Thornhill College, Derry

HomeAbout our SchoolInformationDepartmentsThis YearVacancies

Business Studies

Introduction

Business Studies is offered at the following levels:

  • GCSE

  • AS-Level

  • A2-Level

  • Applied A-Level

At GCSE and A-level, pupils are taught by the same teacher for two years. This allows for consistency in the delivery of the course and enhances classroom relationships.

To further enhance teaching and learning speakers from a range of different industries are invited on a regular basis to make presentations to the students. Industrial visits are also arranged.

Business Studies Staff

  • Ms Geraldine Walker (Head of Department)

  • Ms Mariese Brown

  • Mr Joe McCafferty

To further enhance teaching and learning speakers from a range of different industries are invited on a regular basis to make presentations to the students. Industrial visits are also arranged.

GCSE Business Studies

The GCSE Business course provides a sound basis of business knowledge which can be built on through further study in Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Business Studies, Advanced GCE in Business Studies and Applied GCE in Business.

Candidates do not require any particular prior learning in the area of business to follow a course based on this specification.

The subject content of the two year course is divided into five topic areas, and these are listed below:

  • Business: Aims, Types and Organisation;

  • Human Resources;

  • Production;

  • Marketing;

  • Finance and Accounting.

This GCSE course in Business Studies can make a significant contribution to young people’s development as individuals and participants in society, the economy and the environment.

Assessment consists of

  • Externally Assessed Paper 1- based on a pre-seen case study – 30%

  • Externally Assessed Paper 2 – 50%

  • Internally Assessed and Externally Moderated Coursework – 20%

An Industry Day is organised in the month of June for Year 11 students, in conjunction with Industry Matters. This provides an opportunity for all Year 11 students to come together and work in teams and become more actively involved in organising and operating a small business as well as making key decisions on producing, marketing and financing a business.

   A-LEVEL Business Studies

Many students continue to study Business to Advanced Level, but a student who has not previously studied Business Studies can take up the subject in Year 13.

Aims of the course

  • To develop a critical understanding of organisations and their workings;

  • To be aware of the external influences on business;

  • To acquire skills including decision making and problem solving.

Frequently Asked Questions

The A-Level in Business Studies is divided into 2 segments:

  • Year 13 The AS is worth 50% of an A-Level;

  • Year 14 The A2 is worth 50% of an A-Level.

What are the entry requirements?

 It is not a requirement to have studied GCSE Business. You do need

  • a lively enquiring mind;

  • an interest in business and current affairs;

  • a willingness to explore new ideas.

What does an AS contain?

  • Unit 1 - Objectives and the Business Environment

  • Unit 2- People in Organisations and Accounting and Finance

  • Unit 3 Marketing and Operations Management

Assessment at AS

Exams are available in January and June
These are assed through a one hour examination

What does A2 Business contain?

  • Unit 4 – Objectives and the Business Environment, People in Organisations, and Accounting and Finance;

  • Unit 5 – Objectives and the Business Environment, Marketing and Operations Management

Assessment in A2

  • Units 4 and 5 only 1 hour 40 mins exam  (2 Qs from 4 – “data response”)

  • Units 1-5 1 hour 40 mins exam  Unseen Case Study

  • Units 1-5 Either Coursework (completed Sep-Dec A2 year) or a Pre-seen Case Study – 1 hour 40 mins exam
     

 

 

A-level Applied Business Studies

Students have the opportunity to undertake twelve units in this course which cover Marketing, Human Resources, Finance and many other business related areas. At the end of the two year period students can achieve a GCE Applied Business (Double Award) which is recognised as two A Levels.

During the two year course the 12 units will be taught by all three of the Business Studies team with four of the units being assessed externally through an examination and eight assessed through the completion of assignments presented as portfolio evidence. These assignments are internally assessed and externally moderated.

LINKS WITH BUSINESS

The Business Studies Department has developed Industry Links with local business to widen our pupils’ experience. Businesses and organisations which the department have links which include some of the following:

  • Invista

  • Seagate

  • Derry City Council

  • Perfecseal

  • Altnagelvin Regional Hospital

  • Local Banks

Industry Day

Industry Day is organised in June in conjunction with Sentinus Ltd. It provides an opportunity for all Year 11 students to come together and work in teams and become more actively involved in organising and operating a small business as well as making key decisions on producing, marketing and financing a business.

Mini-Enterprise

Year 11 pupils also have the opportunity to participate in a mini-enterprise activity. Recently this has been a fund-raising venture for White Oaks, a registered local charity, involving the sale of pens.

 

 

Applied Business Studies - AS LEVEL UNITS

  • Unit 1 - The Enterprising Manager (Portfolio)

  • Unit 2 - The Enterprising Business (Portfolio)

  • Unit 3 - External Influences (Exam)

  • Unit 4 - E Commerce (Exam)

  • Unit 5 - Customer Service (Portfolio

  • Unit 6 - Project Management (Portfolio)

Applied Business Studies - A2 LEVEL UNITS

  • Unit 7 - Finance (Exam)

  • Unit 8 - Quality Management (Portfolio)

  • Unit 9 - Enterprise in Practice (Portfolio)

  • Unit 10 - Investing in People (Portfolio)

  • Unit 11 - Marketing (Portfolio)

  • Unit 12 - The Global Market (Exam)

BIS (BUSINESS INCENTIVE SCHEME)

This is a partnership with Barnados and Friends Provident. They promote School Enterprise Schemes by providing a start-up loan. Applied A-level students participate in the scheme by setting up and running a small business enterprise. The money they raise is donated to Barnardos charity. In the past Thornhill College pupils have been recognised for their high achievement in this scheme.

Pathways assists Thornhill College students by contacting businesses and in consultation with the  Business Studies Department and the local businesses, organising placements for our vocational students. Pathways also organises conferences which our advanced students attend each year.