BUSINESS STUDIES

The Department delivers the following courses:

• AS Business Studies in year 12(AQA)
• A2 Business Studies in year 13(AQA)
• AS Economics in Year 12(EDEXCEL)
• A2 Economics in year 13(EDEXCEL)
• AS Accounting in year 13(AQA)

Staffing:

A.L.Bedgood Economics/Business Studies Head of Department (ft)
S.Burns Economics/Business Studies (ft)
L.A.Goodes Business Studies/Accounting (pt)
D.J.Slocombe Business Studies (pt)

Aims

Each subject has specific aims, which are outlined in the relevant schemes of work. The general aims of the department are outlined below

1. To ensure that all relevant material is delivered within the required timescale.

2. To deliver the courses using varied and stimulating resources and teaching methods.

3. To ensure the department provides an environment that promotes and celebrates pupil achievement.

4. To develop an interest in the business world and the economy that will have a use and relevance to the student, whatever the level to which they pursue the course.

5. To advise and encourage the students in their pursuit of subject related courses and careers.

Curriculum Polices

The Enquiry process

Pupils should be given opportunities to explore and investigate issues, whilst ensuring there is a strong grasp of the subject matter. Students will be encouraged to explore and investigate issues in an informed and structured manner.

Presentation and completion of work

Where at all possible these guidelines should be followed;

1. Students notes should be well organized with the various subject headings clearly marked and the various units of study clearly separated.

2. For each unit of the course students will be issued with the appropriate specification contents guide or a suitable teacher alternative.

3. Students will be encouraged to date and/or number their class notes, and make reference to any teacher handout that accompany a set of notes.

4. Homework will include a name a date and each question will be indicated to correspond with the homework given

Homework

The nature of the A/AS courses taught mean that fixed homework schedule is not appropriate. The two teachers for any given set should coordinate homework so that at least one task is given per week. This will vary at different times of the year, especially in the run up to internal and external examinations when revision may be more appropriate. Students should be reminded that formal homework is a minimum requirement for work outside lesson times for a serious A level student. There is always something that could be done to develop their understanding of the subject.

Teaching and learning strategies

A variety of teaching methods need to be employed, with a balance between teacher and student led activities. The teacher should give structure and guidance and allow the pupils to develop the skills of application, analysis and application needed for success at A level.

Pupil assessment

Where possible work should be marked in accordance with exam board marking criteria of knowledge, application, analysis and evaluation. Each teaching group will have a specific task marked in line with the school PINT marking strategy each half term. The pupils will be made aware of the PINT system.

Pupil achievement will be monitored throughout the course, and target setting will take place using the ALPS system. A record will be kept by both department and student.

Year 13 - At start of the autumn term, AS results will be compared to alps target.
During the spring term January unit 4 results and resit results will be compared to alps target.

Year 12 - In the autumn term mock unit 1 results will be compared to alps target. In the spring term unit 1 results will be compared to the alps target.