Business Studies (Cambridge Technicals Extended Certificate)

Cambridge Technicals Extended Certificate

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Year 1 Leading to an AS equivalent qualification (Certificate)

Unit 1: The Business Environment: In this unit you will discover how businesses work in today’s fast-paced and competitive world. You’ll explore different types of businesses, how they’re run, and how they adapt to change—whether it’s new tech, social trends, or the economy. You'll also learn why planning, ethics, and knowing your limits as a business matter. This will be externally assessed through an exam.

Unit 4: Customers & Communication: In this unit you will learn why customers are key to business success and how great communication makes all the difference. This unit looks at different customer types, what they need, and how to keep them happy. You’ll also explore how to communicate clearly and confidently, using the right methods while staying professional, ethical, and secure. This will be internally assessed through a portfolio of coursework tasks.

Year 2 Leading to an Extended Certificate (equivalent of an A Level)

Unit 2: Working in Business: In this unit you will gain the skills you need to thrive in the workplace. This unit teaches you how to stay organised, communicate professionally, and follow key business protocols. You’ll learn how to arrange meetings, manage documents and payments, and handle sensitive information securely and ethically—preparing you for real-world roles in any business setting. This will be externally assessed through an exam.

Unit 16: Principles of Project Management: In this unit you will learn how to plan and manage real business projects from start to finish. This unit takes you through every stage—from setting SMART goals to tracking progress and closing the project. You’ll also build key skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving to help deliver successful results. This will be internally assessed through a portfolio of coursework tasks.

Unit 11: Accounting concepts: In this unit you will explore the essentials of business accounting. You'll learn how to keep accurate financial records using double-entry bookkeeping and understand why this is vital for any business. From creating invoices and managing cash books to preparing final accounts, you'll gain practical skills that employers value. This unit also introduces you to key accounting principles and international standards, setting you up for further study or a career in finance. This will be internally assessed through a portfolio of coursework tasks.

Curriculum

Our Vocational Business curriculum empowers students to take ownership of their learning, fostering independence, confidence, and a strong sense of achievement. Through real-world scenarios and collaborative projects, learners develop essential decision-making and teamwork skills.

The course encourages students to see themselves as future business professionals, building a clear identity rooted in ethical practice and ambition. With a focus on progression and practical experience, it connects classroom learning to university, apprenticeships, and the dynamic world of work.

Studying Vocational Business provides transferable skills allowing students a smooth transition from an educational environment to a work environment, by providing an insight to a multitude of business sectors and departments.

Progression

Many students go on to study a BA/BSc Hons degree in business related subjects or into Higher Apprenticeships within a wide range of industries.

Careers

Accountants; marketing or recruitment specialists; financial advisors or management positions in a variety of areas and industries.

Entry Requirements

5 x GCSE at Grades 5,5,4,4,4

Including Grade 4 in both English and Maths

Assessment

The Exam Board is OCR

Year 1 Certificate

Unit 1 33% exam

Unit 4 16% coursework

Year 2 Extended Certificate

Unit 2 16% exam

Unit 16 16% coursework

Unit 11 16% coursework

Opportunities for work related activities

Investigations of real businesses in the workplace. Visiting speakers.