Business Studies
GCSE
In the Business Studies Department we aim to encourage students, in line with the new GCSE Specification, to develop a lifelong interest and enjoyment of business and to gain a holistic understanding of the world of business and the international marketplace. We achieve this aim by innovatively delivering the specification in tandem with enriching extra -curricular experiences in the real world of business. Participation in the Student Investor Challenge and Stock Market Challenge and Site visits to Coca Cola Hellenic and Tayto provides the real business insight.
GCSE Business Studies introduces students to the fundamentals of starting a business. They
examine why businesses start and the resources required to maintain and grow
them. Students explore business aims and the impact that various stakeholder
groups may have on businesses. Students explore marketing options and consider
the impact of e-business on potential growth strategies. They also consider why
businesses conform to quality assurance standards and health and safety legislation.
Students also examine recruitment and selection practices and analyse the
importance of a business having motivated and well-trained employees. They
identify the signs of business success and failure and evaluate the different ways in
which businesses grow. Students learn about business finance. They examine the
sources of finance and complete basic cash flow forecasts as well as interpret simple
financial statements. When analysing business performance, students consider
concepts such as ratio analysis and break-even.
Finally, in the synoptic unit, students apply knowledge and understanding drawn from
across the whole specification to a real business context. Students carry out research
and apply it, together with their own knowledge, to a range of circumstances. They
examine and evaluate specified areas of a business plan and make reasoned
recommendations - this unit is assessed by controlled assessment.
AS/A2
AS Business Studies introduces students to the business world and begins, as many businesses do, with the entrepreneur and what motivates individuals to develop business
enterprises. Students become familiar with different business ownership structures
and the key stakeholder groups that may have an interest in how a business is
managed. Students acquire a critical understanding of the importance of quality and its
significance in the competitive marketplace, including recruiting and training a
quality labour force and the production process. Students also see the
impact of management and leadership styles on employee motivation and business
operations. They explore the role of technology in growing a business and how it helps with decision making and the impact of competition on a business. Finally, students develop a critical understanding of the marketing process, marketing strategy and the use of e-business and develop an appreciation of the role of accounting and financial information in business decision making and financial control.
Business Studies Department
Teaching Staff
Ms Catherine O’Reilly (HoD)
Mr Mark Higgins