Business Studies and Computing

Business Studies

Students will study 6 key business areas such as, “What is enterprise”, “Getting Started”  and “Marketing and Promotion” to give students a broad understanding of Business skills and theories, initially on a small scale, moving to growing a business. There is a range of activities to engage learners in a brand new subject as well as study of a range of small, local businesses and their reasons for success.

Computing

Information Communications Technology (ICT) refers to the study of any technology that uses telecommunication to store, transmit or access digital information. It focuses on the way that modern technology affects our society and how we communicate. Ok, so it might sound a little complicated, but if you enjoy browsing the internet, happen to own a smartphone or often spend time watching digital television, you’ve already got a pretty good handle on the types of technology ICT covers. Furthermore, if you’ve ever talked to someone on Skype, or sent an email or text rather than a letter, then you’ve probably also got some idea of how modern technology has changed the way we interact with each other.

Click here to see the staff members in our Business and Computing department.

Key Stage 4 – Years 9, 10 and 11

Computing & ICT

Why do we study Computer Science

Studying Computer Science and IT will prepare and equip students’ skills for life. The course allows students to solve complex and challenging problems. The aim is to allow students to be responsible young citizen, be independent learners and leaders. The most important aspect of Computer Science is problem solving, an essential skill they need to have, as studying this course is a catalyst and resources for shaping the future. It allows individuals to make a positive different to the world. Computer Science and IT offers many types of lucrative careers.

Key Stage 4 Courses
BTEC Tech Award in Digital IT Level 2
GCSE Computer Science

Key Stage 5 Courses
Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate in IT

Business Studies 

Year 9 – Students will complete a skill building access year where they learn about the basic operations of a business and its role in the local economy through primary research and practical experience. Working in groups students will produce a portfolio of work showing evidence of their application of various business models and theories to real life businesses in the local community.

GCSE Business

Students will follow the Edexcel GCSE Business Studies syllabus.  The Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Business consists of two externally-examined papers: Theme 1 Investigating a Small Business and Theme 2 Building a Business. Through studying the GCSE 9-1 Business qualification students will apply their knowledge and understanding to different business contexts. These include businesses ranging from small enterprises to large multinationals and businesses operating in local, national and global contexts. You will develop an understanding of how these contexts impact on business behaviour, you will learn to use business terminology to identify and explain business activity and develop the skills to apply business concepts to familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

 ​​​Click here to see the Business Curriculum Overview.

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Key Stage 4

Edexcel GCSE Business Studies

• Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Business Student Book Ian Marcousé
• Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Business Teaching and Learning Digital Resources containing interactive resources, lesson planning tools, self-marking tests and assessment
• GCSE Business Studies Complete Revision & Practice CGP publishing ISBN1-84146-382-5
• BTEC Tech Award Enterprise Student Book 2nd edition Author: Helen Coupland-Smith, Catherine Richards ,Andrew Redfern

KS4– Students are expected to complete 4 hours of prescribed homework per week. They are also expected to supplement learning in lessons with extensive reading and research outside of class.

There is much opportunity for enrichment in the curriculum area. We have a program of guest speakers invited to coincide with specific areas of the curriculum and to give students a view as to how their chosen subject fits into the works for further education and work.

Several learning opportunities outside school are also planned from agencies such as:

• LSE (Summer school Economics)
• Imperial (Summer school Economics & Business Studies)
• LIBF workshops Canary Wharf
• Class based debates

The dynamic and constantly changing nature of Business Studies, Economics and Computing provides ample opportunity for G&T students to stretch their understanding of their chosen field.

Further reading and articles to support and extend learning are provided on the department website Ecothunk.uk and students are expected to research and contribute reading outside of lessons to their classmates.

G&T students are given the opportunity to further stretch their understanding of their chosen subject apart of the structure and content of A Level courses and it is expected that this will differentiate in the final assessment and outcome of the 2 year courses.

All students should display a passion for their KS5 studies and demonstrate the ability to deepen their understanding of the often complex models and theories covered in class.