Subject:   BTEC First Diploma in Business (60 Credits)

 Number of lessons per fortnight:    8

This course has been revamped for 2010.  The full qualification is the equivalent to 4 GCSEs but they have now introduced other exit points at 1 and 2 GCSE equivalents.  All of the units that the students will study will be internally assessed and then externally verified. The course is studied over a two year period. Students take 4 core units and 4-6 optional units.  The students will also be encouraged to start up their own business idea that can be run within the school.

Units:

The 4 core units that the students will complete are as follows:

Unit 1 –Business Purposes – 5 Credit

This unit explores key terms and concepts within business to ensure that all the students have the same level of understanding.  It will look at national and local examples of businesses and also businesses working within different sectors.  The students will need to be able to identify the aims and objectives of different types of businesses.

Unit 2 – Business Organisations – 5 Credit

This unit looks at the role that positive customer relations can play in helping a business to be successful.  The students will undertake role plays to help them the complete this unit and they will also be assessed during their work experience placements.  The students will learn about the benefits to all of the stakeholders of the business.

Unit 3 – Financial Forecasting for Business Control – 5 Credit

For this unit the students will be learning about the different documents that are put in place to help businesses manage their financial transactions.  The students will need to be able to complete a breakeven analyse, a profit and loss account and a balance sheet.

 Unit 4 People in Organisations - 5 Credits

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to understand the part played by people in business organisations. Learners will do this through a study of job roles and their functions. They will consider the different structures of business organisations, as well as considering their own preparation for employment and career planning.

Optional Units:

Below is a list of the possible optional units that the students will study:

• Unit 5 Using Office Equipment (5 Credits)
• Unit 6 Providing Business Support (5 Credits)
• Unit 7 Verbal and Non Verbal Communication in Business Contexts (5 Credits)
• Unit 8 Business Communication Through Documentation (5 Credits)
• Unit 9 Training and Employment in Business (5 Credits)
• Unit 10 Personal Selling in Business (5 Credits)
• Unit 11 Customer Relations in Business (10 Credits)
• Unit 12 Business Online (10 Credits)

 Assessment:

Students will build-up a portfolio of work in line with the exam board’s specification and this will be assessed throughout the year to monitor their progress.

As this course is continually assessed students are expected to adhere to deadlines and submit all work on time.

Homework:

Students will be set homework linked to the topics being studied that term as well as preparation work for their coursework assignments.

Equipment requirements/recommended texts:

The purchase of a Business Studies Revision Guide is highly recommended. Students will be expected to have a calculator in addition to the standard equipment of a blue/black ink pen, pencil, sharpener, eraser and a ruler.

Contact: Ms Tester/Ms Edward