Business & Communications

General Information

Business & Communication Systems is an exciting and practical subject that recognises how ICT is in the foreground of all business activities.

 

Why study Business and Communication Systems?

In studying this course you will:-

• Study business activity and how ICT has changed the business environment
• Have the opportunity to develop valuable practical ICT skills in a business context; and
• Have the opportunity to complete Unit 1 in the first year of your GCSE course

 

What will I study?

Use of ICT – You will have the opportunity to develop your ICT skills in a business context.  You will learn how to use different types of software applications.  These include:

• Word-processing;
• Spreadsheets;
• Charts;
• Databases;
• Presentations; and
• Email

 

The Business Environment – You will study:-

• Types of business;
• Business aims;
• Stakeholders; and
• Uncertainty, risk, reward and change.

 

e-commerce – You will study how ICT has changed the business environment.

 

How will I be assessed?

 

There are two external assessments.  Unit 1 is a computer-based exam worth 40% and Unit 2 is a written exam worth 35%.  Unit 3 is one controlled assessment worth 25%

 

Type of Assessment

 

Business & Communication Systems – Theory Unit 1

Unit 1 is a computer-based examination of 2 hour’s duration and will test your ICT skills in a business context.  This examination is worth 40% of the overall GCSE qualification.

 

Business & Communication Systems – Theory Unit 2

The written examination for Unit 2 is 1 hour long.  This examination paper is worth 35% of the overall GCSE qualification.

 

e-commerce Unit 3

This unit is assessed through controlled assessment.  For this unit, you will design a website and explain its business rationale through a PowerPoint presentation.  This unit is worth 25% of the overall GCSE qualification.

 

How can I find out about more?

CCEA microsite – www.ccea.org.uk/business_studies