Business Studies
Although an academic subject, Business Studies is practical, applied and exciting. It equips pupils with many life skills such as communication, problem solving, time management, team work and decision making, to name a few.
Curriculum
Form III
This short course aims to introduce pupils to business structure and practice whilst providing an opportunity to develop decision making and problem solving skills. It is designed to broaden pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the business environment in which they live and in which they will eventually work. The main topics studied include Business Types and Organisation, Marketing, Human Resources, Production and Finance.
GCSE
The CCEA Business Studies specification is followed. This entails 2 written examinations. Paper 1 is based on a preseen Case Study (30%) and Paper 2 includes 4 compulsory questions (50%). A piece of written coursework (20%) is also required.
AS/A2
Pupils follow the CCEA Business Studies specification. At AS, 3 modules are covered, Objectives and the Business Environment, People in Organisations and Accounting and Finance and Marketing and Operations Management. Each module is assessed by a 1 hour written examination. The A2 course adds breadth and depth to the AS modules. A2 is assessed by 2 written examinations, one of which is a synoptic paper based on an unseen paper. Finally, a piece of written coursework is required.
Facilities & Resources
Business Studies is taught by specialist teachers. Within the Department, we have 2 ICT Suites. This allows for the utilisation of the latest computing, data projection and audio visual technology. Pupils are encouraged to make use of the Times 100 Case Studies, the Business magazine, biz/ed, bite size and our DVD collection covering many innovative and business practices and ideas.
Additional Information
We support the specification by embracing the many opportunities on offer through our subject. For example, we organise a number of Industrial visits to Tayto, Coca Cola, Irwin’s Bakery and FG Wilson. Speakers from local businesses are also invited to visit. Some pupils gain work experience through the Institute of Directors (I.O.D.). These pupils will shadow a Director of some of the top companies in NI. Close and invaluable links have been formed with SENTINUS and Young Enterprise N.I. (Y.E.N.I.). We attend many of the conferences and workshops organised such as the Innovation Masterclass, Business Insight session, ‘Go For It’ Challenge, Dragon’s Den (Belfast Enterprise