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About GCSE Business Studies
GCSE Business Studies is taken at the end of Year 11 and connects closely to the world students see around them. It covers how a business starts, how it is run day to day, and how it responds to what happens outside its doors. There is no tier here, so every student sits the same two papers. You can see how our GCSE tutoring works.
The two boards agree on the basics. AQA and Edexcel each set two written papers of 1 hour 45 minutes and 90 marks, worth half of the GCSE each, for a total scaled mark of 180. Neither sets coursework. Where they part company is the topic split and the shape of each paper.
Business rewards students who can use a case study, not just recall a definition. Around 30% of the marks are for analysis and evaluation, which means recommending a course of action and justifying it. Profit, cash flow, break even and margins appear on both boards, so we build the finance work early and keep practising it inside past papers and mark schemes.
Who GCSE Business Studies Is For
This course suits students who want a Business grade they can rely on.
- Year 10 and Year 11 students sitting GCSE Business this summer
- Students aiming for grades 7 to 9
- Learners who know the theory but lose marks on case study questions
- Students who need more practice on finance and calculations
- Students taking Business alongside Economics, Maths or Computer Science
GCSE Business Studies Exam Boards We Cover
Both boards run two written papers of 1 hour 45 minutes and 90 marks, each worth half of the GCSE, and neither sets coursework. They differ in two ways. AQA examines its first two topics in both papers, while Edexcel splits its content cleanly in half. And AQA puts its largest section last, where Edexcel puts its largest section first.
AQA
Two written papers of 1 hour 45 minutes and 90 marks, each worth 50% of the GCSE, for a total scaled mark of 180. Paper 1 is Influences of operations and HRM on business activity, covering Business in the real world; Influences on business; Business operations; and Human resources. Paper 2 is Influences of marketing and finance on business activity, covering Business in the real world; Influences on business; Marketing; and Finance. The first two topics therefore appear in both papers. Each paper carries the same three sections: Section A is multiple choice and short answer questions worth 20 marks, then two case study sections worth approximately 34 and 36 marks. A calculator is allowed, and there is no coursework.
Edexcel
Two written papers of 1 hour 45 minutes and 90 marks, each worth 50% of the qualification. Paper 1 is Theme 1: Investigating small business, covering Enterprise and entrepreneurship; Spotting a business opportunity; Putting a business idea into practice; Making the business effective; and Understanding external influences on business. Paper 2 is Theme 2: Building a business, covering Growing the business; Making marketing decisions; Making operational decisions; Making financial decisions; and Making human resource decisions. Nothing is repeated between the two papers. Each paper carries the same three sections: Section A is worth 35 marks, Section B 30 marks and Section C 25 marks, with questions running from calculations and multiple choice through to short answers and extended writing. Sections B and C are based on business contexts. Calculators may be used, and there is no coursework.
How Centaurus Helps GCSE Business Studies Students Excel
Board-Specific Topic Coverage
AQA re-examines its first two topics in both papers and Edexcel splits its content in half. We teach the list your child's papers actually carry.
Case Study Technique
Most of the marks sit behind a case study. We teach students to pull out the relevant facts and use them in the answer instead of describing the theory.
Finance Made Manageable
Profit, cash flow, break even and margins appear on both boards. We build these skills early so the calculation questions stop costing marks.
Evaluation Practised
Around 30% of the marks are for analysis and evaluation. Students learn to recommend a course of action and then justify it.
Command Words Decoded
Define, explain, analyse and evaluate ask for different things. We train students to answer the question that is actually set.
Classes in Your Local Time
Live sessions scheduled around your time zone, so no late nights or early mornings just to make a class.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right GCSE Business Studies support makes a real difference. Here is how Centaurus Academy compares with typical online providers.
Meet our Team Of Experts
Our expert tutors bring deep subject knowledge and a passion for teaching — helping every student reach their full potential.
What Parents Say About Us
Hear from the parents and students who have experienced our personalised teaching first-hand.
Excellent long-term experience
We have an excellent long-term experience with the academy and Sir Awais. Our three children studied with them during different periods and succeeded well. We highly recommend the academy.
Excellent academy
Centaurus Academy is truly one of the best educational institutions I've come across. The environment is nurturing, the staff are incredibly dedicated, and the quality of education is outstanding. They focus not only on academic excellence but also on character building and personal growth. The teachers are supportive and go the extra mile to ensure every student feels confident and motivated.
My child has gained confidence
I'm very satisfied with the dedication and teaching approach. My child has gained confidence and improved significantly in understanding math concepts, thanks to the teacher's clear explanations and supportive guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About GCSE Business Studies
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