Key Stage 4 Business Studies
Subject Overview
The department offers 3 subjects at Key Stage 4:
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GCSE Business Studies
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GCSE Business and Communication Systems
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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:
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Entrepreneurs
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Key Characteristics of Entrepreneurs
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Business Resources
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Business Ownership
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The Public Sector
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The role of Social Enterprise
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Business Location
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Business aims and objectives
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Stakeholders
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Marketing and Market Research
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The Marketing Mix (4P’s)
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Competition
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Customer Service
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E-business
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M-business
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Types of Production
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Methods of Manufacturing
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Quality Assurance
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Health and Safety in Manufacturing
Year 12 - Topics Studied
Unit 2 - Developing a Business
Topics Include:
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Recruitment
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Selection
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Appraisal
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Training
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Motivation
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Business Success or Failure
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Business Growth
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Internal/External Sources of Finance
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Cash Flow Forecasts
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Financial Statements
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Ratios
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Break-Even
Unit 3 - Planning a Business - Controlled Assessment
Students complete the following:
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Booklet A: Planning and research
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Booklet B: Communicate Findings.
Teachers mark the task, and CCEA moderate the results.
Employability/job opportunities/further study
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Progress to Professional Business Services or Cambridge Technical in Business at A Level
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Accountancy
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Law
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Human Resources
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Marketing
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Teaching
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Public Relations
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Banking and Finance
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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:
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Word-processing
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Spreadsheets
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Charts
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Databases
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Presentations
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Using the Internet & E-mail
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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:
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Business Ownership
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Aims of Business
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Stakeholders
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Customers
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Communication
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Human Resources
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Marketing
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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
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Progress to Professional Business Services or Cambridge Technical in Business at A Level
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Accountancy
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Law
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Human Resources
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Marketing
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Teaching
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Public Relations
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Banking and Finance
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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:
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Communicating effectively with customers
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Effective customer service in a business
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Meeting customer needs and dealing with queries and complaints
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Preparing and handling routine business documents
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Working as part of a team in a business
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Consideration of environmental issues in a business environment
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Consideration of career opportunities for customer service staff
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Consideration of health and safety issues in an office or business environment
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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:
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The use of electronic equipment
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Consideration of health and safety issues when using office technology
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Events planning
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Consideration of career opportunities in office administration
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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.
