STAFF
Mrs H. Walker - Head of Department
Miss V. Bowman
The aim of the Business Studies Department is to develop economic awareness, accountancy skills and keyboarding skills integrated with technology.
We, at Brownlow Integrated College, offer GCSE Business Studies and AQA Business and Communication Systems to all Year 11 students. We strive to develop numeracy, literacy, discovery and information processing, and to equip pupils with the skills required for employment and the working world.
The department has two members of staff who deliver the general Keyboarding skills to all Year 8-10 pupils.
OCR
In Years 11/12 ALL Brownlow Integrated College students are welcome at the after-school OCR class. This is open to all those who perhaps have, for various reasons, not been able to choose either Business Studies or Business and Communications Systems in their options for GCSE subjects.
The OCR suite of subjects – Text Production, Word Processing, Audio-Transcription, Mail merge and Document Presentation – are offered to students who begin at Basic level and progress to Intermediate and Advanced levels when appropriate. These certificates and Diplomas (for a combination of 3 at one level) are a valuable asset for any student progressing into the world of work. Employers are very aware of the high standard required in the OCR suite of examinations and regularly request these as pre-requisites on job descriptions
GCSE BUSINESS STUDIES
Business Studies is a popular subject and relates to the real world of business and the community at large outside the classroom. Business Studies is not just a theory-based subject. It is about real life. It helps pupils learn about businesses and the way in which they operate within today’s society. Pupils will gain skills which will be useful in a wide range of jobs, in further study of Business Studies and in their personal life. Business Studies students are encouraged to read widely from newspapers and keep up-to-date with current changes in business.
This enjoyable and relevant subject incorporates a range of classroom activities, including keeping up with current affairs, class discussions, case studies and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). One third of the course is spent using computers in the line of business. Pupils get the opportunity to develop a range of valuable skills through investigation and research. This information is then used for Coursework in year 12.
Business Studies Coursework has a practical element requiring the pupils to be involved in research and investigation. They present their findings using Information Technology which must be integrated with the activities being undertaken. They will be given the opportunity to design, create and use simple databases and spreadsheets and word process their findings.
Coursework using ICT (20%)
Written Examination (80%)
Examination
Each candidate will be required to sit two written examinations papers:
Paper 1 - 1 ½ hours
This paper will be based on a pre-seen Case Study to be given to candidates approximately eight weeks before the examination.
Paper 2 - 2 hours
This paper will contain general Business Studies questions from any part of the syllabus.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
A study of this subject will be useful for General Office Administration, for Careers in Banking, Civil Service, Travel and Tourism, Hotel Management, Leisure and Recreation, Finance, Marketing, Self-employment and Business Management. Business Studies will provide a useful foundation for ‘A’ Levels in Business Studies or Economics. It is not an essential requirement for future study in these subject areas.
Business Studies is suitable for those pupils with enthusiasm and drive to gain an insight into the world of business. For students choosing this GCSE subject it will be the first time for many to come into contact with the workings of the business world and such students are welcomed into Year 11 Business Studies. Pupils are then equipped with the knowledge that will carry them through into the future and the world of work. Pupils will either work for someone else or may run their own business – the subject introduces pupils to these aspects of life and work.
Useful Website Links
www.iw-chameleon.co.uk
www.businessstudiesonline.co.uk
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
Pupils at Brownlow Integrated College have the opportunity within the Business Department to take an AQA GCSE subject called Business and Communications Systems. This is a mainly practical subject where pupils learn how to operate computers to a high standard that includes the use of databases, spreadsheets, graphics, clipart, desktop publishing and word processing. This GCSE subject also complements GCSE Business Studies and it will provide a basis for further study beyond GCSE.
The subject will enable pupils to enter the working environment armed with a valuable skill and general office information that will allow them easily to settle and progress in this environment. Many employers are looking for young people with these skills and pupils are prepared for such a career working with computers.
Pupils do not need a computer at home but should be committed to working hard and be willing to achieve a good standard within the subject at GCSE.
Coursework is NOT required in this subject.
There will be two examination papers.
Paper 1 (33.3%)
Theory questions on Office Organisation, Human Resources and Communications.
Paper 2 (66.6%)
A 2 hour practical paper requiring the use of computers in an office environment.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
These computer skills will help students find jobs in many different areas - any job which involves using ICT or dealing with people. This leads to employment in such areas as Business Administration, Banking, and the Civil Service. Overall a very useful skill which can be used both at home and at work. Skills acquired in this subject can be transferred to others and this makes for much faster word processing of coursework in other subjects.
