BUSINESS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ENTERPRISE

FACULTY OF BUSINESS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ENTERPRISE

Faculty Leader: Mr J Lane

BUSINESS STUDIES DEPARTMENT

Subject Leader: Mr J Williams

The Business Studies Department offers a range of courses including GCSE, A Level and BTEC courses that allow students to follow pathways that suit their strengths and future aspirations. Students will not only be expected to learn about academic and theoretical models but will also develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of the world of work, through undertaking practical tasks, trips and visits and having the opportunity to speak with industry professionals.

The Business Studies Department is unique in that its subjects are only studied at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. Each room is fully equipped with up to date learning materials and laptops, and every student will receive the help and support they need throughout their studies from specialist teaching and support staff.

Business courses are suitable for those studying in preparation for employment or further education in the business sector including law, accountancy, advertising and marketing, human resources and management. Students will be expected to use communication and IT skills, liaise with industry professionals and explore the dynamic nature of businesses including the impacts of external and internal pressures placed upon them.

KEY STAGE 4

GCSE Business Studies

The GCSE in Business is dynamic, challenging and increasingly relevant during these turbulent economic times. Students will develop an in depth understanding of how businesses are set up and operate and will become highly proficient in the use of ICT and the use of a wide variety of research methods.

This course encourages students to develop a critical understanding of organisations, their legal structure, organisational structures, sources of finance, marketing and operations.

KEY STAGE 5

GCE A Level Economics

A Level Economics is a contemporary and dynamic course that provides a coherent combination of microeconomic and macroeconomic content.
Students will develop an understanding of economic concepts and theories through critical consideration of current economic issues, problems and
institutions that affect everyday life, drawing on local, national and global contexts.

Economics is a study of scarce resources and how those resources are allocated to various uses in a market economy. Students will be required to
understand the economic behaviour of consumers, producers and governments. This course enables students to develop an in-depth understanding of the role markets play and the way in which governments
seek to manage them.

The subject is split into two main sections; microeconomics and macroeconomics. Macroeconomics looks at the big issues affecting the economy as a whole such as unemployment, inflation, stability and growth, whereas microeconomics looks at individuals and businesses focusing on supply and demand and other forces that determine the price levels seen in the economy.

BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business

The Level 3 BTEC National Subsidiary Diploma in Business is designed to provide highly specialist work-related skills in the Business sector. Students will gain the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for employment within Business.

The four core units give students an introduction to, and understanding of, the business environment, management of resources, marketing and communication– all fundamental to the success of business organisations.

The assessment approach of the BTEC Nationals in Business allows learners to receive feedback on their progress throughout the course as they provide evidence towards the assessment and grading criteria. Evidence for assessment may be generated through a range of diverse activities including
assignment and project work, case studies, workplace assessment, role play and oral presentation.

ICT DEPARTMENT

Subject Leader: Mr J Lane

Resources

The ICT Department is housed in purpose designed air-conditioned accommodation in the Phoenix Building. There are four ICT rooms, each
with 22 student workstations. All ICT rooms have multimedia projectors, interactive whiteboards, video cameras and sound systems.  

KEY STAGE 3

A challenging and exciting programme exists for all students. As the new curriculum evolves, Digital Literacy will be integrated within the Integrated Curriculum and other subject areas. Dedicated Computing provision exists for the further development of ICT and Computer Science specific skills.

All KS3 students have two hours of Computing per fortnight. Class size is approximately 20 students and all are able to work one per workstation.

The KS3 curriculum provides students with the opportunity to develop a range of ICT/Computer Science skills including Databases, Spreadsheets, Desk Top Publishing, Website Creation,Computer Science (Algorithms, HMTL and
programming), How Computers Work, Graphics, Video Editing and Internet/E-safety.

Students have a choice of pathways at both KS4 and KS5. The examination board for all courses is WJEC.

KEY STAGE 4

GCSE ICT

This course offers students an opportunity to identify and solve real problems by designing information and communication systems in a wide range of contexts. It develops students’ interdisciplinary skills and their capacity for imaginative, innovative thinking, creativity and independence.

Assessment is 60% controlled assessment (completed in lessons) and 40% external examinations.

Year 10
Unit 1: Understanding ICT
Exam – 1.5 hrs          20%

Unit 2: Solving problems with ICT
Controlled Assessment          30%

Year 11
Unit 3: ICT in Organisations
Exam – 1.5 hrs             20%

Unit 4: Developing Multimedia ICT
Controlled Assessment 30%

GCSE Computer Science

This course offers students an opportunity to gain an understanding of how computers work and to create and troubleshoot computer programs for
real-life purposes. It will provide students with valuable programming and computational thinking skills, which are increasingly relevant to a wide variety of jobs.

Structure of Course

Unit 1: Understanding Computer Science
Exam - 1.45hrs                                   50%

Unit 2: Computational Thinking and Programming
On screen Practical Exam - 2hrs        30%

Unit 3: Software Development
Controlled Assessment - 20hrs          20%

KEY STAGE 5

A-Level ICT encourages students to become discerning users of ICT. Students develop a broad range of ICT skills and knowledge and understanding of ICT.

AS1

IT1 Information Systems
Written Exam – 2 1/4 hours             24% of A Level

IT2 Presenting Information Task
Coursework                                    16% of A Level

IT3 Use and Impact of ICT
Written Exam – 2.5 hours               36% of A Level

IT4 Relational Database Project
Coursework                                    24% of A Level
 

A Level Computer Science

A Level Computer Science enables learners to develop a broad range of skills in the areas of programming, system development, computer architecture, data, communications and applications.

Unit 1: Fundamentals of computer Science
Written Examination – 25% of A Level

Unit 2: Practical Programming to Solve Problems
On-screen examination – 15% of A Level

Unit 3: Programming and System Development
Written examination – 20% of A Level

Unit 4: Computer Architecture, Data, Communication
Written examination – 20% of A Level

Unit 5: Programmed Solution to a Problem
Coursework - 20% of A Level

Every opportunity is provided to allow students to follow their own interests and achieve their full potential.