Edexcel GCSE Business specification (1BS0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel GCSE Business exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel GCSE Business specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel GCSE Business (1BS0) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
This GCSE (9–1) Business specification equips students with the skills to become commercially minded and enterprising individuals. Learners explore the world of small businesses and what makes them successful before progressing to understand how businesses grow and adapt to a changing global environment. The qualification develops knowledge of key business concepts, how businesses respond to opportunities and threats, and how to make informed business decisions using both qualitative and quantitative data. Realistic business contexts and case studies are embedded throughout, supporting the development of critical and reflective thinking, business acumen, and problem-solving skills.Subject content breakdown
1.1 Enterprise and entrepreneurship
- How business ideas emerge from changes in technology or consumer needs
- Role and characteristics of entrepreneurship and business enterprise
- Risk vs reward in business activity
1.2 Spotting a business opportunity
- Understanding customer needs and conducting market research
- Market segmentation and mapping
- Competitive environment and its influence on decision-making
1.3 Putting a business idea into practice
- Aims and objectives, financial and non-financial
- Calculating revenue, costs, profit, break-even and cash flow
- Sources of finance for small/start-up businesses
1.4 Making the business effective
- Business ownership types and franchising
- Factors affecting business location
- Marketing mix (4Ps) and business planning
1.5 Understanding external influences
- Stakeholder groups and their objectives
- Technology, legislation and the economy
- Business responses to external factors
2.1 Growing the business
- Internal and external growth methods
- Changing aims and objectives as businesses evolve
- Globalisation, international trade and ethical/environmental considerations
2.2 Making marketing decisions
- Product design, life cycle and differentiation
- Pricing strategies and promotional methods
- Place and distribution, including e-commerce
- Integrating the marketing mix for competitive advantage
2.3 Making operational decisions
- Production processes and impact of technology
- Stock management (including JIT), procurement and logistics
- Managing quality and delivering good customer service
2.4 Making financial decisions
- Calculating and interpreting gross/net profit, profit margins, ARR
- Using financial and market data to inform decision-making
- Limitations of financial information
2.5 Making human resource decisions
- Organisational structures and communication
- Recruitment processes and different ways of working
- Employee training and motivation methods (financial and non-financial)
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Investigating small business
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 90 marks, 50% of the qualification
- Assesses Topics 1.1 to 1.5
- Sections A (35 marks), B (30 marks), C (25 marks)
- Includes multiple choice, short-answer, calculations and extended writing
- Sections B and C are based on case studies from a Source Booklet
- Calculators may be used
Paper 2: Building a business
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 90 marks, 50% of the qualification
- Assesses Topics 2.1 to 2.5
- Sections A (35 marks), B (30 marks), C (25 marks)
- Includes multiple choice, short-answer, calculations and extended writing
- Sections B and C are based on case studies from a Source Booklet
- Calculators may be used
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel GCSE Business isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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