The aim of the Enterprise and Marketing curriculum is to develop students’ understanding of how enterprises operate within local, national, and global contexts, while equipping them with the practical skills and knowledge needed to plan, pitch, and review a business proposal. Through the OCR Cambridge National in Enterprise and Marketing, students learn how real-world enterprises identify and respond to opportunities and challenges, and how effective marketing and planning are essential to success.
Our curriculum is designed to nurture entrepreneurial thinking, analytical skills, and creativity, encouraging students to make informed decisions and solve realistic business problems. We aim to develop confident, employable young people who can evaluate data, think critically about enterprise strategies, and communicate their ideas effectively.
Curriculum planning within the department is collaborative and strategic. We have produced a two-year plan that outlines the key learning objectives, essential questions, assessment formats, and core concepts for each unit. This ensures coverage of all key specification content while allowing us to sequence topics logically for maximum impact. Learning is road mapped so that students can clearly see what they will be learning throughout the course, how it links to prior knowledge, and how it connects to the wider world of enterprise and marketing.
Our approach ensures that students are not only prepared for the assessment components of the Cambridge National but also develop transferable skills that will benefit them in further education and employment.
Implementation
We believe that all students can succeed in Enterprise and Marketing through high-quality teaching and a curriculum that combines theory with practical application. Lessons focus on ensuring students understand key enterprise concepts and can apply them to a range of realistic business scenarios.
Students are regularly challenged to think independently and work collaboratively (where appropriate), particularly when developing and pitching their own business ideas as part of their coursework. Through teacher modelling and structured discussion, students are encouraged to express themselves confidently and respectfully, developing communication skills that are vital in the business world.
A wide range of engaging lesson materials and case studies are used to bring enterprise concepts to life. I do, We do, You do is used to structure learning and support students in building knowledge progressively. Knowledge organisers help reinforce key terminology and underpin understanding of the course content.
All resources are accessible via the school’s VLE (Firefly), supporting independent learning and revision. Adaptive teaching is used in all lessons to check student understanding and pick up common misconceptions.
As the OCR Cambridge National in Enterprise and Marketing has a strong vocational focus, our teaching emphasises practical application of knowledge through scenario-based tasks and coursework components. This allows students to demonstrate their understanding in a range of contexts and prepares them for the assessment demands of both the coursework units and the external examination.
Cultural capital is embedded throughout the curriculum. Students explore the work and influence of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, analysing how their innovation and decision-making have shaped modern markets. Current events and emerging business trends are also integrated into lessons to help students make meaningful links between theory and real-world practice.
We continually revisit and build upon key content to deepen understanding and develop mastery. Lessons incorporate retrieval practice, questioning, and reflection to strengthen long-term memory and develop the metacognitive skills essential for success in enterprise and marketing.
Impact
Our carefully designed Enterprise and Marketing curriculum ensures that students develop a strong understanding of how businesses operate and the confidence to apply this knowledge in practical contexts. Outcomes for students in the department are consistently strong, with results meeting or exceeding national expectations.
Student engagement in the subject is high, as evidenced by positive feedback and the increasing number of students choosing to continue studying Business or related courses at post-16 level. Learning walks and coaching sessions regularly highlight the high quality of teaching and learning, with students demonstrating enthusiasm, independence, and professionalism in their work. Option numbers are continuously strong.
Students have a clear understanding of the learning journey through the use of road maps, success criteria, and continuous feedback. This enables them to see the relevance of their studies and make clear connections between classroom learning and real-world enterprise challenges.
Most importantly, our learners leave the course equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and practical enterprise skills to succeed in future education and the workplace — and with a genuine enjoyment of the subject that often inspires future study or entrepreneurial ambition.