Key Stage 4 Business Studies

Subject Overview

The department offers 3 subjects at Key Stage 4:

GCSE Business Studies
GCSE Business and Communication Systems
CCEA Level 2 Occupational Studies – Business Services

GCSE Business Studies

GCSE Business Studies - Why Study the Subject

Students choose to study GCSE Business Studies because they are interested in the world around them and may want a career in business. Students also study business because they enjoy problem solving and working with others, taking part in industrial visits and want to develop their research skills. Many students progress to study business at Post 16.

Assessment Structure

Year 11 Unit 1 | Starting a Business – Exam 40%

Year 12 Unit 2 | Developing a Business – Exam 40%

Year 12 Unit 3 | Planning a Business – Controlled Assessment 20%

Year 11 - Topics Studied

Unit 1 - Starting a Business

Topics Include:

Entrepreneurs
Key Characteristics of Entrepreneurs
Business Resources
Business Ownership
The Public Sector
The role of Social Enterprise
Business Location
Business aims and objectives
Stakeholders
Marketing and Market Research
The Marketing Mix (4P’s)
Competition
Customer Service
E-business
M-business
Types of Production
Methods of Manufacturing
Quality Assurance
Health and Safety in Manufacturing

Year 12 - Topics Studied

Unit 2 - Developing a Business

Topics Include:

Recruitment
Selection
Appraisal
Training
Motivation
Business Success or Failure
Business Growth
Internal/External Sources of Finance
Cash Flow Forecasts
Financial Statements
Ratios
Break-Even

Unit 3 - Planning a Business - Controlled Assessment

Students complete the following:

Booklet A: Planning and research
Booklet B: Communicate Findings.

Teachers mark the task, and CCEA moderate the results.

Employability/job opportunities/further study

Progress to Professional Business Services or Cambridge Technical in Business at A Level
Accountancy
Law
Human Resources
Marketing
Teaching
Public Relations
Banking and Finance
International Marketing

Key Stage 4 Extra Curricular Activities/Trips/Industry links

Year 11 Business Studies students visit Tayto castle in Tandragee. The students investigate the methods of production used by the factory and the importance of quality assurance in the production of crisps which are sold to a global market.

Head of Department

Mr A Twohig (HOD)

GCSE Business and Communications Systems - Why Study the Subject

Students gain a broad introduction to the Business World. They learn about recruitment, selection, training and marketing as well as the implications of digital technology for business. Students consider different roles, including stakeholders and customers, as well as how best to communicate a message. They look at all these factors in the context of the changing nature of business today.

Assessment Structure

Year 11 Unit 1 | Software Applications for Business - (Computer based exam 40%)

Year 12 Unit 2 | The Business Environment - (Written exam 35%)

Year 12 Unit 3 | Developing Digital Solutions - (Controlled Assessment – 3 tasks - 25%)

Year 11 - Topics Studied

Topic One - Use of ICT

Topics Include:

Word-processing
Spreadsheets
Charts
Databases
Presentations
Using the Internet & E-mail
Web Design

Assessment – 2-hour computer based test – student’s complete tasks using a range of software applications.

Year 12 - Topics Studied

Topic Two - The Business Environment

Topics Include:

Business Ownership
Aims of Business
Stakeholders
Customers
Communication
Human Resources
Marketing
Implications of digital technology for business and customers

Assessment – 1 hour written paper – 35%

Topic Three - Developing Digital Solutions

Students’ project manage and develop a digital solution for a given problem within a business context. – Controlled Assessment – 25%

Employability/job opportunities/further study

Progress to Professional Business Services or Cambridge Technical in Business at A Level
Accountancy
Law
Human Resources
Marketing
Teaching
Public Relations
Banking and Finance
International Marketing

Occupational Studies – Business and Services - Why Study the Subject

This subject provides learners with a basic knowledge and understanding of administration practice together with the skills necessary to pursue careers as secretaries, administrators, receptionists or call centre personnel.

Assessment Structure

2 internally assessed units, there are no exams in this course.

Year 11 - Topics Studied

Unit 1 - Communication in an Office or Business Environment (Internal Assessment - 50%)

Learners will have an opportunity to develop the effective communication skills required to establish good working relationships in an office or business environment.

This unit includes:

Communicating effectively with customers
Effective customer service in a business
Meeting customer needs and dealing with queries and complaints
Preparing and handling routine business documents
Working as part of a team in a business
Consideration of environmental issues in a business environment
Consideration of career opportunities for customer service staff
Consideration of health and safety issues in an office or business environment
A review and evaluation of performance

Year 12 - Topics Studied

Unit 2 - Using Office Technology (Internal Assessment - 50%)

Learners will have the opportunity to use a range of technological equipment found in the modern office. They will develop their proofreading skills, ensuring all documents are produced to the highest standard and meet agreed specifications.

This unit includes:

The use of electronic equipment
Consideration of health and safety issues when using office technology
Events planning
Consideration of career opportunities in office administration
A review and evaluation of performance

Employability/job opportunities/further study

This subject provides learners with a basic knowledge and understanding of administration practice together with the skills necessary to pursue careers as secretaries, administrators, receptionists or call centre personnel.

St Mary's High School, Newry