Intent

All businesses need enterprising employees to drive their organisations forward, to have ideas and initiatives to instigate growth, and to ensure that businesses survive in this fast-changing world. Enterprise is a key government focus, and is set to form an important part of the UK’s global economic status, both now and in the future. We feel that enterprise is not just an option, but a compulsory subject which aids students to gain the necessary life skills that are essential for everyday life. Enterprise skills provide a fantastic progression pathway into a number of roles in an organisation, and are transferable into all businesses. The main focus is on the knowledge, understanding and skills required to research, plan, pitch and review an enterprise idea. 

Learners will have the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The main focus is on the knowledge, understanding and skills required to research, set up, run, review and monitor an enterprise that includes:

• development of key skills that prove aptitude in planning an enterprise activity, including market research, planning, carrying out financial transactions, communication and problem solving 

• knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, such as the features and characteristics of enterprises and entrepreneurs, and the internal and external factors that can affect the performance of an enterprise 

• attitudes and ways of working that are considered most important for enterprise, including monitoring and reflecting on performance of an enterprise idea and own use of skills.

The qualification is the equivalent of a GCSE and is relevant to all students as it provides them with an array of life skills for their future, regardless of the career path they choose. As a department we feel very strongly about developing an enthusiasm for the subject because it is vital that students develop key concepts that will allow them to manage their personal finances as they enter adulthood. We therefore aim to make lessons as engaging as possible in order to foster their enjoyment and provide them with opportunities to practice and develop the necessary skills that are required in order to successfully apply for jobs, apprenticeships or college applications after their time at Meopham. Students are given plenty of opportunities to develop their resourcefulness, resilience, reciprocity and reflectiveness.

Key Stage 4 - Business Enterprise Award Overview