Business Studies

The department is delighted with the continued success in grades at examination level and with the increased number of students choosing the subject at all levels the department continues to grow year on year. GCSE Business Studies in the last academic year had a total of 151 students at KS4, a 46% increase student increase since 2018-19. At A-Level and AS Level there were 59 students across lower and upper sixth. The growth in the subject continues to exceed all our expectations.

Our vision is for the Business Studies Department to be renowned for excellence across Northern Ireland by our peers with regards to teaching, learning and initiatives to promote Business Studies as a subject amongst young learners. We aim to contribute to the skills and qualities of our future leaders and prepare our learners for the dynamic and global business environment. Striving to promote a culture that equips every learner who comes through the department as an independent life-long learner and prepare them for the world of work with not only academic knowledge but promoting their personal and social development.

As a department we achieved 1st and 2nd in CCEA GCE Business Studies in Northern Ireland in 2018.

Business Studies covers all aspects of business activity from ownership, marketing, business growth, manufacturing, human resources and finance. Students are provided with the opportunity to develop problem solving, communication and team working skills. In the Business Studies Department, students are encouraged to increase their awareness of current business affairs. Business theory learnt in lessons is always applied to real life examples.

This knowledge, and the holistic understanding that develops, is invaluable to those students who are approaching or currently in the workplace. It offers an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue careers in management, marketing, project management, business accounting, management consultancy, human resources, and business journalism as well as those interested in continuing on to further study.

Quick Contact Details

Ms P McQuillan

[email protected]

F21

Curriculum Information

Key Stage 4 (GCSE)

We have two subjects within the department at Key Stage 4.

GCSE CCEA Business Studies

Business Studies provides a sound basis of business knowledge which pupils can use in a wide variety of careers such as accountancy, financial services, management and law. They will study current business and economic events in local, national and global contexts. They will learn how use key terms and concepts to describe business behaviour. Pupils will also consider business ethics and the impact of business on the environment.

We want our students to develop as independent learners and encourage them to use an enquiring, critical approach to distinguish facts from opinions, form arguments and make informed judgements.

Course content:

Unit 1: Starting a Business – (40%) – Completed in Year 11
Unit 2: Developing a Business (40%) – Completed in Year 12
Unit 3: Planning a Business (20%) – Completed in Year 12

GCSE CCEA Business and Communication Systems

GCSE Business and Communication Systems is a practical subject which recognises how ICT has become increasingly important in business. By studying this course pupils have the opportunity to develop practical ICT skills in a wide range of computer applications in business contexts. Students learn about file management and applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, web authoring, web browsing, email and presentation software. They also study types of business, recruitment, selection, training, marketing, the role of stakeholders and customers, and how best to communicate a message.

Aims

To develop practical ICT skills and business knowledge, skills and understanding that are useful in a diverse range of employment roles.
To help pupils understand the changing role of ICT in business.
To help pupils gain an understanding of how ICT skills are used to enhance business activities, particularly through e-commerce.
To prepare pupils for studying business and ICT at a more advanced level.

Course content:

Students who study GCSE Business and Communication Systems will follow the CCEA specification. This GCSE combines an understanding of Business theory with the practical use of ICT in business. There are 3 Units of study:

Unit 1: Software Applications for Business (40%) – Completed in Year 11
Unit 2: The Business Environment (35%) – Completed in Year 12
Unit 3: Developing Digital Solutions (25%) – Completed in Year 12

These courses prepare students for further study of business and business-related subjects, including Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Business Studies, Advanced GCE in Business Studies and GCE Professional Services.

CCEA GCSE Business Studies:

https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-business-studies-2017

CCEA GCSE Business and Communication Systems:

https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-business-and-communication-systems-2017

Key Stage 5 (GCE)

GCE CCEA Business Studies

GCE CCEA Business Studies is made up of two levels: AS and A2. Year 13 students can take the AS course as a final qualification without progressing to the A2 Level in Year 14. Those wanting to obtain the full Advanced GCE must complete both the AS and the A2 Level. The course has a modular structure with the modules being completed in Summer in Year 13 and A2 modules in Year 14. Students will study two units at AS and a further two at A2 Level.

Through studying this specification, students will:

gain an insight into the world of business;
gain understanding of organisations and their ability to meet society’s needs and wants;
learn how to develop enterprising and creative solutions to business problems and issues;
become aware of the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities faced by organisations and individuals; and
acquire a range of skills including; decision making; problem solving; the ability to quantify and manage information; and the ability to challenge assumptions.

The full GCE Business course consists of the following modules;

AS 1: Introduction to Business (50% of AS and 20% of A level)
AS 2: Growing the Business (50% of AS and 20% of A level)
A2 1: Strategic Decision Making (30% of A level)
A2 2: The Competitive Business Environment (30% of A level)

Career Opportunities:

The study of business provides a very useful foundation for higher level study. It is acceptable for entrance into a wide range of degree courses, leading into careers such as ICT, marketing/sales, personnel/business management, consultancy, accountancy, banking, business law, finance, insurance, investment, teaching and self-employment in one’s own business enterprise.

CCEA GCE Business Studies:

https://ccea.org.uk/post-16/gce/subjects/gce-business-studies-2016