GCSE Business & Communication Systems

(Option subject)

Exam Board: AQA

Business and Communication Systems is a course that links together Business topics and skills and encourages students to apply this knowledge using communication and IT skills.

The course is made of 5 main subject areas:

  • The Business Environment
  • Workplace organisation
  • Human Resources
  • Communication
  • ICT in the Business Environment

Due to the emphasis on ICT this course will also encourage students to develop ICT skills in the following areas:

  • Word processing
  • Desktop publishing
  • Spreadsheets
  • Databases
  • Charts
  • Graphics and clipart

 

Many students will find this a practical subject that allows them to show their understanding of business through an applied ICT medium.

Assessment

This course is assessed through two examinations.

  1. Theory paper:  Usually of one hour, including short answers and some extended writing.  This tests student’s knowledge and understanding of the subject areas.  This usually counts for a third of the student’s overall grade.
  2. Practical paper:  Usually 2 hours.  This is a test carried out in the ICT room, where students produce practical work using a combination of their ICT skills and showing their knowledge of the subject areas.  This usually counts for two thirds of the students overall grade.

 

There are two tiers of assessment for this course – Foundation (GCSE grades C – G) and Higher (GCSE grades A* - D).  Students will be advised as they work through the course which tier they will be most appropriate for.

For further information on this course please contact Mrs Barlow

Examples of Jobs and Careers for Business Studies: - Estate Agent, Marketing Specialist, Retail Management, Advertising, Transport Manager, Training Officer, Purchasing manager, Human Resources Business Finance.