Inclusion and Business Studies
- Teaching Business
- Jul 25, 2025
- 2 min read
Why Inclusion Matters in Business Studies
Business Studies classrooms are some of the most diverse learning spaces in the modern curriculum. With students coming from a wide range of academic abilities, learning preferences, and educational needs, it's no surprise that many Business teachers find themselves adapting on the fly. Now add in pupils with diagnosed (and undiagnosed) SEND needs such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism—and suddenly your 60-slide PowerPoint on cash flow forecasting isn't cutting it.
But inclusive teaching isn't about lowering expectations or watering down content. It's about providing equal access to learning. It's about making sure that every student—regardless of their challenges—has a fair shot at understanding concepts like ratio analysis, globalisation, and product design. These aren't just abstract topics; they relate to how the real world functions. And all learners deserve to engage with that.
The Unique Challenges of Business Studies for SEND Learners
Business Studies presents a unique cocktail of obstacles for SEND learners:
Abstract and applied concepts: Understanding opportunity cost or stakeholder conflict often requires high-level reasoning.
Literacy demands: Many exam questions are case study-based and text-heavy.
Numeracy requirements: From break-even charts to investment appraisal, maths isn't optional.
Fast-paced specs: Teachers are under pressure to cover large amounts of content quickly.
For pupils with learning difficulties, this mix can feel overwhelming. Without appropriate support, they may become disengaged, frustrated, or quietly fall behind.
As a father with direct experience of Autism and the challenges that this can create, I have revisited my early 'What is .....All About?' series and hope to gradually add more booklets over time to provide a more simplified insight into common topics and themes. Ideally suited for Year 9 and GCSE, it's an area that we all need to focus upon more to help our pupils fulfil their potential. Grab you FREE copy of What Are Entrepreneurs All About now.
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