Business Studies is a stimulating subject to study and increase students’ knowledge and critical understanding of the world in which we live.
Introduction to courses offered
Business Studies provides students with a unique insight into the world of work. Through its study, students discover how businesses operate and learn about their key elements and essential business functions.
Learning Opportunities
To enhance the knowledge and understanding of the courses offered students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of learning experiences.
Previous learning opportunities:
- The Belfast Telegraph’s Rensburg Share Challenge (We came second in this competition 2007/8)
- The Big Idea Workshop (We won this competition in 2007/08)
- CCEA Workshops
- Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory
- Tyrone Crystal in Dungannon
- The Tayto Factory in Tandragee
- The Mars Factory in Berkshire
- London Stock Exchange
- Houses of Parliament in London
- Stormont
- The SSE Arena
- The Coca-Cola Factory
- Visiting speakers
- Young Enterprise Events
- Dragons’ Den Competition
GCSE Business Studies
Examining Board: CCEA
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Through this GCSE Business Studies specification students learn about how businesses start up, resources they need, marketing, finance, challenges they face and how they grow. Students also explore the role of stakeholders – groups that have an interest in a business – as well as human resources, the recruitment and selection process, and the value of training and motivation for employees.
Important new business topics include the role of social enterprise, e-business and m-business, discovering how businesses can use electronic and mobile technology in different ways. Students also learn to apply useful skills such as proposing business strategies or solutions, understanding other viewpoints and justifying decisions.
A qualification in Business Studies can lead to a career in accounting, advertising, banking, retail, management consulting, marketing, research, human resources, a small business, or self-employment as an entrepreneur.
ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE
| Content | Assessment | Weighting | Availability |
| Unit 1: Starting a BusinessCreating a BusinessMarketingBusiness Operations | External written examination1 hour 30minsShort structured questions and extended writing | 40% | Summer from 2018 |
| Unit 2: Developing a BusinessHuman ResourcesBusiness GrowthFinance | External written examination1 hour 30minsShort structured questions and extended writing | 40% | Summer from 2019 |
| Unit 3: Planning a Business (Synoptic)Business Plan | Controlled AssessmentStudents complete the following:Booklet A: Planning; andBooklet B: Communicate Findings.Teachers mark the task, and we moderate the results. | 20% | Summer from 2019 |
GCE Business Studies
Awarding Body: CCEA
Business Studies gives students an invaluable insight into how organisations meet the discerning needs of stakeholders in a constantly changing environment. Students discover how businesses operate and engage in the decision-making and risk-taking processes at all levels in the organisation. Students develop a greater awareness of the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities that organisations and individuals face as they conduct their business. They also have the opportunity to develop valuable transferable skills that will help them to access further education courses or become a valued employee.
This course offers an excellent foundation for a career in marketing, finance, accountancy, management, human resource management or self-employment.
| Content | Assessment | Weightings |
| AS 1:Introduction to Business | External written examination1 hour 30 minutesTwo compulsory structured data responses(80 marks) | 50% of AS20% of A level |
| AS 2: Growing the Business | External written examination1 hour 30 minutesTwo compulsory structured data responses(80 marks) | 50% of AS20% of A level |
| A2 1: Strategic Decision Making | External written examination2 hoursFive compulsory structured data responses(90 marks) | 30% of A level |
| A2 2: The Competitive Business Environment | External written examination2 hoursSix compulsory structured data responses(90 marks) | 30% of A level |
Careers
The skills gained on a business and management studies degree allow you to build commercial awareness and start contributing to your chosen employer quickly and effectively
Job options
Jobs directly related to your degree include:
- Chartered management accountant
- Corporate investment banker
- Insurance underwriter
- Management consultant
- Operational researcher
- Risk manager
Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
- Human resources officer
- Logistics and distribution manager
- Marketing executive
- Retail manager
- Sales executive
- Systems analyst
Useful Websites
