Lisnagarvey High School

Edexcel Level 2 BTEC First Certificate in Business

Staff

Mr E Fulton (Head of Department), Mr A Henry, Miss C Johnston, Miss L Simpson 

 

Departmental Aims

 

• To maintain and/or stimulate pupil curiosity, interest and enjoyment in Business Studies.
• To enable pupils to be familiar with a body of business and economic knowledge, principles, skills and vocabulary.
• To enable pupils to see Business Studies in the context of a wider body of knowledge and skills.
• To enable pupils to understand and use investigative methods.
• To enable pupils to develop a range of desirable personal qualities such as politeness, perseverance, initiative and independence.
• To enable pupils to be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• To employ teaching methods and resources that allow all pupils (irrespective of their gender, ethnic origin, academic ability, etc.) to have equal access to Business Studies and to experience success and enjoyment in their Business Studies work
• To develop an awareness in pupils of the implications of business and industry (past and present) for the individual, the community and the environment
• To support the implementation of the statement on ’Shared Values’ and to enable pupils to develop a range of desirable personal qualities such as safety awareness, politeness, perseverance, concern for others, initiative and independence

 

 

Structure of the Qualification

 

The Edexcel Level 2 BTEC First Certificate in Business consists of one core uni plus two specialist units that provide for a compbined total of 180 guided learning hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.

 

The following areas of business are studied:

• Exploring Business Purposes
• Business Communication
• Exploring Business Enterprise

 

There are no exams with the BTEC First Business. Instead, students will complete assignments set by the teacher, based on learning outcomes set by Edexcel. The grade gained depends of the standard of coursework produced. Pupils are graded as achieving a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

 

 

Controlled Assessment

 

The achievement of the BTEC First Certificate has the equivalence of 2 GCSEs graded A*-C. It consists entirely of coursework of one core unit plus two specialist units. Pupils must therefore be prepared to produce a considerable amount of coursework and be responsible for their own learning.

 

 

Essential Skills Needed to Study the Subject

 

This course gives students the opportunity to research businesses of their choice and put theory which is taught in class into practice by relating it to real life businesses. ICT is a valuable resource in the learning process throughout the course as pupils are expected to carry out a lot of individual research.  Whole class teaching will take place when introducing new topics but you then have to individually apply this to selected businesses. The subject requires students who have a keen interest in the business world and ICT.

 

Careers

 

The business world comprises an enormous variety of different careers. The course aims to give pupils a practical understanding of what “being in business” entails and it will help out to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed when considering entering employment in this sector.

 

If pupils achieve an overall pass grade or better in the BTEC First Certificate in Business, it is possible for them to progress further to the BTEC First Diploma in Business, or to enrol on another Level 2 programme, such as a relevant NVQ, or to move on to university. 
 

 

Departmental Facilities and Resources

 

The facilities of the department include a modern, dedicated Business Studies suite, which is very well equipped with networked computer systems with high speed internet connections with interactive whiteboards.

Throughout the two year course pupils will have the opportunity of visiting various business organisations such as McDonalds, Tescos, Tayto, Coca-Cola etc to see the theory they are studying in class put into action.