Business Studies
Staff
Mr Stephen Thompson B.Sc.(Hons), M.Sc., MBA, PGCE, (PQH)NI Head of Department
Mr G Davidson B.Ed
Aims
Business Studies is a vibrant subject which prepares students for the challenges of the 21st Century by introducing them to the world of business. It emphasises the ever-changing character of business, the diverse nature of business enterprise and the interdependence of the various parts of the business world. Students have the experience of studying business from a variety of perspectives. Although an academic subject, Business Studies is practical, applied and stimulating. It provides pupils with many life skills such as communication, problem solving, time management, team work and decision making. Whether your aim is to pursue an academic career, train for a profession or become an entrepreneur the necessary knowledge and skills will be provided.
Key Stage 4
Students have the opportunity to study CCEA GCSE Business Studies. This qualification is split into 2 units -
- Business Start-Up - Business Start-up, Production & Marketing
- Business Development - Finance, Managing People, Business Growth, Business Plans.
The subject is assessed through both written examinations and a controlled assessment.
AS/A2
Students have the opportunity to study CCEA A Level Business Studies.
In Year 13, pupils study -
- AS 1 - The Competitive Business
- AS 2 - Managing Business Resource
In both of these units students must answer two compulsory, structured questions based on stimulus material.
In Year 14, pupils study -
- A2 1 - Making Business Decisions: Students must answer one compulsory, structured question based on stimulus material.
- A2 2 - The Changing Business Environment: Students are presented with an unseen case study and must produce a business report in response to it.
Careers
Business Studies can lead directly to a wide variety of careers in both the public and private sectors e.g. Management, Accountancy, Entrepreneurship, Banking, Business Law, Finance, Human Resources, Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising, Production or Teaching. A background in Business Studies is also a welcome addition in career areas often not directly linked with the subject, e.g. where management concepts, budget control and other contemporary issues are becoming increasingly important.
Many students who take Business Studies at A Level continue with the subject at university, often combined with other disciplines such as marketing, human resources and accounting and finance, languages and law.
Achievements, Trips and Extra curricular
We support the specification by embracing the many opportunities on offer through our subject. For example, we organise a number of Industrial visits e.g. to Tayto, Coca Cola, and Bombardier. Speakers from local businesses are also invited to visit. Close and invaluable links have been formed with SENTINUS and Young Enterprise N.I. (Y.E.N.I.). The department is responsible for delivering The Young Enterprise Company Programme to Year 13. Companies have been very successful over the past number of years, winning a number of awards and raising money for charitable causes.
Web links
Resources for further reading and revision
CCEA Microsite for Business Studies Link
Past papers and mark schemes (GCSE and A level) Link
Business Studies
