Business - BTEC National Extended Certificate

Course summary

This vocational course will allow you to develop a critical understanding of business behaviour and the business environment by investigating and analysing real-life businesses. You will study leadership, attracting customers, recruiting and nurturing employees, managing finances, measuring business success, and developing strategic plans. You can then use this invaluable knowledge to succeed in any career! This level 3 course will give you the equivalent of one A Level over two years of study. 3 out of 4 topics will be studied by completing coursework investigating at least one business, and the 4th topic is assessed through an exam in the second year. Before and throughout this course, we encourage you to read up on businesses (brands, events, organizations, individuals, etc.) that you are each interested in. We also expect students to take an interest in current affairs so that you all can begin to understand and evaluate the causes and effects of consumer, business, and Government behaviour. You will also develop your skills of communication, working independently, teamwork, problem solving, and evidence-based decision making, all through a collaborative and empathetic approach. This course is ideal for students who are passionate about business and are either planning on pursuing a career in business or starting up their own business. It is a subject that requires students to learn theories, apply them to real businesses through their research, and assess their effectiveness. The course will suit you if you prefer coursework to exams and want the chance to carry out a detailed investigation of different businesses. You do need to be able to cope with constant and tight deadlines, so organisation is very important. There is a significant element of reading and writing because of the coursework, but also an expectation that students discuss and question at every opportunity. Students are expected to study given business theory before every week so that we can use this self-taught knowledge to explore real business case studies and effectively answer coursework activities. Developing these skills is essential to growth both professionally and personally. Business complements all subjects because every student will be an employee at some point, whether as a dancer or as an engineer, so will benefit from critiquing businesses with understanding and empathy.