Business Studies
Mrs Denise Murphy (HOD)
Mr Robert Gamble
Overview of the Department
The Business Studies Department provides students with an insight into the world of work. Students will discover how businesses operate and will learn about their key functions. This knowledge is invaluable to those students who wish to pursue careers in management, marketing, human resources, project management, business accounting, management consultancy, and business journalism.
All examinations are with CCEA
A-LEVEL BUSINESS STUDIES
GCE Business Studies is made up of two levels: AS and A2. Year 13 students can take the AS course as a final qualification without progressing to the A2 Level in Year 14. Those wanting to obtain the full Advanced GCE must complete both the AS and the A2 Level. The course has a modular structure. Students will study two units at AS and a further two at A2 Level.
APPLIED GCE BUSINESS STUDIES
Having a vocational emphasis, a new practical course will be offered by the Business Department for the first time in September 2009. This is a very active course and students will need to be prepared to undertake their own research. Places on this course are limited. A three unit CCEA award will be offered as an introduction to business and is appropriate as a complementary vocational course for students taking two or three other A-level subjects.
GCSE BUSINESS STUDIES
This subject provides a solid basis of business knowledge which pupils can use in a wide variety of careers. They will study current business and economic events in local, national and global contexts. They will learn how use key terms and concepts to describe business activities. Pupils also consider business ethics and the impact of business on the environment
Achievements
Each year, business students form an enterprise company and enter The Young Enterprise NI competition. In 2004, we received the Innovation Award from Young Enterprise NI and Company Secretary of the Year, awarded by the Chartered Institute for Company Secretaries.
Congratulations to the Year 11 Business Studies Students who were awarded the trophy for 'Young Enterprise Junior Company of the Year 2010' at the Belfast Regional Final, which took place on 22nd March at the La Mon Hotel.
Congratulations to our Year 11 team who ranked fourth out of twenty schools in the Stock Market Competition, held at the University of Ulster in March 2010.
This was a unique opportunity for our girls to experience the excitment of dealing on a live trading floor. Each of the twenty competing teams began the game with £13,400 worth of shares and Euros. The object of the game was to maximise the team's portfolio value by buying and selling shares in the nine listed companies and by trading in the euro. The team with the highest valued portfolio at the close of trading were awarded the trophy. It was a very close finish and our girls should be very proud of their top ranking as this was our first year entering this competition. This event was sponsored by the New York Stock Exchange, Santander and the Financial Services Skills Council.
"It was a really amazing and unforgettable experience. It gave me an image of how the stock market really works. I'll never forget it!" Michaela Mulholland
"It was a really fun day and helped me understand the stock market. I also got to use my mathematical and business skills". Emma Murphy
"It was a really good experience and helped me to learn how to cope with stressful situations and make use of my financial skills". Megan Madden
"It was a very fun day, which highlighted the stresses of owning a business and buying and selling on the stock exchange". Sarah mcCusker
Top placing –
Judith McKnight came third in Northern Ireland for GCSE Business Studies in 2003.
100% A-C result for A-level Business Studies 2008
90% A*-C result for GCSE Business Studies 2008
Extra-Curricular Activities
Application of business and management theory to an industrial setting is an essential part of the students’ learning. GCSE pupils’ annual visit to the Tayto factory gives them the opportunity to experience the factory floor and view the manufacturing process at first hand. It helps them appreciate the role of local business in developing Northern Ireland as a competitive market on a global scale.
A-level students have the opportunity to visit the Bank of England and London Metal Exchange in London. Students are given a presentation explaining fully how the Bank of England contributes to a healthy economy and gain an insight at the exchange, into this commodity market with a tour of the gallery to view market trading.
Students also take part in various competitions organised by Young Enterprise NI and are actively involved in the Company Programme. In 2010, Year 11 pupils will be taking part in the Stock Market Challenge Competition for the first time, hosted by Invest NI.
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