“I made 5,127 prototypes of my vacuum before I got it right. There were 5,126 failures. But I learned from each one. That’s how I came up with a solution. So I don’t mind failure”.

– James Dyson

“Do what you love and success will follow. Passion is the fuel behind a successful career.” 
Meg Whitman, CEO of Quibi

At Walthamstow Academy the Business & Enterprise Department aims to develop the skills of young people to ensure they can become the successful entrepreneurs of the future. Through fun, exciting projects, students develop skills in many areas including:

• Enterprise Skills
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving
• Time Management
• Presentation Skills

These transferable skills can then be applied to a wide range of careers and make our students more employable as well preparing them to become great employers themselves.

BTEC

In Key Stage 4 students study the Edexcel BTEC Tech Award in Enterprise which aims to give them a practical understanding of what 'being in business' entails; it helps students to develop the knowledge, understanding and competency needed when considering entering employment in this sector.

The course will enable students to find out why businesses act in the way they do and how they aim to influence consumer behaviour. It consists of a number of units that are continually assessed through assignments. The range of subjects covered is as diverse as Finance to Customer Service. The course is practical and students are encouraged to develop research and planning skills for themselves. Lessons incorporate a range of approaches, including case studies, group work, discussions, presentations, role-play and ICT. Final grades are determined by a written test and students' work during the course.

GCSE

The Edexcel Business GCSE Course studied at the academy is split into 2 Themes. Theme 1 concentrates on the key business concepts, issues and skills involved in starting and running a small business. It provides a framework for students to explore core concepts through the lens of an entrepreneur setting up a business.

Theme 2 examines how a business develops beyond the start-up phase. It focuses on the key business concepts, issues and decisions used to grow a business, with emphasis on aspects of marketing, operations, finance and human resources. Theme 2 also considers the impact of the wider world on the decisions a business makes as it grows.

Lessons focus on real world business case studies, encouraging students to explore the world around them and to think critically about how entrepreneurs manage risk in their business operation.

BTEC

In Key Stage 5 students study the Edexcel BTEC National Diploma in Business which aims to give a practical understanding of what the business world is about. It is also designed to match degree courses in content, to allow smooth progression through to University. Notably, most students this year achieved an equivalent A* A level grade and many students gained a place at Russell Group  Universities entirely through this Business qualification.

The course consists of a number of units that are assessed through coursework assignments. The units taught cover the whole range of business topics from Accounting to Marketing. The course is practical and students are encouraged to develop research and planning skills for themselves. Lessons involve individual research and the compilation of a portfolio of work that is continuously assessed. Students choose a range of businesses they are interested in which makes the course very relevant. Presentations and group work are often used on this dynamic course. Final grades are determined on students’ coursework over the whole course. In Year 12 the students have started the NQF BTEC National Business which includes 2 controlled assessments and 1 written exam. However, this course remains to have a large percentage of the grade based on coursework compared to the equivalent A Level.

A Level

The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Business is structured into four themes and consists of three externally examined papers. Students are introduced to business in Themes 1 and 2 through building knowledge of core business concepts and applying them to business contexts to develop a broad understanding of how businesses work. Breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, with applications to a wider range of contexts and more complex business information, are developed in Themes 3 and 4, requiring students to take a more strategic view of business opportunities and issues. Students are encouraged to use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of business, to understand that business behaviour can be studied from a range of perspectives and to challenge assumptions.

Paper 3 is based on an investigation into a specific business context and, after a pre-release several months before the exam is sat, students conduct independent research to become experts in an industry or sector. By the end of the course they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to continue their studies at university or to enter the workplace as confident business-minded young people who know what it takes to add value to an organisation.

The Business & Enterprise Department is a team of dedicated, experienced and enthusiastic teachers who have all worked in the Business World. We combine excellent teaching with real life experience to enthuse and engage students about Business; we present Business as a truly vocational and relevant subject. The excellent results gained by the department each year indicate our dedication to achieving the best from our students.

• Mr Tunokan Ogbe - Subject Leader & BTEC Co-ordinator
• Ms Sarah Akoto - 2iC Year 8
• Mr Rob Evans – Head of Year 12
• Mr Waqas Asghar – Subject Teacher