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International GCSE in Business (9-1)

Pearson Edexcel – Qualification Code: 4BS1

Queen's Upper Secondary

Who is This Course For?

The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Business provides students with an in-depth understanding of how businesses operate in a globalised economy. The course develops critical thinking, decision-making, and analytical skills, preparing students for further study and professional careers.

This course is ideal for students who:

  • Have an interest in entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and management.
  • Want to develop problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.
  • Are considering A-Level Business, Economics, or careers in business, finance, or international trade.
  • Wish to gain a globally recognised qualification that enhances university applications and career prospects.

Who is This Course For?

This course is suitable for students who:

  • Want to develop a strong foundation in business concepts and decision-making.
  • Enjoy analysing real-life case studies and business scenarios.
  • Are interested in starting their own business or pursuing a corporate career.
  • Wish to learn about financial management, human resources, and market strategy.

The course covers five main themes to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the business world.

1. Business Activity and Influences on Business

  • The purpose and objectives of businesses.
  • The impact of external factors on businesses (economic, legal, technological, social).
  • The effects of globalisation and international markets on businesses.

2. People in Business

  • Recruitment, selection, and training of employees.
  • Motivation theories and their impact on productivity.
  • The importance of leadership, communication, and organisational structure.

3. Business Finance

  • Sources of finance for businesses (internal and external).
  • Understanding cash flow, revenue, costs, profit, and break-even analysis.
  • Financial statements, budgeting, and financial ratios.

4. Marketing

  • Identifying and satisfying customer needs.
  • Market research techniques and data analysis.
  • The marketing mix (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) and its application.

5. Business Operations

  • Production methods: job, batch, and flow production.
  • The impact of technology on business efficiency.
  • Quality control, inventory management, and supply chain logistics.
The course fosters an understanding of key business concepts and real-world applications.

1. Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

  • Analysing financial data to make business decisions.
  • Understanding the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship.
  • Evaluating strategies for business growth and competitiveness.

2. Financial Literacy

  • Understanding profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and financial ratios.
  • Making informed decisions about investments, costs, and pricing.
  • Learning how businesses secure funding and manage budgets.

3. Marketing Strategy

  • Analysing customer behaviour and market trends
  • Applying the 4Ps of marketing in different business scenarios.
  • Understanding the role of branding, advertising, and digital marketing.

4. Ethical and Sustainable Business Practices

  • The role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in modern business.
  • The impact of global trade, fair trade, and ethical sourcing.
  • Managing businesses responsibly and sustainably.

The course assesses students based on the following objectives:

Objective Description Weighting
AO1 Recall, select, and communicate knowledge and understanding of business concepts and issues 27%-28%
AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding to business scenarios and calculations 38%-39%
AO3 Analyse and interpret business information and issues 22%-23
AO4 Evaluate business information to make reasoned judgements 11%-12%

Strong Preparation for A-Level and Beyond

This course provides a solid foundation for A-Level Business, Economics, and Finance, preparing students for university studies in business administration, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Recognition by Top Universities

The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Business is widely recognised by universities, employers, and academic institutions worldwide.

Development of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skill

Students develop analytical and strategic decision-making skills, which are valuable in business, finance, and management roles.

Engaging and Real-World Content

The course includes case studies and real-world business scenarios, ensuring students engage with modern business challenges.

Course Structure

The qualification consists of two externally assessed written papers:

Paper 1: Investigating Small Businesses (50%)

Exam Duration

1 hour 30 minutes

Assessment Format

External examination

Skills Assessed

  • Understanding how small businesses operate.
  • Analysing business start-ups, objectives, and challenges.
  • Evaluating factors that influence decision-making in small businesses.

Paper 2: Investigating Large Businesses (50%)

Exam Duration

1 hour 30 minutes

Assessment Format

External examination

Skills Assessed

  • Understanding large businesses operating in national and global markets.
  • Analysing financial and strategic decision-making in major corporations.
  • Evaluating business expansion, marketing strategies, and operations management.

Each paper contains a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, data-response, and open-ended questions.

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