Business Education

Our S2 course comprises a range of skill development which is covered over numerous topics such as Recruitment and Selection and Marketing. These topic areas provide young people with a chance to gain valuable transferable skills that will benefit them in their future.

S3 is the bridge between BGE and Senior Phase studies, we therefore heavily focus our classroom learning on the delivery of our National 4/5 course which prepares pupils for future learning.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Business plays an important role in society, as it creates wealth, prosperity, jobs and choices. It is therefore essential to have effective businesses and business managers to sustain this role. The Business Enterprise course helps candidates develop an understanding of the economic and financial environment in which businesses operate. This enables them to make an effective contribution to society as consumers, employees, employers, entrepreneurs or self-employed people.

The course enables candidates to develop:

• knowledge and understanding of the ways in which society relies on business to satisfy needs and wants

• an insight into the systems organisations use to ensure customers’ needs are met

• enterprising skills and attributes             

• financial awareness, in a business context

• an insight into how organisations organise their resources for maximum efficiency and to improve their overall performance

• an awareness of how external influences impact on organisations

AREAS OF STUDY

UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS

• Candidates are introduced to the business environment while developing skills, knowledge and understanding of enterprise, and the role of different types of business organisations in society. They also learn about the internal and external environments in which organisations operate, and the role of stakeholders in business.

MANAGEMENT OF MARKETING

• Candidates develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the importance to organisations of having effective marketing systems. They learn about the processes and procedures organisations use to maintain competitiveness, and how marketing can be used to communicate effectively with consumers, maximising customer satisfaction.

MANAGEMENT OF OPERATIONS

• Candidates develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the importance to organisations of having effective operations systems. They learn about the processes and procedures used to maintain quality through the effective management of suppliers, inventory, and methods of production in an ethical manner.

MANAGEMENT OF PEOPLE

• Candidates develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the issues facing organisations when managing people. They learn about the theories, concepts and processes relating to human resource management, and how employees contribute to the success of organisations.

MANAGEMENT OF FINANCE 

• Candidates develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the issues facing organisations when managing finance. They learn about the basic theories, concepts and processes relating to financial aspects of business, when preparing and interpreting information to solve financial problems facing organisations.

SKILLS DEVELOPED

·   Knowledge and understanding of the impact of business activities on society

·   Developing an awareness of ethical business practices 

·   Develop enterprising skills 

·   Understanding how to enhance employability skills

·       Understanding financial data to ensure effective financial management of a business

·   Learning marketing strategies and how to promote a business / product.

·   Evaluating a range of production techniques used to maximise the quality of goods/services

PROGRESSION

Following on from this course pupils will have the option to take both National 3/4/5 Business Management and Administration and IT in S4.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Finance, Administration and IT cuts across all sectors of the economy and offers a wide range of employment opportunities. The course provides candidates with experience of real-life administration tasks and engaging practical activities relevant to the world of work. There is an emphasis on the development of transferable life skills and the application of these skills. Candidates following the course become aware of the use of technology within the workplace, as they complete organisational tasks.

Finance plays an important role in society, given the uncertainties of today’s global economy, it is now more important than ever for young people to learn how to manage their own finances.  Our pupils will benefit from opportunities to develop financial capability in order for them to leave school confident in managing their money and knowing about the world of finance.

The course helps candidates to develop administrative and IT skills, and an understanding of related theory, enabling them to effectively contribute to and support organisations.

It enables candidates to:

·         Develop an understanding of administration theory in the workplace

·         Develop IT skills and use them to perform administrative tasks

·         Acquire organisational skills in the context of organising and supporting events

AREAS OF STUDY

·         Administration theory in the workplace

·         Word processing

·         Desktop publishing

·         Spreadsheets

·         Databases

·         Presentations

·         Electronic communication

·         Identifying money

·         Forms of income

·         Storing and accessing money

·         Personal budgeting

·         Investigation costs and calculating bills

SKILLS DEVELOPED

·   Skills in using spreadsheets, databases, word-processing, desktop publishing and presentations

·   Skills in using technology for electronic communication and investigation

·   Skills in organising and supporting events

·   Problem-solving skills in administrative contexts

·   Theory of the tasks (duties) and knowledge associated with the administrative support function in an organisation

SQA PERSONAL FINANCE AWARD

Pupils will be given the opportunity to work towards achieving the SQA Personal Finance Award.  This is a recognised qualification which pupils will be accredited for in S4 when they receive their SQA certificate.

PROGRESSION

Following on from this course pupils will have the option to take both National 3/4/5 Business Management and Administration and IT in S4.

National 3 Administration and IT aims to enable student to develop:

¨       An awareness of simple admin tasks

¨       The ability to use basic functions of word processing, spreadsheets and databases to carry out simple administrative tasks

¨       Basic skills in using appropriate current technologies to gather and communicate administration related information.

ENTRY LEVEL RECOMMENDED

¨   Experience of Business and Enterprise in S1 and S2

¨  Experience of Business or Finance, Administration and IT in S3 would be advantageous but is not essential.

¨  All pupils must consult with departments for a recommended level of study.  All forms must be signed by Curricular Leader

COURSE CONTENT

The course consist of three units

IT Solutions for Administrators (National 3)

In this unit students will develop their awareness of administration in the workplace and complete simple administrative tasks.  The Unit also aims to enable students to acquire IT skills in familiar administration related contexts.  Students will use basic functions of the following IT applications – word-processing, spreadsheets and databases – to create and edit straightforward documents used in the workplace, which may relate to any administrative function.

Communication in Administration (National 3)

In this unit students will learn how to carry out simple electronic searching and communication in familiar administration-related contexts.  Students will use current or emerging technologies to carry out simple administrative tasks.  The will also develop a basic ability to use the internet to find information related to everyday administrative functions.

Administration in Action (National 3)

In this unit students will perform simple tasks in the context of a practical administration and IT based scenario.  Students will use the current or emerging technologies to work through a series of simple administrative tasks given in the scenario.

PROGRESSION

¨       National 4  Administration and IT

¨       Other qualifications in Administration and IT or related areas

¨       Further study, employment and / or training

This course consists of four Units:

¨       IT Solutions for Administrators

¨       Communication in Administration

¨       Administrative Practices

¨       Added Value Unit

To achieve Administration and IT National 4, students must pass all of the Units, including the Added Value Unit.

ENTRY LEVEL RECOMMENDED

¨   Experience of Business and Enterprise in S1 and S2

¨  Experience of Business or Finance, Administration and IT in S3 would be advantageous but is not essential.

¨  All pupils must consult with department for a recommended level of study.  All forms must be signed by the Curricular Leader.

COURSE CONTENT

Students will be expected to have ‘hands on experience’ of computer applications in order to demonstrate:

¨   The ability to use straightforward IT applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations and desktop publishing and use them to complete administrative tasks

¨   Basic skills in using technology such as the internet for communication purposes or for gathering information

¨   The skills, qualities and attributes required of administrators

¨   The ability to use technology including the internet for communication purposes and investigations

PROGRESSION

¨       National 5  Administration and IT

¨       National Certificate at appropriate level

¨       Range of employment opportunities e.g. Administration Assistant

Further information on any of these options is available from your subject teacher, Pupil Support Teacher and the Careers Officer.

This course consists of three Units:

¨       IT Solutions for Administrators

¨       Communication in Administration

¨       Administrative Practices

To achieve Administration and IT National 5, students must pass a course assessment and assignment.

ENTRY LEVEL RECOMMENDED

¨   Experience of Business and Enterprise in S1 and S2

¨  Experience of Business or Finance, Administration and IT in S3 would be advantageous but is not essential.

¨  Administration and IT at National 4 would be advantageous but is not essential.

¨   All pupils must consult with department for a recommended level of study.  All forms must be signed by the Curricular Leader.

COURSE CONTENT

Students learning experiences will have an emphasis on ICT skills development and the application of those skills. These include:

¨   The ability to use IT applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations and desktop publishing and use them to complete administrative tasks

¨   The ability to use technology including the internet for communication purposes and investigations in largely familiar administrative contexts

¨   The skills, qualities and attributes required of administrators

¨   Problem-solving skills in largely familiar administrative contexts

¨   Organisational and planning skills through organising events /meetings

¨   Organise, manage and communicate information in a variety of formats

¨   Working co-operatively with others through organising events and/or meetings

¨   Working independently completing more advanced administrative tasks.

COURSE ASSESSMENT

Question Paper

The question paper is part of the SQA exam diet and is worth 50 marks. The question paper gives candidates the opportunity to demonstrate:

¨ using IT functions in spreadsheet and database applications to produce and process information

¨ problem-solving

¨ administration theory

Assignment

Students will also complete an assignment as part of the overall course assessment. This requires students to work through a series of planning, support and follow-up tasks related to an event or business. The assignment is worth 70 marks and is externally assessed.

PROGRESSION

¨   Higher Administration

¨   National Certificate at appropriate level

¨   Range of employment opportunities e.g. Administration Assistant

Further information on any of these options is available from your subject teacher, Pupil Support Teacher and the Careers Officer.

This course makes an important contribution to general education through developing a range of essential skills which will stand learners in good stead regardless of the career path they ultimately choose.  Its contribution to vocational education is just as significant because it opens up progression to a range of careers in administration and IT.  The course also supports the wider curriculum through its emphasis on IT.

The Course is a blend of applied, experiential learning and related theory which users real-life contexts, to make it relevant to the world of work.  Its uniqueness lies in enabling learners to work towards industry standards in IT in and administration related context.

ENTRY LEVEL RECOMMENDED

¨       National 5 Administration & IT would be advantageous but not essential

¨   All pupils must consult with departments for a recommended level of study.  All forms must be signed by Curricular Leader.

COURSE CONTENT

Administrative Theory and Practice (Higher)

The purpose of this unit is to enable learners to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of administration in, and the impact of IT on, the workplace.  Learners will acquire an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the factors contributing to the effectiveness of the administrative function, such as effective time and task management, complying with workplace legislation, effective teams and customer care.

IT Solutions for Administrators (Higher)

The purpose of this unit is to develop learners’ skills in IT, some of them advanced, and in organising and managing information in administration related contexts.  Learners will develop the ability to utilise a range of functions, some of them advanced, of IT applications covering word processing, spreadsheets, databases, or emerging equivalent technologies.

Communication in Administration (Higher)

This unit will enable learners to develop a range of IT skills, some of them advanced for research and communicating complex information to others.  Learners will develop an understanding of barriers to communication and ways of overcoming them to ensure communication is understood.

PROGRESSION

¨       HNC/HND e.g. Business Administration,  Office Administration, Office and Information Management

¨       Degree courses e.g. Business Information Management

¨       Range of employment opportunities e.g. administrative posts in Human Resource/Marketing, Business and IT apprenticeships.

This course will introduce students to the effects of basic internal and external influences on business.  They will also develop a basic understanding of the attributes that encourage enterprising behaviour within a business context.  The course also provides opportunities to develop ICT skills within a business context.

ENTRY LEVEL RECOMMENDED

¨   Experience of Business and Enterprise in S1 and S2

¨   Experience of Business or Finance, Administration and IT in S3 would be advantageous but is not essential.

¨  All pupils must consult with department for a recommended level of study.  All forms must be signed by Curricular Leader.

COURSE CONTENT

Business in Action (National 3)

In this Unit, students will be given opportunities to participate in activities that develop on awareness of the enterprising skills and personal attributes required to succeed in business.  Students will develop an understanding of the importance of satisfying customers’ needs.  This unit will also develop students’ awareness of the key functional activities that support business and will give them opportunities to demonstrate how the use of ICT supports these functional activities.

Influences in Business (National 3)

In this unit, students will be given opportunities to participate in activities that develop a basic awareness of the effects that financial matters and other internal influences can have on business.  They will also develop awareness of the effects that a limited range of external influences can have on business.  Students will explore how the actions of stakeholders can affect business success.

PROGRESSION

Students successfully completing Business at National 3 will have the opportunity to study Business at National 4.  They may also progress on to further study, employment and/or training.

This course gives students an insight into today‘s business world. Our journey will take us through not only why there is a need for business and how the economy works but will also consider the areas of Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management and Production.

Throughout the course we aim to help develop your research, team building and problem solving, thinking, communication and presentation skills through the theoretical and practical work which we do. 

ENTRY LEVEL RECOMENDED

¨     Experience of Business and Enterprise in S1 and S2

¨     Experience of Business or Finance, Administration and IT in S3 would be advantageous but not essential.

¨     All pupils must consult with departments for a recommended level of study.  All forms must be signed by Curricular Leader.

COURSE CONTENT

The Course consists of three mandatory Units including the Added Value Unit.

Business in Action (National 4)

In this Unit, students will carry out activities that will give them an appreciation of how and why businesses develop and operate in today’s society. Students will develop skills and knowledge and understanding relating to the role of business and entrepreneurship within society, and of the actions taken by business to meet customers’ needs. Students will discover how businesses are organised by exploring the functional activities, such as marketing, finance, operations and human resources, and applying their understanding of these areas to support business planning and decision making.

Influences on Business (National 4)

In this Unit, students will carry out activities that will give them an appreciation of the impact that a range of internal and external influences has on business decision making. Students will investigate stakeholders’ influence on businesses and will acquire skills and knowledge and understanding relating to the financial, economic, competitive and social environment in which businesses have to operate. This will provide students with a growing understanding of how these influences can affect business survival and success.

Added Value Unit: Business Assignment (National 4)

In this Unit, students will draw on and apply the skills, knowledge and understanding they have gained from across the other Units of the Course. This will be demonstrated by an assignment. The criteria for the assignment will be sufficiently flexible and open to allow for a degree of personalisation and choice as to the aspect of business to be investigated and how the findings may be presented.

PROGRESSION

Students successfully completing Business at National 4 should have the opportunity to study for Business Management at National 5 before progressing to Higher Business Management/further study, employment and/or training.

Studying Business Management allows you to gain access to many different career paths such as marketing, fashion, events management, engineering, international business and accountancy to name but a few. Most college and university courses have a business component – so this course could be of great benefit to you.

ENTRY LEVEL RECOMENDED

¨    Experience of Business and Enterprise in S1 and S2

¨    Experience of Business or Finance, Administration and IT in S3 would be advantageous but not essential.

¨    Business at National 4 would be advantageous but not essential.

¨    All pupils must consult with department for a recommended level of study.  All forms must be signed by  Curricular Leader .

COURSE CONTENT

The Course consists of three mandatory Units  

Understanding Business (National 5)

In this Unit, students will be introduced to the business environment. Students will develop relevant skills, knowledge and understanding by carrying out learning activities relating to the role of business organisations and entrepreneurship in society, using real-life contexts. It introduces students to the main activities associated with businesses and other organisations. The Unit will allow students to explore issues relating to the external environment in which organisations operate and their effects on organisational activity, decision making and survival.

Management of People and Finance (National 5)

In this Unit, students will develop skills, knowledge and understanding relating to the internal issues facing organisations in the management of people and finance. Students will carry out activities that will enable them to grasp theories, concepts and processes relating to human resource management. This will allow them to demonstrate an understanding of how to manage people in order to maximise their contribution to an organisation’s success. Students will also follow basic theories, concepts and processes relating to financial aspects of business in preparing and interpreting financial information in order to solve financial problems facing businesses.

Management of Marketing and Operations (National 5)

In this Unit, students will develop skills, knowledge and understanding relating to the importance to organisations of having effective marketing and operations systems. The Unit will allow students to carry out activities that introduce them to the processes and procedures organisations use in order to maintain quality and competitiveness. Students will demonstrate an understanding of how marketing can be used to communicate effectively with consumers, maximise customer satisfaction, and enhance competitiveness.

PROGRESSION

Students successfully completing Business Management at National 5 should have the opportunity to study for Higher Business Management/further study, employment and/or training.

A main feature of the Course is the development of enterprising and employability skills.  It develops skills for learning, life and work that will be of instant use in the workplace.  It supports personal financial awareness through developing learners’ knowledge of financial management in a business context.

The purpose of the Course is to highlight the way in which large organisations operate and the steps they take to achieve their strategic goals.  This purpose will be achieved by combining theoretical and practical aspects of learning through the use of real-life business contexts.  The skills knowledge and understanding will be embedded in current business theory and practice and reflect the integrated nature of large organisations, their functions and their decision making processes.

ENTRY LEVEL RECOMMENDED

¨       National 5 Business Management would be advantageous but not essential

¨   All pupils must consult with department for a recommended level of study.  All forms must be signed by Curricular Leader.

COURSE CONTENT

Understanding Business (Higher)

In this unit learners will extend their understanding of the ways in which large organisations in the private, public and third sectors operate.  Learners will carry out activities that highlight the opportunities and constraints on these organisations in the pursuit of their strategic goals.

Management of People and Finance (Higher)

In this unit, learners will develop skills and knowledge that will deepen their understanding and awareness of the issues facing large organisations in the management of people and finance.

Management of Marketing and Operations (Higher)

In this unit, learners will extend their knowledge that will deepen their understanding of the importance to large organisations of having effective marketing and operations systems.  It will provide learners with a firm understanding of the importance of satisfying both internal and external customers’ needs.

PROGRESSION

¨       Advanced Higher Business Management

¨       HNC/HND e.g. Business Administration

¨       Degree courses e.g. BA Business Management, BA Risk Management, BA Commerce

¨       Range of employment/training opportunities e.g. administrative posts in Human Resources or Marketing, Business related apprenticeships.