Attributes of a Most Able Learner in Business

A Most Able learner is someone whose progress exceeds age related expectations and has the capacity to achieve or perform at the highest levels.

In Business, a Most Able learner is one who has a heightened interest for the subject which is reflected in both their written and verbal communications. They will possess an efficient memory and application of knowledge in order to solve business problems in a highly productive manner. They will also be able to make synoptic links throughout topics as well as demonstrate high level analysis and evaluative skills.

Overall. Most Able learners in Business possess a curiosity and passion for learning both in and outside of the classrooms. They want to know how Business works in the real-world and enjoy reading and exploring independently.

Learning Outside of the Classroom

We strongly recommend extra reading sound the subject of business, either generally or with specific links to the topics we are teaching in lessons. There are also lots of business related films and TV programmes that learners could engage with.

TV examples include:

  • Dragon’s Den
  • The Apprentice
  • Inside the Factory

Film examples include:

  • The Founder
  • The Social Network
  • Joy

A range of other films, programmes, websites, podcasts and books can be found on the ‘keep learning’ task sheet that is available in learners’ home learning books.

OCR Revision Guides for Key Stage 4

Paper 1 – Business Activity, Marketing and People
Paper 2 – Operations, Finance and Influences on business

GCSE Business Revision – Here you will find links to knowledge organisers, flash cards, revision guides, videos and practice questions to help you with your revision of each topic.

 

How We Support Most Able Learners in Lessons

In business, all learners should be given the knowledge they need to develop their understanding of the nature, processes and methods used in business, and be able to carry out different types of skills to answer business questions.

As a discipline, business is a subject that requires reading, writing, analysis and evaluation using case studies – if learners are More Able then they should be supported to take their learning further and to make links between topics, subjects and careers.

Disciplinary Skill/Knowledge Tailored Support
Business vocabulary

Learners should be able to accurately and confidently use business vocabulary.
  • T3 words are explicitly taught in relevant lessons and learners keep a dictionary in their workbooks where they then use the word in a sentence to demonstrate understanding. This word(s) should then be used accurately in their curriculum book and assessments.
Analyse case studies

Learners should be able to highlight and annotate case studies to ensure they understand the business in the question. This will then enable them to accurately answer questions.

 
  • Homework each fortnight involves learners highlighting and annotating a case study before they then attempt a series of questions. This will be modelled to learners throughout the course as and where relevant and an example is included with the homework to show the depth needed.Keep learning tasks are available in homework books and on Google Classrooms for learners to extend their learning beyond the classrooms. This includes books to read, podcasts to listen to as well as TV programmes and films they could watch.
Include context

Learners should be able to refer to the case studies and use the information given to support their answers.
  • Where words could be changed to include context then these words will also be highlighted. Model answers will also be used with learners discussing where the context is or where it is lacking as well as doing this through peer marking.
Synoptic links

Learners should be able to make links between topics and reflect on how one decision can affect multiple other departments within a business.

 
  • Retrieval practice questions are designed, where possible to link topics together, both from previous lessons and to future lessons not yet studied. Exam practice questions will also include synoptic questions where relevant throughout the curriculum.
Evaluation

Learners should be able to evaluate different possible options for a business, based on the case study given, and come to a justified decision.

 
  • Practice questions throughout the curriculum with individualised feedback. Homework and assessments will also include practice questions where relevant, again with personalised feedback.

 

What Can Parents/Carers Do To Support?

By supporting your child’s passion and enthusiasm for the subject you can help them to develop a deeper understanding of the synoptic links between different business activities. This can be done through:

  • Checking all work and homework is completed thoroughly with emphasis on explaining what every point made means for the business.
  • Ensuring that regular, weekly revision is taking place of previous topics taught.
  • Ensuring revision is taking place for end of topic tests, MCQ’s and end of unit assessments.
  • Encourage students to ask for help if they are struggling.
  • Encourage students to attend after school revision/catch up sessions.
  • Encourage students to complete ‘keep learning’ tasks. Keep Learning Tasks.pdf

 

Useful Websites

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zpsvr82

http://www.businessed.co.uk/index.php/home/activities/gcse-activities/gcse-activities-topic

https://www.tutor2u.net

https://www.gcsepod.com

https://www.senecalearning.com