Business Studies
Aims of Department:
Business Studies Department offer Administration in S3. In S5/6 we offer Administration and Accounting. The courses have been designed to educate pupils in modern business practice. The course is based on Information and Communications Technology and how it is used in modern businesses.
Course Content:
Pupils will use computers to learn about word processing, spreadsheets, databases, the Internet and e-mail. Pupils will also use a photocopier, electronic diary, scanner, fax and telephone answering machine. Pupils will also learn the applications of this equipment in the business world eg organising travel, accommodation, currency, car hire, etc.
In S5/6 the Higher and Intermediate 2 courses offer students an insight into the business world of today by focusing on the role of accounting. Accounting is essential for all businesses and many people from scientists to professional golfers require a basic knowledge of accounting.
The core of the Higher course is problem solving. Planning and organisation skills will be developed to aid decision-making.
Students will be required to examine alternative courses of action, evaluate decisions and monitor results. ICT will be used to generate solutions but candidates will be required to describe and evaluate these solutions.
This course continues beyond the printouts of S Grade and candidates will be required to use their extended response skills -
ie writing essays.
Assessment
In S3/S4 each candidate will be assessed as follows:
A Practical Abilities Project will be undertaken from January-March of S4 during class time. Candidates will be advised whether to undertake the project at Foundation, General or Credit level. This project will examine the pupil’s ICT skills and will be marked externally by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
Plus
A written paper based on 2 elements
Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving
At the end of S4, candidates will sit 2 papers either Foundation and General, or General and Credit. These papers will be will be marked externally by SQA.
In S5/S6 each candidate will be assessed as follows:
The Intermediate 1 course is open to those who gained a Grade 4, 5 or 6 Standard Grade Administration, or who did not take Standard Grade.
The Intermediate 2 course is open to those who gained a Grade 3 Standard Grade Administration, or who gained a Grade 1 or 2 and wish to focus on improving their ICT skills but do not wish to follow the Higher course, which is 50% theory.
The Higher course is open to those who gained a Grade 1 or 2 Standard
Grade Administration, or Intermediate 2 Administration. All candidates must have a credit award in Standard Grade English.
Internal Assessment throughout the course
Administrative Services – theory questions
Information Technology for Administrators – by practical tasks
Presenting and Communicating Information- by practical tasks
External Assessment undertaken in May or June which will be marked externally by SQA. The examination covers all aspects of the course.
Assessment – Higher
Internal Assessment throughout the course
Administrative Services - by practical tasks
Information Technology for Management - by practical tasks
External Assessment undertaken in May or June which will be marked externally by SQA.
Paper 1 – consisting of 2 sections, the first a case study of 200 words with questions, the second will require candidates to complete 2 extended response questions (essays)
Paper 2 – ICT for problem solving in business
Career Information
ICT skills are now essential for the modern office worker and employers now expect them of applicants for jobs. Indeed Standard Grade Administration is often a pre-requisite for applicants.
Careers in Administration may be started after Administration courses at Standard Grade, Intermediate 1, 2, Higher level, further education courses at college, or degree courses at university.
