Business Studies

Members of the Department

Mrs Ewart (Leader of Business Studies)

Miss Barclay

Aims

The Business Studies Department strives to provide pupils with exciting opportunities and experiences to gain a better understanding of business and a unique insight into the world of work. We want to encourage pupils to gain a better insight into the world of business, from the purchase of raw materials, recruitment, production and finances. This includes our pupils going on industrial visits and welcoming guest speakers. Pupils are encouraged to gain a range of practical, presentational, personal, interpersonal and communication skills as well as problem-solving and decision-making skills.

KS4

From September 2022, we will offer two pathway options for GCSE – Level 2 Business Administration Skills and GCSE Business Studies.

Business Administration Skills (OCN NI Level 2 Certificate)

This is a vocational course which is a 100% portfolio assessed course. The units that will be studied include:

1. Written Business Communications

2. Understanding the Role of an Administrator

3. Email Software Skills

4. Word Processing Software

5. Spreadsheet Software

Business Studies (CCEA GCSE)

This CCEA course is made up with three units being studied over two years. It is made up with 80% exam and 20% controlled assessment. The units that will be studied include:

Unit 1: Starting a Business

An external exam will be taken at the end of Year 11, worth 40% of the qualification. Topics include:

· Entrepreneurs

· Business resources

· Business ownership

· Social enterprise

· Business Location

· Business Aims and Objectives

· Stakeholders

· Marketing and Market Research

· Marketing Mix

· Competition

· Customer Service

· International Business

· E-Business

· M-Business

· Types of Production

· Methods of Manufacturing

· Quality Assurance

· Health and Safety in Manufacturing

Unit 2: Developing a Business

An external exam will be taken at the end of Year 12, worth 40% of the qualification. Topics include:

· Recruitment

· Selection

· Appraisal

· Training

· Motivation

· Business Success or Failure

· Business Growth

· Sources of Finance

· Cash Flow Forecasts

· Financial Statements

· Income Statement

· Statement of Financial Position

· Ratios

· Break-Even

Unit 3: Planning a Business

Controlled Assessment, which may examine any area of content from the specification, students apply knowledge and understanding drawn from across the whole specification to a real business context. Students carry out research and apply it, together with their own knowledge, to a range of circumstances. They examine and evaluate specified areas of a business plan and make reasoned recommendations. Controlled Assessment is worth 20% of the qualification.

Areas include:

· Business Plan

· Planning

· Communicate Findings