Business & Economics
Head of Department: Mr M Lucas mlucas@prsbucks.com
Business Studies at PRS offers pupils the unique opportunity to gain an insight into the dynamic nature of the business world. Taught by passionate subject specialists, the Business curriculum equips students with an understanding of how real Businesses operate in the world beyond the school gates as well as invaluable skills necessary for success in both exams and the world of work.
At PRS we offer pupils the opportunity to start Business GCSE at the end of Year 9, as one of their four KS4 option subjects, where it continues to be one of the schools most chosen subjects. At KS5 pupils are then able to choose between Business A-Level and BTEC National Level 3 qualifications, as well the chance to study A-Level Economics.
These options are shown below in our PRS Learning Journey.
KS4
At PRS we have, as of June 2025, launched a new GCSE qualification following the Edexcel specification. Current Year 11 pupils will continue their OCR Business GCSE qualification which they started in Year 9, meaning both courses will run concurrently. GCSE Business introduces pupils to the dynamic nature of the Business world. Giving them insight into the workings of the real world and how successful Businesses start, grow and operate. Unlike many other GCSE courses, Business is routed in real world understanding and life-long skills, setting up students for success in whatever field they choose to pursue.
OCR Business GCSE:
Specification:
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/business-j204-from-2017/
Revision Guide:
https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/secondary-books/gcse/business/burs41-new-gcse-business-ocr-complete
Edexcel Business GCSE:
Specification:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/business-2017.html
Revision Guide:
https://www.cgpbooks.co.uk/secondary-books/gcse/business/bues42-gcse-business-edexcel-complete
Course Overview:
KS5
At KS5 students are given a variety of options to further their Business education, or pick it up for the first time. At PRS we offer A-Level courses in Business and Economics, both following the Edexcel specifications. Students can alternatively study a BTEC National Level 3 qualification as a Single (Extended Certificate - Equivalent to one A-Level) or Double (Diploma - Equivalent to two A-Levels). With such variety this gives pupils the opportunity to choose the course which best suits their interests and learning needs, enabling them to flourish throughout their KS5 studies.
BTEC National Level 3
BTEC National Level 3 is split into two categories; Single and Double Business. Single (Extended Certificate) is the equivalent of one A-Level while Double (Diploma) is equivalent to two. Unlike A-Level qualifications, BTEC Nationals are assessed using a mixture of internal coursework and projects as well as external examinations. For a pupil who selects Double Business, they will complete all Units in Single Business as well as the additional Double Units.
Specification:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-nationals/business-2016.html#%2Ftab-Diploma
Assessment Overview:
A-Level Business
A-Level Business gives pupils the opportunity to study the world of Business in a much deeper and analytical way than they may have previously. A-Level Business is split into four themes, with one and two studied in Year 12 and three and four in Year 13. Pupils then sit three external examinations at the end of Year 13, based on the content across each of these themes.
Specification:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/business-2015.html
Assessment Overview:
A-Level Economics
A-Level Economics split into Four Themes, with one and two studied in Year 12 and three and four in Year 13. Pupils then sit three external examinations at the end of Year 13, based on the content across each of these themes.
Specification:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/economics-a-2015.html
Assessment Overview:
