Business Studies

Department Overview

Many young people dream of running their own company, being the next Richard Branson, or at least of being their own boss, and if these ambitions do not materialise then it will mean working for a company owned by others.  Whatever lies ahead, each and every young person will find that their future will be very strongly influenced by the business world.  Some background in business is, therefore, a must for anyone with ambition! 

 

 

Facilities

Our students are fortunate that they have access to the latest business and economic data during lessons not just through the interactive whiteboard facility but our room opens into a purpose built IT facility. The department is the first in the school to be fitted with a video conferencing facility. Daily papers and periodicals support an extensive departmental library to support students in their studies.

 

In the Classroom

We have chosen the AQA syllabus for Applied business as it provides our students with the most interesting balance of subjects. In the lower sixth, students complete two pieces of coursework; one that investigates the main functions of business and the other that investigates the most important resource a business has, the people that is employs.  These pieces of coursework are internally assessed and externally moderated.  The final part of this year of study is assessed through an exam; its focus on how business plans and monitors its finances.  In the second year, students complete another two pieces of coursework; the first looks at how a business plan is constructed and the second how business develops its marketing strategy.  The final part is also assessed through an exam; while there is a range of options for this, we have chosen “Financial Accounting for Managers”.  This introduces our students to basic business accounts; this, alongside the knowledge and skills learnt from the other subjects covered over the two years, provides essential knowledge for anyone who has aspirations to start their own business.  The qualification helps students to progress on to higher qualifications, such as a HND or degree at university, or even straight into work. Advanced GCE Business students develop the transferable skills and the key skills that employers are looking for, which can lead to a very wide range of employment opportunities, or further training in such areas as accountancy, banking, business, the Civil Service, economics, insurance, management, management consultancy, marketing and law; indeed, more and more, of our students are finding that business is also highly valued for pursuing further studies and employment in medicine and engineering.  .

 

Beyond the Classroom

 

 

 

In addition to the assignments being facilitated through formal lessons, these assignments are normally based on local businesses; where students are further guided in their completion through visits to these businesses.  An Enterprise activity also allows our students to form their own company; hopefully profitably whilst honing their organisational and decision making skills. This year “Mirage” has organised and run a number of events; including “Fright Night” and the “Valentines Ball”.  Each year our students, also, enter national business competitions; including student investor and the make your mark challenge.

Ian Chamings a successful applicant on Dragons' Den helped judge the pitchs for the 'Make your mark 'competition