Because business affects all of our daily lives in one way or another, it is important to help learners understand its wider role in society so that they may better relate to it in an educational setting. For some of our young people setting up and running your own business may one day become a realistic opportunity and maybe even an alternative to an apprenticeship, working for someone else or possibly further education.
For our younger learners, it offers opportunities to experience the world of enterprise first hand.
What skills can be developed?
Apart from developing their ICT skills to support coursework and case study research, Business students can develop a wide range of skills – from team working to problem-solving and all importantly, higher order thinking skills such as analysis and evaluation.
Potential careers related to Business
Because of the nature of the subject and the content a Business education will support a multitude of career options – some directly and some in combination with other subjects – and these can be as diverse as accountancy, teaching, banking, retail, people and event management or even forestry management!
Broad General Education (BGE)
Courses/units covered
During S1 and S2 pupils will develop skills and knowledge in aspects of Business as part of the ICT course. Topics covered include; how businesses operate, business enterprise, finance, and ethical issues in business. Many of the topics are taught alongside related ICT skills exercises.
Assessment information
In-class exercises and tasks complement a variety of homework activities and S3 learners currently undertake a short written assessment towards the end of the year in preparation for the S4 year.
Senior Phase Courses/units covered
Business Management- N4/5
Business Management develops enterprise skills and attributes by providing opportunities to study a range of business and organisational contexts. Candidates see the ways in which society relies on businesses and other organisations to satisfy its needs, and an understanding of how to use business information to interpret and report on overall business performance. The Course also looks at the impact that external influences can have on organisations.
Exam information
At National 5 level the course assessment will be in two parts:
Assignment. The assignment is worth 30 marks. Pupils will research an appropriate local business topic, analyse their findings and draw conclusions/make recommendations.
Question paper. This is set by the SQA and worth 90 marks. Pupils will apply their knowledge of business concepts within case study questions. They will also be required to interpret and analyse business information.
Certificate course requirements
Candidates should be working at CfE level 3 for entry to N4 or level 4 for entry to N5.
Business Management- Higher
The course highlights the different ways in which large organisations operate. Candidates learn to understand and make use of business information to interpret and report on overall business performance, in a range of contexts. Using current business theory and practice, the course reflects the integrated nature of large organisations, their functions and decision-making processes.
Exam information
At Higher level the course assessment will be in two parts:
Assignment. The assignment is worth 30 marks. Pupils will research an appropriate business topic from a national or international business, analyse their findings and draw conclusions/make recommendations.
Question paper. This is set by the SQA and worth 90 marks. The question paper gives candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to: apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of business concepts from all aspects of the course, use data handling techniques to interpret and analyse business information and to draw valid conclusions and suggest resolutions to business-related issues.
NPA PC Passport- N4
This course allows learners to develop practical skills in IT packages.
Exam information
Pupils must pass three units to gain the course award:
Certificate course requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this course.
Extracurricular opportunities
S3 learners are supported during the whole of November each year on an enterprise challenge, where the outcomes depend not least upon the individual investments of time, ideas and energy.
Members of the Business Department
Mr D Connolly
Mr P Beards (Principal Teacher)
