“A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well.” Jeff Bezos (CEO, Amazon)
Business is a growing subject in Ashfield Girls’ High School, offering courses to suit all abilities.
We currently teach all girls in Years 8 – 10 and have more than 120 pupils in Years 11 – 14 who have chosen to study one of the courses on offer in the department.
Learning in the Business and Enterprise Department is related to authentic business situations, in the context of the local business environment as well as nationally and internationally.
During the teaching of the course students are given the opportunity to learn through real life business situations via case studies, simulations, visiting speakers from industry and visits to various businesses, to enhance students’ learning.
All Business Studies students have the opportunity to develop ICT skills specific to the subject.
In the study of Business and Enterprise in Year 8, students begin their journey into the grown-up world of business. The subject investigates:
• Goods and Services
• Entrepreneurship
• Types of Business Ownership
• Business Aims
Year 9 gives the girls an opportunity to get ‘hands on’ business experience by writing a business plan and taking their product to market. They learn about:
• Creating a business
• Choosing a product
• Raising Share Capital
• Market Research
• Corporate Image
• Marketing Mix
In Year 10 they further develop their understanding of Business by exploring topics such as:
• Production
• Health and Safety
• Budgeting
• Sources of Finance
• People in Business
The courses on offer in Key Stage 4 are:
Through the study of GCSE Business Studies, it is hoped our students develop a lifelong interest and enjoyment of business subjects. Throughout the course, they will adopt an enquiring, critical approach to distinguish facts from opinions, to form arguments and make judgements. Students should then be able to apply their knowledge and skills locally and globally. Studying GCSE Business Studies would be beneficial for the study of GCE Professional Business Services in 6th Form as well as providing an overall general knowledge of business which will be of benefit when seeking employment. Many university degrees now include the study of business.
The aim of this qualification is to allow learners to develop the knowledge, understanding and key skills required to work within a business setting. It provides an engaging, practical and relevant introduction to the world of business today. The units offered can be tailored to the interests and strength of the classes and are 100% coursework based.
This qualification is rooted in practical occupational contexts and has been uniquely structured so that students will have the opportunity to learn for work, through work and about work with real outcomes that will give them skills for life and their future careers.
Two units, of equal weighting, are delivered over two years and provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of using office technology and modern office procedures.
This qualification will develop a learner’s interest in and enthusiasm for professional business services, including:
• Developing an interest in further study and careers in the subject.
• The development of competence and confidence in a number of skills, including independent learning, creative thinking, practical, mathematical and problem solving;
• Gives learners an opportunity to carry out practical tasks and present their findings in different formats;
• An appreciation of the needs of business professionals operating in the marketplace of Northern Ireland and beyond; and
• Allows learners to progress to relevant higher education programmes.
Each year the girls will have an opportunity to take part in at least one programme in conjunction with Young Enterprise:
Year 8 – Step Up and Blast Off
Year 9 – YENI Programme
Year 10 – Project Business
Year 10 – Quick Start
Year 11 – Learn to Earn
The Business and Enterprise department enjoys visits from entrepreneurs and professional business services professionals which enhances student understanding.
