Overview:

This module provides an introduction to Business Studies and Economics (no prior knowledge is necessary). It develops an overall understanding and helps pupils to discern between the two subjects. This module is designed to help pupils make an informed choice when selecting Business Studies or Economics or both or none of them for the Leaving Certificate. The topics covered teach useful life skills. The module has been developed over years based on feedback from pupils and current events (Four lessons per week, no text book necessary, all notes available on Firefly).

Course Content:

By the end of the module pupils should be able to:

  • Explain the difference between Business Studies and Economics 


  • Describe how Marketing, Logistics, Strategy and Finance operate in a (mini) company

  • Identify their Consumer rights 
and to know how and when and to make an official complaint

  • Describe the process of the Small Claims Court 
and to know how, when and why to use it.

  • Explain the World at work and the rights and responsibilities of Employers and Employees

  • Outline different forms of Taxation and do a tax calculation


  • Define Stocks and Shares 
and explain how Stock Exchanges function

  • Give clear examples to explain how prices are influenced by Supply and Demand 


  • Make clear the difference between Micro and Macro Economics 


  • Evaluate different Economic systems in around the world 
and study one specific country

  • Outline what is meant by Enterprise and look at some successful Entrepreneurs

Teaching & Learning:

  • Every effort is made to make the class fun, practical, relevant and interesting

  • In class there is a mixture of discussion, group work, case studies and problem solving

  • 
Pupils are given questions to research for prep so that they are involved in self-discovery

  • The Team Hope mini company project gives pupils a chance to put theory into action 



Assessment:

  • In the Michaelmas and Trinity terms, pupils sit a 90 minute exam. 


  • In the Trinity term pupils do a Business Studies project and presentation as well as an Economics project and presentation, which counts towards the term mark. 


  • Each term pupils get a cumulative mark for preps, as well as a series of effort marks

  • Pupils are given a mark based on their involvement in the mini company project 
every term

  • At the end of the year there is a prize for the top Business Studies pupil and the top Economics pupil