Business Studies is a course that students opt to study for GCSE and A Level. Business Studies has two members of staff who are fully trained and aware of modern developments within the Business forum. The department is based within the Business Studies Suite - rooms 16 and 17. This suite has 38 computers with teaching desks. This allows the suite to have a dual purpose of a boardroom setting and a full computer suite.
\n\nIn Business Studies we offer opportunities for students to study a wide range of business related issues on a variety of scales. This allows the students to be effective learners and:
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knowledge, skills and understanding
\n\tIncrease their knowledge and understanding of the business sector through the investigation, analysis and evaluation of a range of business activities, functions and processes
\n\tIncrease their awareness of the considerations involved in business activity as seen from a wide range of contrasting stakeholder viewpoints
\n\tDevelop a wide range of key skills and an analytical approach to problem solving within the vocational context
\n\tExperience a wide range of learning experiences which will enrich their awareness to a variety of human activities and relationships
\n\tUnderstand the importance of their local, national and international environment and how business interacts
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Homework Club
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Business Studies homework club runs on a Monday and a Thursday after school where students receive additional help, support and guidance with any issues relating to the subject. Please see your Business Studies teacher for advice about this club.
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Director of Learning
\n\nMr A. Kinsey
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Subject Teachers
\n\nMrs K. Van Block
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Key Stage 4
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GCSE Business Studies
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The course is designed to deepen candidates’ understanding of the way in which businesses operate in a dynamic, changing and competitive environment. This understanding is rooted in current business theory and practice and reflects the integrated nature of organisations and their decision-making processes. Information Technology is seen as having a key role in the modern business environment. The integration of IT in to the study of Business Studies familiarises the student with a comprehensive range of business software, which is used in a variety of situations as an analytical and presentation tool.
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The course comprises of six areas of study:
\n\nThe Business Framework
\n\tBusinesses and their Customers
\n\tProducing Goods and Services
\n\tHuman Resource Planning
\n\tThe External Environment
\n\tBusiness Finance and Control
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\n\nMethod of assessment
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Assessment for GCSE Business Studies is untiered, i.e. all components cater for the full range of ability and allow access to grades A*-G.
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Written Examination Paper (75% of the final mark)
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\n\nThis paper will be of two hours’ duration and will consist of short-answer questions and longer, stimulus response questions. Some questions will require extended writing and will assess the quality of written communication. The examination paper will be presented in the form of a question-and-answer booklet.
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Controlled Assessment (25% of the final mark)
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The controlled assessment is a compulsory component of GCSE Business Studies. It complements the external examination by offering a distinct means of assessment. It enables candidates to:
\n\ncarry out primary and secondary research;
\n\tanalyse and evaluate evidence in business in the context of an investigation;
\n\tinvestigate and understand, if appropriate, business issues in a local context;
\n\tengage with business decision-making and problem-solving.
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The combination of coursework and terminal examination is intended to provide students of all abilities opportunities to display positive achievement in a variety of ways; orally, practically, graphically and in writing. It must be emphasised that there is a constant need for a high standard of work – inside and outside school, and often lunch hours – plus a high attendance level, along with a reasonable standard of English, numeracy and IT competence. In return, candidates have found this course to be both satisfying and enjoyable in its approach to Business Studies.
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\n\nKey Stage 5
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GCE A Level Business
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The subject content enables learners to investigate different types and sizes of organisations in various business sectors and environments, drawing on local, national and global contexts, including data which relates to the Welsh business environment. Learners will develop a holistic understanding of business and enterprise and be aware of the opportunities and threats of operating in a global marketplace.
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Learners will be expected to be familiar with current issues in business and be able to investigate, analyse and evaluate contemporary business opportunities and problems in a wide range of contexts, whilst recognising how businesses adapt to operate in a dynamic business environment.
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Learners will gain an understanding of the important role played by small businesses in the economy of Wales and the rest of the UK. In addition, learners will identify the opportunities that exist for entrepreneurs, as well as the importance of established business and not-for-profit organisations in providing goods and services. Learners will apply a number of analytical techniques, including decision-making models, investment appraisal tools and ratio analysis, to investigate business opportunities and problems to determine business strategy in a range of contexts.
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Learners will be expected to use a range of numerical skills and make justifiable decisions using both quantitative and qualitative methods applied in the context of AS and A level Business.
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\n\nCourse structure
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Year 12 – AS (2 units)
\n\nUnit 1 - Written examination: 1hr 15
\n\tUnit 2 - Written examination: 2hr
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\n\nYear 13 - A Level (2 units)
\n\nUnit 3 - Written examination: 2hr 15
\n\tUnit 4 – Written examination: 2hrs 15
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GCE AS Level Economics
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The nature of the subject means it sits easily with a wide variety of A Level combinations. It is a popular companion to Maths and the Sciences and combinations involving English, History, Geography, Sociology and Computing. Increasingly, students with a flair for languages are incorporating Economics with a mind to applying for European Business courses at degree level.
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\nOther doors are opened by A Level Economics. For instance, the course gives exemption from certain aspects of professional qualifications in the banking, accounting and administrative fields. Furthermore, many of our students go on to pursue studies at University in Business-related areas, Law and the Social Sciences.
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\nEconomics requires no previous experience in the subject and students are drawn from a wide range of academic backgrounds having studied quite different GCSE subjects. The subject is very much based in the real world and an interest in current affairs and a questioning mind are great assets. The main aims of Economics are to provide students with an understanding of economic techniques and concepts, and apply them to society, such as unemployment, inflation and environmental issues. It should promote economic thoughtfulness in students and develop an ability for expression in writing and in the use of diagrams.
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\nICT is increasingly used as a teaching medium and students will have the opportunity to research work and present their findings in a variety of new ways such as PowerPoint presentations.
\n\nCourse structure
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Year 12 – AS (2 units)
\n\nUnit 1 - Written examination: 1hr 15
\n\tUnit 2 - Written examination: 2hr
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Resources
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\n\nPupils can use Business studies websites to help them revise and reinforce the knowledge they already have. These websites include:
\n\nhttp://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/business-studies/business-studies-gcse/
\n\thttp://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/business-studies/business-studies-gce-a-as/
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