Business 14-19

Why become a teacher of business?

Becoming a teacher of business transcends the conventional classroom role; it’s about instilling a practical understanding of the dynamic world of business and entrepreneurship. In the business studies classroom, it’s not just about teaching theories and concepts, it’s about cultivating a mindset of critical thinking and adaptability. You will guide students through an exciting curriculum, drawing on the intricacies of decision-making, strategy, and real-world applications. Business connects diverse fields and as a teacher of this subject you will play a pivotal role in breaking down complex concepts to allow your students to not only grasp key business principles, but you will help them to become confident, analytical thinkers ready to navigate the challenges of the professional business landscape.

 

Being a teacher of business means you will support young people: 

  • to know and understand business concepts, the nature of business activity and the impact of business on individuals and wider society;
  • to develop the ability to think commercially and creatively;
  • to understand how to make informed judgements;
  • to learn about business on a global, national and local level;
  • to develop a critical understanding of organisations and how they meet society’s needs and wants.

 

What are the key concepts that underpin our approach to the teaching of Business?

  • the purpose of business activity
  • influences on business
  • business operations
  • application of numerical skills
  • promote a holistic understanding of business and enterprise
  • external influences
  • marketing
  • accounting and finance
  • human resources
  • operations management, leadership and decision making
  • business objectives and strategy
  • change

The SCITT course intertwines the theoretical with the practical elements of teaching to offer the most robust training experience possible. With my Subject Specialist I was able to distil the key theoretical concepts into subject specific practises to improve my classroom teaching. They were hugely knowledgeable and their experience and classroom expertise were invaluable support throughout my training year.

How is our business course constructed?

This course is built on an extensive research base in teaching business and it is closely interwoven with our Central Curriculum Sessions as part of our overall Integrated Curriculum approach. Each year we review all aspects of our courses to ensure that they cover the most relevant components of the subject as well as introducing you to the most commonly taught ideas and concepts. Mentors and specialist teachers in our partnership schools also play a crucial role in reviewing the programme to ensure that it gives the very best preparation for becoming a great business teacher.

Our carefully designed curriculum is structured so that you will have approximately one Subject Curriculum Session a week across the 2024-25 academic year. Alongside this, subject specificity is carefully woven throughout all aspects of the course, including the ongoing assessment process and the optional PGCE assignments, so that all content is relevant to you and your teaching. Subject Curriculum Sessions will develop on the ideas and theory raised in your general Central Curriculum Sessions so that you have expert guidance on how best to deliver strategies and techniques in your specific subject area. 

Our business course prepares you to teach across the 14-19 age range, and you will be formally assessed in those key stages. In addition you will also have the opportunity to observe and teach a KS3 subject in at least one of your placements.

The links below will provide you with information about the curriculum and programmes of study that schools are expected to deliver, these shape the content that your Subject Curriculum Sessions will cover, to ensure that you are able and confident to teach across the full range of topic areas included. 

Professional Subject Association

As well as introducing you to a wealth of relevant books, articles and research papers from our own resources and library, you will also have funded access to The Subject Association for Teachers of Business, Economics and Enterprise, the leading voice for teachers of business, economics or enterprise.

Membership will be set up and arranged for you at the start of the course and your Subject Specialist will guide you on how best to use the resources, professional learning community and events from the association to support your subject development and the lessons that you will prepare and deliver.