The aim of the department is to provide a broad business education that is relevant to the world in which we live. Business Studies and Economics are becoming ever more relevant and important areas of study and through our delivery of business education we will endeavour to ensure that our students develop the skills, qualities and attitudes that will equip them for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life.

GCSE

The subjects in the department become available to students at the start of Key Stage 4.
Both GCSE Business and Economics students follow the CCEA Specifications. Each specification affords the students the opportunity to develop an understanding of the business world and the economy as a whole. The courses in both subjects offers opportunities to build on the skills and capabilities developed through the delivery of the Key Stage 3 curriculum in Northern Ireland, in particular, in regard to ICT and financial capability.

A LEVEL

Both Economics and Business Studies are available at AS/A2 level. In Economics the CCEA specification is followed while in Business Studies the students study the AQA specification. Both subjects are very popular in the senior school with a significant number of students choosing both at AS level. There are no entry requirements and students who have not studied the subjects at GCSE can still choose to study them at AS. At this level we encourage our students to actively engage in the study of the subjects and to develop as effective and independent learners able to critically reflect on business and economic issues. Industrial visits and guest speakers are arranged periodically to show the relevance of the subjects and to enhance learning opportunities.