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