BUSINESS AND MONEY MANAGEMENT

Year 9 Course Outline

In the Year 9 Money Management option, pupils are introduced to the courses in the department through the “Award in Financial Education” level 2 qualification (accredited by the London Institute of Banking & Finance) which includes topics on being a citizen, the economy, personal finance decisions and running a business. It has clear curriculum links with GCSE Business and Sixth Form Economics and Business. At the end of the year, pupils are able to make basic financial decisions, understand the key aspects of banking including saving, borrowing and automated banking tools, understand the key sources of money including earned income, inheritance, selling and borrowing and understand the concept and consequences of currency exchange fluctuations. This course gives pupils the opportunity to develop key skills that are relevant to everyday life. Pupils should feel more confident and informed in making financial decisions and begin to take ownership of planning their finances.

Years 10 and 11 Course Outline

Pupils study GCSE Business, which focuses on the study of the firm. It examines how the firm operates internally and how it interacts with its external environment. With regard to its internal operation, the course includes the study of the legal structure of the firm and the differences between such organisations as the sole proprietor and the public limited company; the role of various departments within the firm, including the finance department which involves examining how a firm monitors and controls its money flows; the management and motivation of human resources; the areas of production and marketing, where decisions about where and how to produce and then how to distribute and sell are made. The other aspect of the firm – its relations with its external environment – involves examination of those factors which are largely outside the direct control of the firm, such as the state of the economy, but which crucially influence its growth and prosperity.

Skills Required and Developed

Business suits pupils who are inquisitive about the operation of business and have an interest in following current economic affairs. It requires pupils to investigate, calculate, select and make reasoned judgements, developing a pupil’s skills of enquiry, analysis and evaluation.

External Assessment

The Year 9 Money Management course is assessed through two public examinations, one in January and one in May. The cost of this externally accredited course is currently around £25 and is payable by the pupil’s fee-payer. The GCSE Business course is assessed through two external examinations in the summer of Year 11.

Beyond the Classroom

Pupils can enhance their learning by light reading of business news pages. Trips are offered so that pupils can gain firsthand experience of how financial districts and real businesses operate. Recent trips have included the City of London and New York. Local speakers are arranged at different times of the year.

Further Information

Mrs M Worley, Head of Economics & Business Studies, Tel 023 9236 036, Email m.worley@pgs.org.uk

Exam Board Website:

Year 9: http://www.libf.ac.uk/study/financial-capability/qualifications

GCSE: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-business-j204-from-2017/