GCSE BUSINESS New specification Starting September 2017
Overview • Starts September 2017 • First award Summer 2019 • Linear qualification, with 100% external assessment at the end of the two year course • Controlled assessment has been removed • Introduction of a minimum assessment of quantitative skills • Detailed and updated QW content • Skills focus in addition to content coverage • Increased rigour and demand
Structure The structure of the specification has been designed to allow learners to develop an appreciation of business in a wide range of contexts. The subject content gives learners the opportunity to apply knowledge and understanding of a number of core business functions and issues in a straightforward and synoptic way. The specification is linear - the content has not been divided into units. It is presented as one coherent section, then organised into six topic areas of study.
• Business activity Content • Influences on business • Business operations • Finance • Marketing • Human resources The content is presented in two columns. The first column sets out the content area to be studied, and the second amplification column gives more information and clarification on the content in the first column. The amplification column is important as it gives clear guidance on the depth and breadth needed. Particular attention has been given for the new content where much more amplification has been given to help understand the requirements of this new content.
Content Where specific direction is needed the amplification has made clear what needs to be included, for instance, SMART objectives, sustainability, supply chain, contribution, GPM and NPM. Careful consideration has been given to two pieces of guidance: In the amplification column much of the further guidance starts with the use of 'including' and 'such as'. These have been used to give further clarification on the breadth and depth that needs to be covered. It also allows deliverers to extend the breadth by including other content they deem suitable and which will be rewarded, if appropriate, in assessment. The use of 'including' gives deliverers a clear minimum requirement when teaching that topic area and 'such as' gives suggestions, but there may be alternatives.
New content: • SMART objectives • E-commerce and m-commerce • Digital media • Supply chain • Contribution calculation • Sale process and customer service • Technology used in promotion • Multi-channel distribution • Interdependence nature of business – business functions
What's been removed: • Minimising waste • Social enterprises • Detailed understanding and role of the public sector • Leadership and leadership styles • Pay slips - gross and net pay • Non regulatory marketing constraints • Balance sheets • Trade unions • Appropriateness of different methods of communication • Exchange rates- now just a basic understanding • Unforeseen events
Content Much more detail and amplification is now in the content – it might look that there is much more content, but it is just more detail. Extra time to teach the content – no more controlled assessment Discussion
Quantitative skills
Quantitative skills Learners will be expected to use a range of mathematical skills and make justifiable decisions using both quantitative and qualitative methods applied in the context of GCSE Business. These quantitative skills will be assessed in both examination papers, totalling at least 10% of the overall marks available for the qualification. The appendix lists the range and extent of mathematical techniques learners are required to apply to relevant business contexts.
Resources to help with teaching the content: • Course outline • Teacher guidance with further amplification • Free digital resources – to cover 6 content areas • Quantitative skills guide • Hodder textbook - https://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/GCSE/WJECEduqas
Assessment – question papers
Assessment – question papers Unit 1 paper is the same format, style, marks and length as the examination in the current specification. This exam is liked by centres – we saw no reason to change this exam. Unit 2 is a new style exam. This is a data response themed paper and there will always be two sets of data. All questions are compulsory and include straightforward recall, open and closed questions, staged structured questions and extended writing. Candidates will be presented with more data (both qualitative and quantitative), but fewer questions and have to apply their knowledge and understanding to the case study. The content is not divided into individual units. All subject content can be assessed in either units.
Assessment objectives Learners must: AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of business concepts and issues AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of business concepts and issues to a variety of business contexts AO3 Analyse and evaluate business information and issues to demonstrate understanding of business activity, make judgements and draw conclusions
Assessment objectives The table below shows the weighting of each assessment objective for each unit and for the qualification as a whole. AO1 AO2 AO3 Total Unit 1 25% (40) 22.5% (36) 15% (24) 62.5% Unit 2 10% (16) 12.5% (20) 15% (24) 37.5% Total 35% (56) 35% (56) 30% (48) 100%
Specimen assessment materials The sample assessment materials include exemplar question papers and mark schemes. Unit 1: Business World - Written examination: 2 hours Mixture of: 62.5% Multiple choice Short answer Structured questions ranging from 4 marks to 10 marks:
Unit 2: Business Perceptions - Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 37.5% Two sets of data based on different business contexts Mixture of qualitative and quantitative data with each case study between 300-400 words Total time for the exam takes into account the reading time required Candidates need to use the data to answer the questions and answers need to be in context of the data Mixture of: Short answer Extended responses
Assessment of quantitative skills Learners will be expected to use a range of mathematical skills and make justifiable decisions using both quantitative and qualitative methods applied in the context of GCSE Business. These quantitative skills will be assessed in both examination papers, totalling at least 10% of the overall marks available for the qualification.
Support and resources • Teacher guide – spring 2017 • Free digital resources and activities – available now and will be updated for the new specification http://resources.wjec.co.uk/ • Textbook - Publishers: Hodder Title: WJEC and Eduqas GCSE Business Authors: Malcolm Surridge and Andrew Gillespie Publication date: August 2017 Prices: £23.99 Supplementary products: downloadable answer guide – available September 2017 • Question Bank – available now and updated yearly http://www.wjec.co.uk/question-bank/
Support and resources • Past papers and mark schemes • Examiners reports • Online exam review http://oer.wjec.co.uk/ • Item level data/ Centre analysis – Walled Garden • Face to face CPD - Annual events 2018 onwards • Direct contact via email or phone to a business specialist subject officer
Any Questions? Contact our specialist Subject Officers and administrative support team for your subject with any queries. Stephen Oliver 029 2026 5038 stephen.oliver@wjec.co.uk Subject Officer Clare Williams 029 2026 5059 clare.williams@wjec.co.uk Subject Support Officer
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