Manshead Church of England Academy

Business and Economics

Business

 

The Business and Economics curriculum is aspirational because it aims to empower students to understand and engage with the complexities of the modern economic and business world. We encourage our students to dream big and set ambitious goals as they explore the forces that shape markets, organisations, and economies. By analysing contemporary business challenges and global economic trends, students develop the belief that they can achieve their targets and make informed decisions in a dynamic environment. The curriculum challenges all learners to excel by applying economic theory and business strategy to real-world scenarios, encouraging the ambition to innovate and lead. We support every student’s aspiration to grow and achieve by providing opportunities to strive for excellence, reflect on their goals, and understand the impact of business and economics on society. Through this approach, students are inspired to see themselves as future entrepreneurs, economists, and business leaders who can drive positive change. 

 

The Business and Economics curriculum serves our students by providing a broad, inclusive, and engaging learning experience that connects theoretical knowledge with real-world application. We are devoted to supporting and nurturing every learner, ensuring that each one can access, engage with, and succeed in understanding key economic concepts and business functions. We continually invest in adapting our curriculum to reflect the evolving needs of the business world and our diverse student community. By linking classroom learning to current events, case studies, and practical business scenarios, we enable students to see the relevance of their studies and facilitate their development as responsible and ethical decision-makers. Through communication and teamwork, we help students develop the confidence to perform their duties in business settings and contribute positively to their communities. This commitment ensures that every student feels valued as they prepare for future roles in business and economics. 

 

The Business and Economics curriculum allows our pupils to flourish by encouraging independence, resilience, and a sense of social responsibility. We want every student to thrive, grow, and blossom—not just academically, but as individuals who understand the ethical and social dimensions of economic and business activity. Through collaborative projects and analysis of current affairs, students develop the confidence to articulate ideas, yearn for deeper understanding, and achieve their ambitions in the world of business and economics.

We nurture their progress and development, helping them to grow their skills in leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking, so they can succeed in a rapidly changing global economy. As a result, our pupils are well-prepared to flourish in their next stage of education or employment, and to nourish and enrich their communities with their economic and business acumen. Ultimately, we aim for every student to experience growth and leave our curriculum ready to make a positive impact in the business and economic landscape. 

 

Sequencing in Business and Economics at Manshead CE Academy is carefully planned to ensure progression and depth. Students build on their knowledge and skills year by year, with each topic logically following from the last to reinforce understanding. At both KS4 and KS5, we follow exam board schemes of work, integrating case studies and real-world examples to contextualise learning. This systematic approach allows students to develop a deep understanding of economic and business concepts, laying a strong foundation for advanced study and future aspirations. Sequencing is regularly reviewed to ensure all learners, including those who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs, can flourish and achieve their goals. 

 

Adaptive teaching in Business and Economics is central to our inclusive ethos. Lessons are designed to be accessible and engaging for all students, with differentiated resources and tasks that cater to a range of abilities and backgrounds. Teachers invest time in understanding each learner’s needs, providing additional support or challenge as required, and using a variety of teaching methods to facilitate understanding. Regular assessment and feedback ensure that teaching is responsive, enabling every student to grow in confidence and ambition. This approach ensures that all students, regardless of starting point, are supported to achieve and excel. 

 

Spirituality in Business and Economics is fostered through the exploration of ethical decision-making, moral purpose, and community values. Students are encouraged to reflect on the impact of business and economic activity on society, considering issues such as fairness, responsibility, and sustainability. The curriculum integrates the Church of England’s vision by promoting wisdom, compassion, and hope, helping students to develop a sense of purpose and self-belief. Through discussion and debate, learners are invited to consider their own values and the wider implications of their choices. This spiritual dimension nurtures students’ character, preparing them to be thoughtful, responsible, and compassionate contributors to society. 

 

Learning beyond the classroom in Business and Economics is enriched through a variety of experiences and resources. Educational trips for KS5 students, such as visits to businesses and financial institutions, help connect theoretical knowledge with practical application and build cultural capital. Students are encouraged to engage with current affairs by reading newspapers and following business news online, developing their understanding of real-world economic and business issues. Access to departmental resources, including PowerPoints and knowledge organisers, supports independent study and revision. These enrichment opportunities ensure students are well-prepared to thrive both academically and personally, embodying the school’s values of aspiration, confidence, and compassion. 

 

Business and Economics Curriculum Journey

 

 

Autumn 1 

Autumn 2 

Spring 1 

Spring 2 

Summer 1 

Summer 2 

Year 10 

The nature of business activity, Business enterprise, Business planning, Revenue, costs and profits, Providing goods and services  

Business ownership, Business aims and objectives, Stakeholders and business activity, Business location and site 

Business growth, The impact of globalisation on business, Marketing 

Identifying and understanding customers, Market research, Product, Pricing, Promotion 

Place, Marketing and ethics legislation, Marketing assignment, Sales process 

The impact of legislation on business, Organisational structures, Recruitment 

Year 11 

Training, Motivation, Organisational structures, Methods of Production 

Quality, Technological influence on business activity, Supply chain, Sources of finance, Revenue and costs 

Cashflow, Profit and loss accounts 

Financial performance, The interdependent nature of business, skills opportunities, Ethical influences on business activity, Environmental influences on business activity 

Economic influence on business activity, Revision, Exams  

Exams 

Year 12 

Unit 1 What is business? and Unit 2 Managers Leadership and Decision Making 

Unit 3 Marketing and Unit 4 Operations 

Unit 3 Marketing and Unit 4 Operations 

Unit 5 Finance and Unit 6 Human Resources 

Unit 5 Finance and Unit 6 Human Resources 

Unit 7 Strategic Position 

Year 13 

Unit 7 Strategic Position 

Unit 7 Strategic Position 

Unit 8 Strategic Direction and Unit 9 Strategic Methods 

Unit 10 Strategic Change 

Revision, Exams 

Exams 

Year 12

Micro – Economic Methodology and the economic problem, Price determination in a competitive market, Production, costs and Revenue

Micro - Competitive and concentrated markets, The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets

Macro – The measurement of macroeconomic performance, How the macroeconomy works: the circular flow of income, AD/AS analysis and related concepts

Macro– Economic performance, Macroeconomic policy

Micro – Individual economic decision making, production, costs and revenue

Micro – Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly

Year 13

Micro – The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets, The labour market

Micro/ Macro– The distribution of income wealth and poverty, The measurement of macroeconomic performance

Macro– How the macroeconomy works: the circular flow of income, AD/AS analysis and related concepts, Economic Performance

Macro – Financial markets and monetary policy, Fiscal policy and supply side policies, The international economy

Revision, exams 

Exams