Business Studies Department

The subject also gives pupils the opportunity to develop IT skills specific to business. In conjunction with the general aims of the school we are teaching them to be effective citizens, producers and consumers so they can integrate into society effectively.

The Business Studies Department, set up in 1998 offers Business Studies and related subjects to pupils in years 11 to 14.

Years 11 and 12     Pupils in Key Stage 4 will follow the NI syllabus in Business Studies form September 1998. The course gives pupils opportunities to engage in practical work such as investigations, case studies and simulations. The use of IT in a business context is important part of the course. The qualification comprises 2 written examinations (80%) and on coursework piece (20%) at either one of 2 tiers providing opportunities to achieve grades A* - G depending on the tier taken.

Basic Keyboarding   Pupils will initially learn basic keyboarding skills in the teaching of Business Studies at Key Stage 4.

Years 13 and 14     The school offers RSA General National Vocational Qualification Business (Advanced) as a 2 year course, equivalent to 2 A levels. They are modular and vocational in nature providing a broad education for training and employment or further and higher education.

                             The course is assessed through coursework and tests over the 2 years with students achieving either:

                             PASS – equivalent to grades D/E at A level

                             MERIT – equivalent to grades B/C at A level

                             DISTINCTION – equivalent to grade A at A level