Digital Finance Focus

Lesson Overview

Duration: 60 minutes
Class size: 5 students
Subject: Business (AQA GCSE Revision Year 12 / Post-GCSE transition focus)
Topic: Digital and Emerging Technology in Finance – EFT, AI impact on Digital Transformation, Business Process Management (BPM)
Curriculum Reference:

• AQA GCSE Business (9-1) Specification (Theme 2, Topic 2.5 & 2.6)
• National Curriculum for England: Key Stage 5 Business Studies (focus on technological influences on businesses)
• Focus on applying knowledge to financial contexts and digital innovation

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

• WALT: Understand the role of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) in modern business finance
• WALT: Analyse how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming digital finance and business processes
• WALT: Evaluate Business Process Management (BPM) and its digital applications in financial contexts
• WALT: Apply these digital concepts to typical GCSE/A-level case studies and exam-style scenarios

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Success Criteria

• Define and explain Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) with relevant business examples
• Describe key AI technologies impacting finance and digital transformation in business
• Explain BPM and identify how it improves efficiency in financial transactions and workflows
• Critically assess the benefits and risks of digital technology in finance through group discussion and case study responses
• Successfully complete an exam-style question on digital finance concepts with well-structured arguments

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Context (10 minutes)

• Starter Activity: Quick mind map on “What comes to mind when you hear digital finance?” (whiteboard or online tool)
• Link responses to key terms: EFT, AI, Digital Transformation, BPM
• Teacher input: Brief overview of these technologies referencing business examples such as contactless payments, chatbots for financial advice, and workflow automation software
• Dyslexia-friendly text included: Short, clear bullet points with simple fonts (Calibri, size 14 minimum), high contrast background handout

2. Main Teaching – Exploration & Application (25 minutes)

• Segment A: EFT Explained (8 minutes)

  • Definition and how EFT is used in business finance
  • Examples: Online banking, Direct Debits, contactless card payments
  • Activity: Students match EFT examples to business operations, discussing potential benefits (speed, convenience, security)
  • Differentiation: Use visual flowcharts for learners needing additional support

• Segment B: AI’s Impact on Finance (10 minutes)

  • Core AI technologies in finance (machine learning for fraud detection, robo-advisors, chatbots)
  • Discuss how AI transforms customer experience and operational efficiency
  • Activity: Role play – one student is a bank customer, one an AI chatbot, others evaluate benefits & limitations
  • Extension: Advanced learners research one AI fintech innovation and prepare a rapid 1-minute “elevator pitch” to sell its business value

• Segment C: BPM & Finance (7 minutes)

  • Define BPM and digital workflows in business finance
  • Demonstrate with a simple BPM diagram of an invoice payment process
  • Discuss efficiency gains and risk reduction
  • Activity: Group to identify BPM steps and suggest improvements

3. Consolidation & Assessment (15 minutes)

• Exam-Style Question: Students write a brief 150-word answer on:
  “Evaluate the impact of digital technology, including EFT and AI, on business financial operations.”
• Peer-assessment with a success criteria checklist covering key points, structure, and examples
• Teacher feedback to focus on linking theory to practice and balanced evaluation

4. Extension & Homework (5 minutes)

• Extension task: Create a digital poster or infographic illustrating one example of digital finance transformation (e.g. AI in fraud detection) to share next lesson
• Dyslexia-friendly reading list provided with audio summaries for reinforcement
• Suggest researching emerging trends such as blockchain payments or Open Banking for further enrichment

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Differentiation Strategies

• For diverse learners:
  • Use multi-sensory teaching: verbal explanations + visuals + role play
  • Simplified language summaries and glossaries for ALN or EAL students
  • Allow extra time for written tasks where needed
  • Provide scaffolded writing frames for exam questions
• For advanced learners:
  • Research and present cutting-edge digital finance case studies
  • Lead peer discussions or mini-presentations
• For dyslexic learners:
  • Dyslexia-friendly handouts: clear fonts, coloured paper option, bullet points
  • Use of mind-mapping software for note-taking
  • Oral feedback and opportunities to present ideas verbally

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Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers or interactive whiteboard
• Printed dyslexia-friendly handouts summarising key concepts
• Visual aids: EFT flowcharts, BPM diagrams
• Role-play prompt cards
• Sample case study and exam question sheets
• Devices for research (optional)

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Alignment with National Curriculum and AQA Specification

This lesson centres on the AQA GCSE Business specification Theme 2, topics covering digital technologies and business operations, explicitly addressing the role of technology in business finance—a key area of modern business studies at KS5. It encourages analytical thinking, evaluation, and understanding of digital innovation as required by the curriculum framework for progression to A-level Business and beyond. The use of assessment, scaffolded resources, and varied activities meets the curriculum’s aim to support diverse learners and prepare students for analytical exam questions.

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This detailed and dynamic lesson plan offers an interactive, inclusive approach that brings digital finance concepts alive for students, giving teachers a ready-to-use framework aligned with national standards and best practice.