St Bede's College

AIMS OF OUR COURSE

This course introduces you to the world of business and many of the key issues involved in running a firm. Most people will spend some time in a business environment and it is important that we all know something about business. Even if you do not become an Employer, you will be affected by and rely upon them as an Employee and Customer. The world of Business will have a big impact on your life.

There are four elements common to all business and these form the basis of Business Studies. All firms have to persuade the public to buy their products which involves them in MARKETING eg advertising and other forms of promotion. Firms have employees and so must concern themselves with PERSONNEL issues such as recruitment, training and motivation of staff. All firms need to keep financial records of their income and expenditure which involves ACCOUNTING. Firms are involved in some form of PRODUCTION and so we study where they locate and their method of production. Finally, you look at how businesses influence and are influenced by external factors such as the social, legal and economic environment in which they exist.

STUDY PROGRAMME

The course uses a wide range of study techniques. In the classroom, you can expect note-taking, group-work, discussions and project work. Because of the nature of this subject, case-studies, videos and topical news stories play an important part.

Visits to firms and outside speakers supplement the teaching and textbooks. We have visited many famous local firms such as: Scottish & Newcastle Brewery, Kellogs, Royal Bank of Scotland regional head office, Hydes Anvil Brewery, Fords of Halewood, Greater Manchester Waste Ltd, Duerrs Jams, Warburtons’ Bakery, Daily Mirror Printing Press, Barrs’ Soft Drinks and the Manchester Evening News Printing Press.

As computers play an important part in Business life today, expect your lessons to make full use of the College’s computing facilities. This will involve the word-processing and spread-sheet packages together with accessing the business information available on CD-Rom and the Internet.

ASSESSMENT

Your final assessment will consist of 2 written papers of 1½ hours each plus 1 piece of coursework. The examination counts for 75% of the total marks. You will be entered for one of two levels – most of you can expect to be entered for the Higher Tier where the grades are from A* to D. The coursework makes up the remaining 25%.

PROGRESSION

Business Studies is a successful and popular GCSE subject and leads naturally to A Level in the subject. At Advanced Level, the subject is chosen by a large number of students and particularly those who are considering professional careers in occupations such as Accountancy, Banking, Insurance, Hotel & Catering, Tourism, Retailing and General Management.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you require any further information about GCSE Business Studies, speak to one of the following teachers; Mr McKeogh, Mr Glancy, Miss Delaney or Mr Grierson.

10 REASONS FOR STUDYING GCSE BUSINESS STUDIES

You will be studying a subject which:

1. Provides an insight into the working environment that you will take a place in.
2. Develops and uses your Information & Communication Technology skills.
3. Discusses topical business events and current new-stories in the classroom.
4. Is wide-ranging and varied in its content and teaching style.
5. Offers visits to Business organisations.
6. Has excellent examination results with 2 of AQA’s top 5 GCSE Business Studies candidates in the last three years.
7. Informs you about your legal rights as an Employee and Customer.
8. Can be studied in combination with a wide range of other subjects.
9. Gives you a better understanding of business issues on Television and in the Press.
10. Offers excellent and varied career prospects.