Business Studies
Department Staff
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Mrs M Lively
Mrs F Hartigan
Subject Information
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The Business Studies Department is committed to providing pupils with exciting and up to date business knowledge and experience. We strive to provide students with a better understanding of business through active participation in the business environment. Students are given the opportunity to apply knowledge to current issues and problems.
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We aim to give students an insight into how and why businesses operate. Students learn and develop valuable skills such as team work, communication, using their initiative, and evaluation skills. Students take part in enterprise activities, industrial visits and throughout their time studying business studies they listen and ask questions to guest speakers.
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Curriculum Information
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Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
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Business Communication Systems (CCEA)
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Through studying GCSE in Business and Communication Systems, students gain practical ICT skills and gain an understanding of how these skills are used to enhance business activities. Students also get the opportunity to learn about business operations including marketing, human resources and how business is changing because of digital technology. Overall students develop a lifelong interest and enjoyment of business that could potentially lead to a related further study or employment.
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Specification at a glance
Contents
Assessment
Weighting
Availability
Unit 1
Use of ICT
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File management
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Word-Processing
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Spreadsheets
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Databases
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Presentations
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Web browsing & internet searching
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Email
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Web Authoring
External Computer-based Exam
(2 hours)
Students complete tasks using a range of software applications
40%
Summer
Unit 2
The Business Environment
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Types of business ownership
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Stakeholders
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Communication
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Digital trading
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Recruitment
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Selection
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Training
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Implications of digital technology for business and customers
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Marketing
External Written Exam
(1 hour)
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35%
Summer
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Terminal Assessment
Unit 3
Developing Digital Solutions
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Planning & researching
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Using software applications
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Evaluation
Controlled Assessment
Students project manage and develop a digital solution for a given problem within a business context.
25%
Summer
Curriculum Information
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Key Stage 5 (GCE/A-Level)
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Professional Business Services (CCEA)
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Professional business services are critical to the success of the UK economy. They are a growth area in a global market. People who work in professional business services support businesses in all sectors by providing specialist advice. This support can include a range of services in areas such as accountancy, management, recruitment, human resources, auditing, consultation, data analysts, risk management and technology and communications.
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Professional business services provides students the opportunity to gain an understanding of clients’ markets and will enable them to develop a sound knowledge of market research, consultancy practices and client relationships. Students will be required to work independently, develop their research skills and get the opportunity to work with others throughout the course.
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Specification at a glance
Contents
Assessment
Weighting
Availability
Unit AS 1 ​
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Introduction to Professional Business Services
External Written Examination
30% of AS
12% of A Level
Year 13
Unit AS 2 ​
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Human Resource Services
Internal Assessment
Portfolio based on a pre-release case study
40% of AS
16% of A Level
Year 13
Unit AS 3 ​
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Financial Decision Making
External Written Examination
30% of AS
12% of A Level
Year 13
Unit A2 1 ​
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Technology in Business
External Written Examination
18% of A Level
Year 14
Unit A2 2 ​
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Leadership & Management
External Written Examination
18% of A Level
Year 14
Unit A2 3 ​
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Project Management Skills & Processes
Internal Assessment
Portfolio of evidence for a project management task
24% of A Level
Year 14
Extra-Curricular
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Young Enterprise
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A team of dedicated students develop products for sale in school and the local community.
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Guest Speakers
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Guest speakers are used regularly to consolidate learning.
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Careers
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Administration, Advertising & Marketing, Accountancy, Banking, Business Studies Teacher, Finance, Insurance, Journalism, Law, Hotel Management, Human Resource Management.
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Useful Links
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CCEA GCSE Business Communication Systems Microsite
CCEA GCE Professional Business Services Microsite
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