Our vision is to cultivate entrepreneurs, business leaders and employees who possess knowledge and skills to thrive in the dynamic business world.
Through case studies, interactive projects and practical activities, we empower students to develop understanding of key business functions.
Students acquire skills needed to become enterprising, creative and commercially aware – all the foundations of our future economy.
The Business Studies department offers a range of courses to reflect the diverse nature of the subject and the possible future careers which could be followed by the students.
Within the key stage 3 curriculum an introductory business course is offered to all year 10 students studying topics such as entrepreneurship, health and safety, marketing and financial capability. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Young Enterprise Project Business Programme which is a business simulation experience in which students manufacture a product and compete with other groups to sell and maximise their profit. It is a highly competitive experience reflecting the real-life business world developing communication, teamworking, money management and enterprise skills for participants.
The business and financial knowledge and skills gained will provide students with an insight into the range of key stage 4 subjects offered by the Business Studies department thus aidingstudents with decisions for subject choices.
Students who study within the Business Studies Department from year 11 onwards will study for a GCSE/Occupational Studies Qualification. It is the policy of the department to continually review existing provision to ensure it effectively meets the needs of our students and is inclusive.
The subjects offered are:
GCSE Business and Communication Systems - Business and Communication Systems gives students the opportunity to learn about the business world including ownership types, recruitment, training and marketing, as well as the uses of digital technology in business. In addition to this, students develop skills in using a range of software applications in business contexts. Skills and knowledge gained help students understand the important role of ICT in business and the changing nature of business today.
Level 2 Occupational Studies in Office and Retail - This practical course in Office and Retail will develop the knowledge and skills necessary for working in an office environment or a retail environment requiring good customer skills. The knowledge and skills gained are transferrable to many other work areas.
OCN Level 2 Business Enterprise - The OCN Level 2 in Business Enterprise is designed to provide learners with skills and knowledge required for self-employment or working in a range of jobs within the business sector. During this course, students will learn how to develop a business idea by setting up and running their own business. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the business world while developing enterprising and practical skills such as communication, team working and problem-solving. Overall, students will learn about business by doing business!
The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business is for sixth-form students who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment in the business sector. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level and aims to provide a broad introduction to study of the business world.
This course includes study of the following business areas:
• business environments
• marketing
• finance
• recruitment and selection
After studying BTEC Business, study and career possibilities include accounting, finance, banking, marketing, human resources, retail, event management and self-employment to name but a few.
As a Young Enterprise Centre of Excellence for Enterprise and Financial Education, we pride ourselves in the delivery of programmes to improve the entrepreneurial and financial knowledge and skills of our students. All of these Young Enterprise programmes are hands-on and as a result enhance learning.
As part of the Enrichment Programme complementing Sixth Form study, students have the opportunity to participate in the Young Enterprise Company programme. This programme empowers young people to set up and run a business under the guidance of their link teacher. Students get the opportunity to develop teamwork, communication, confidence and interpersonal skills, in addition to providing a fuller understanding of the business world.
The Tenner Club invites Year 10 students to set up their own business with starting capital of £10. Enterprising, innovation and teamwork skills will be put to the test in this after school activity.
It is one of the aims of the Department to ensure that teaching and learning is relevant for the students and that full use is made of outside agencies and resources of the local community to develop their confidence and interpersonal skills in addition to providing a fuller understanding of the business world.
Teachers will make use of business resources wherever possible in their teaching to enhance the understanding of students. Having access to up-to-date industry information is vital for students who are completing research and assignments. Visiting speakers and industrial visits are of great importance for topics such as customer service, web design, recruitment and selection and health and safety.
The Business Studies department offers subject specific revision or support groups for assignment or portfolio work from 3.05-4.00pm on one afternoon per week throughout the year for the following subjects:
• BTEC Level 3 Business
• GCSE Business and Communication Systems
• Level 2 OCN Business
• Level 2 Occupational Studies in Office and Retail
These have proven beneficial to students who wish to boost their subject grade or to seek additional support with their learning.
Parkhall Integrated College Vision Statement
