KS 4 - BUSINESS & COMMUNICATIONS

This Edexcel course offers an introduction to Business, whilst at the same time focusing on practical skills, relating to the whole topic of communication in business. The course makes use of and extends students' ICT skills. They have the opportunity to visit businesses and a chance to learn more about the subject from visiting speakers.

The course first looks at how communication takes place in an organisation, by investigating a range of communication methods. It then goes on to develop students' skills in gathering, recording and presenting information for business purposes. Next, the course takes a more detailed look at the ways in which money is transferred by businesses. Finally it helps students understand how the Law and other factors constrain business' use of communication systems.

Assessment is based on a mixture of examinations at (Foundation and Higher tier) and coursework. At the end of the course students sit a theory examination (40%) and a practical examination (35%). They also submit coursework, which accounts for 25% of the total marks.

Course Books and Equipment

• GCSE Business and Communications Systems, (Bill Owens) Hodder Arnold.
• Planner, pen, pencil, eraser, ruler, calculator

Events and Visits

• Year 10: Thorpe Park

Key Dates

• Year 11: Practical exam – 6 May 2008 (to be confirmed)
• Theory exam – 21 may 2008