0454_s26_ms_13 2026 May-June Enterprise 0454 Mark Scheme 1 Variant 3 · Cambridge CAIE IGCSE

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0454_s26_ms_132026 May-June Enterprise 0454 Mark Scheme 1 Variant 3

This is the official Cambridge mark scheme for Enterprise (0454) Mark Scheme 1 (Variant 3) from the 2026 May-June session. Mark schemes show exactly how each mark is awarded, including acceptable alternative answers, required key terms, and common errors that lose marks. Cambridge mark schemes use notation like "allow," "accept," and "do not credit" to define the boundary between full marks and zero.

Also referenced as: 0454_s26_ms_13 · 0454/13/m/j/26 ms · 0454/13 May/June 2026 ms

Paper 1: Written Theory (Case Study) This is Paper 1: Written Theory (Case Study), worth 100 marks with a duration of 1h 30m. Pre-issued case study released before the exam. Section A = short structured questions on the case study and own enterprise project; Section B = extended responses (Question 6 on the case study, Question 7 on the candidate's own enterprise). Section B requires chains of reasoning showing knowledge, application and impact.

This mark scheme corresponds to 0454_s26_qp_13. For maximum revision benefit, attempt the question paper under strict exam conditions first, then use this mark scheme to self-assess. Pay attention to the marking notation: "allow" means an alternative is accepted, "do not credit" means a specific phrasing is rejected even if technically correct, and "ORA" (or reverse argument) means the mark can also be earned with the opposite reasoning.

Cambridge mark schemes reward precise language. For Enterprise (0454), look for keywords the examiner requires — definitions must include specific terms (e.g., "per unit mass," "resultant"), and calculations must show working even if the final answer is correct. Understanding mark scheme conventions helps you write answers that hit every marking point, not just the general idea.

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Same paper, other years

Enterprise (0454) Mark Scheme 1 (Variant 3) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 1: Written Theory (Case Study)

Based on analysis of 1 official Cambridge documents (2025)

1

Section B answers state knowledge but never explain the impact on the enterprise

Candidates frequently provide answers which contain lots of knowledge but they do not explain the effect of this knowledge.0454 Paper 1, May/June 2025

How to fix: Every Section B paragraph needs three layers: a point of knowledge, an example from the case study or your own enterprise, and an explanation of how it affects the enterprise. Use connectives such as 'this means', 'therefore' and 'as a result' to push from a fact into an impact — knowledge alone caps you in Level 1.

2

Generic answers with no application to the specific enterprise

Many candidates continue to find it difficult to gain higher marks in each question as they did not apply their answers to the required enterprise.0454 Paper 1, May/June 2025

How to fix: Read the question stem carefully — it tells you whether to apply to the case study enterprise or your own enterprise project. Use specific details: names, products, locations, numbers from the case (e.g. the railway stall calculation, Fern's £875 spend) or specific facts from your own project. Saying 'at school' is not application.

3

Confusing enterprise skills (topic 3.1) with general business skills

An error made by some candidates was to identify general rather than enterprise skills. The most common incorrect answers being, decision making, negotiation and communication.0454 Paper 1, May/June 2025

How to fix: Memorise the topic 3.1 list of enterprise skills (initiative, taking responsibility, creativity, innovation, risk-taking, problem solving, etc.). Negotiation, decision-making, communication, planning, customer service, financial management and marketing are NOT classed as enterprise skills in 0454 — using them in skill questions earns zero.

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Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 1 official Cambridge documents