Department Vision Statement
To empower every student with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to thrive in the dynamic world of business and entrepreneurship, fostering pathways to future success.
Department Aims
- To develop a deep understanding of core business theory, principles and practices.
- To cultivate essential entrepreneurial skills including innovation, creativity, problem-solving, communication, adaptability, resilience and persistence.
- To provide practical, real-world learning experiences through class projects, simulations, and external collaborations with Young Enterprise and local businesses.
- To inspire a passion for business and equip students with the confidence to pursue diverse career pathways.
Subject:
Business Studies
Levels Taught:
GCSE/KS4
Post 16
Staff:
Mrs K Rodgers – (HOD)
Mr W R Boyd
Mr A Magee
GCSE/KS4:
(Subject/Topic Content)
Overview of the Key Stage 4 Curriculum
At Key Stage 4, the Business Studies Department follows the Pearson BTEC Level 1/2 First Award in Business qualification.
Pearson BTEC Level 1/2 First Award in Business
This qualification is equivalent to one GCSE. It is the perfect choice for students who prefer a practical, hands-on approach to learning. The qualification structure includes:
Year 11
Unit 1: Introduction to Business (Mandatory/Internal)
Unit 6: Recruitment, Selection and Employment (Optional/Internal)
Year 12
Unit 2: Finance for Business (Mandatory/External)
Unit 3: Enterprise in the Business World (Mandatory/Internal)
Students will be awarded credits for each unit of work studied and the grades awarded are as follows:
- Distinction* (A*)
- Distinction (A)
- Merit (B)
- Pass (C)
Careers Information
This qualification provides an excellent foundation for further study in Business at KS5, an Apprenticeship, or direct entry into the world of work.
GCSE/KS4:
(Additional Links)
https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Firsts/Business/2018/specification-and-sample-assessments/btec-first-award-business-specification.pdf
https://www.twoteachers.co.uk/
https://www.tutor2u.net/https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news
Post 16:
(Subject/Topic Content)
Overview of the Key Stage 5 Curriculum
At Key Stage 5, the Business Studies Department follows the OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Business qualification.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in Business
This qualification is equivalent to one A-Level. The course has been designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge and understanding of the world of business including the areas of Business Decision-Making, Marketing, Finance, Production and Human Resources.
It builds on the learning from Key Stage 4 and is based on a vocational structure. Pupils will engage with local businesses to examine how they operate and apply these experiences to their learning. The qualification structure includes:
Year 13
Unit 1: Business Environment (External Examination)
Unit 4: Customers and Communication (Internal Assignment)
Year 14
Unit 2: Working in Business (External Examination)
Unit 3: Business Decisions (External Examination)
Unit 11: Accounting Concepts (Internal Assignment)
Students will be awarded credits for each unit of work studied and the grades awarded are as follows:
- Distinction* (A*)
- Distinction (A)
- Merit (B)
- Pass (C)
Careers Information
This qualification is the ideal choice for ambitious students seeking a vocational qualification that directly prepares them for higher education, apprenticeships and professional employment. Our students have progressed into many different career pathways such as:
- Business Management
- Marketing & Advertising
- Accounting & Finance
- Human Resource Management
- Event Management
- Business with Law
- Business with IT
- Insurance
- Teaching
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Travel & Tourism
This vocational qualification is equivalent to one A-Level. The course has been designed to provide students with a broad introduction to one of the world’s fastest growing sectors.
Year 13
Unit 1: The World of Travel & Tourism (External Examination)
Unit 3: Principles of Marketing in Travel & Tourism (Internal Assignment)
Year 14
Unit 2: Global Destinations (External Assignment)
Unit 9: Visitor Attractions (Internal Assignment)
Students will be awarded credits for each unit of work studied and the grades awarded are as follows:
- Distinction* (A*)
- Distinction (A)
- Merit (B)
- Pass (C)
Careers Information
This qualification is the ideal choice for ambitious students seeking a vocational qualification that directly prepares them for higher education, apprenticeships and professional employment. Our students have progressed into many different career pathways such as:
- International Tourism Management
- Destination Management
- Business Management
- Events Management
- Airline and Airport Management
- Business with Law
- Travel Consultant
- Air Cabin Crew
- Customer Experience Management
Post 16:
(ADDITIONAL LINKS)
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-technicals/business-2012/
https://www.twoteachers.co.uk/https://www.tutor2u.net/https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news
https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/BTEC-Nationals/Travel-and-Tourism/2019/Specification/btec-l3-nat-ext-cert-in-travel-and-tourism.pdf
https://www.visitbritain.com/en
https://www.abta.com/
https://www.unwto.org/
FACILITIES AND RESOURCES
The Business Studies Department has two classrooms. The main Business Studies classroom is equipped with 20 individual workstations, connected to in-room printing facilities. At the front of the classroom is a large interactive whiteboard, providing not just a projection tool but also a dynamic, interactive teaching and learning tool.
EXTRA- CURRICULAR PROVISION
The Business Studies Department contributes extensively to the school’s extra-curricular provision. Extra-Curricular Activities include:
- Young Enterprise Company Programme and Company of the Year Competition.
- Opportunities to attend various trade fairs, including the ‘Big Market’ at St. George’s Market, ‘Deck the Stalls’ at Grand Central Station and the PTA Craft Fair.
- International Study Trip to New York City.
- Industrial visits to organisations such as Citi Group, Tayto Factory, Coca-Cola, Genesis Bakery, Titanic Belfast and Belfast City Airport.
- Guest Speakers from local businesses.