Business Year 10/11

The aim of the WJEC Retail Business Award at Level 1 and 2 is to provide students with a strong foundation in retail business knowledge and skills, preparing them for both further education and work in the retail sector. The vision is to ensure that learners develop an understanding of retail as a dynamic and essential industry, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that will help them succeed in a variety of roles within retail. 

Key components might include: 

• Understanding the retail environment: Students will explore the role of retail businesses in the economy, key retail operations, and the factors influencing success in this sector. 

• Developing business skills: The curriculum will introduce key business concepts such as customer service, marketing, selling techniques, stock control, and managing finances. 

• Preparing for future opportunities: By engaging with real-world business scenarios, students are equipped to pursue further education, apprenticeships, or entry-level retail roles upon completion of the award. 

The development of learners is central to the WJEC Retail Business Award, as it focuses not just on academic achievement but also on practical and employability skills. The qualification aims to nurture the following qualities: 

• Practical Skills: Students will be encouraged to apply their knowledge in real-life situations, which can be assessed through case studies, group work, and business projects. 

• Problem Solving and Creativity: Learners will be challenged to think critically about how businesses can solve problems and innovate in the competitive retail environment. 

• Communication Skills: Retail business roles often require effective communication, whether dealing with customers, suppliers, or colleagues. The qualification supports the development of both written and verbal communication skills. 

• Teamwork and Leadership: Collaborative tasks allow learners to develop leadership and teamwork skills, crucial in any business setting. 

• Adaptability: The retail industry is ever-evolving, and learners will be encouraged to stay adaptable, thinking about how trends and customer expectations influence retail business strategies. 

The structure and sequence of the WJEC Retail Business Award are designed to guide learners from basic concepts to more complex ideas, ensuring a steady progression of knowledge and skills. 

This is a unitised qualification consisting of 3 mandatory units: 

• Unit Title 1 Assessment The business of retail (External exam).

• Unit Title 2 Customer service for retail business (Internal assessment/coursework) 

• Unit Title 3 Merchandising and marketing retail products (Internal assessment/coursework) 

Unit 1 introduces learners to the business of retail and provides them with the opportunity to explore the dynamic and competitive nature of the retail industry. They will gain knowledge and understanding of different types of retail business and retail activity, as well as the impact of external factors on the industry.

Unit 2 allows learners to develop knowledge and understanding of the principles of customer service for retail business and offers the opportunity for learners to develop skills in investigating the customer service experience across retail organizations.

Unit 3 provides learners with the opportunity to develop their understanding of the importance of merchandising and marketing retail products, and how retail businesses use merchandising and marketing to achieve their aims. Learners will also apply their knowledge and understanding to develop skills in designing visual merchandising installations and promotional materials that achieve specific aims.

The WJEC Retail Business Award is designed to help students successfully transition into the world of work or further education. Possible destinations include: 

• Further Education: Students who wish to continue studying retail, business, or a related field may progress to Level 3 qualifications such as BTEC Nationals or A-levels in Business or Economics. 

• Apprenticeships: The qualification prepares students for retail apprenticeships, offering a hands-on learning experience in roles like sales assistant, customer service representative, or stock manager. 

• Entry-Level Retail Jobs: Students can enter the workforce directly in a variety of entry-level retail roles. These might include positions such as cashier, sales associate, or visual merchandiser, all of which offer opportunities for career progression within the industry. 

• Higher Education: For those interested in university education, the qualification can provide the groundwork for courses related to business management, retail management, marketing, or economics. 

In terms of developing a professional understanding, learners will also be exposed to key employability skills such as time management, working under pressure, and customer relations, all of which are essential for success in the retail sector.