Subjects / Business Studies
Do you dream of being the next Richard Branson?…….then read on……
Everyday all of us come into contact with a business, be it through the internet, shopping, on the bus/train, arriving in school, going to the cinema/youth club etc…
We are all surrounded by many different types of businesses – from small local firms to large global enterprises. Some produce or sell goods and others provide us with a service. The Swadelands School Business Studies department aims to challenge out students to think, speak and address the world as a business person.
The department is well resourced with an in class library, DVDs, Business case studies and assessment for learning boards throughout. The business room is equipped with enough computers for a 1:1 ratio.
Moodle
What is Moodle? Moodle is our VLE, or Virtual Learning Environment. It provides students with a portal via the web to facilitate a more independent learning approach to work. Lessons, or courses at KS4 and KS5, can be accessed through the moodle. Tasks can be set and students can respond electronically. Accessible anywhere there is an internet connection; students can now upload work and download at home to extend their learning experience. Why not have a look at how it works here https://portal.swadelands.kent.sch.uk
Key Stage 3
Although we do not offer Business Studies as a discrete subject at KS3, students are involved in all aspects of enterprise through charity raising, partaking in team work, organising themselves everyday, being prepared, working to deadlines, communicating with each other and staff etc.
One of the most enjoyable days on the curriculum is our enterprise day, when forms compete against each other. Each form is invited to come up with a business idea – complete market research, predict costs and revenue, promote their idea, sell their idea and then watch the cash flood in!
Key Stage 4
The BTEC First Certificate, Extended Certificate or Diploma Level 2 provides students with the opportunity to research real business and apply their findings to the completing of their assignments. They are often involved in groups work activities, complete class presentations, ‘Dragons Den’ scenarios, role play situations. Students will have various guest speakers over the course and will be taken to visit actual businesses at work. Upon successful completion students can achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction, equivalent to either 2 Cs or above at GCSE or 4 Cs or above at GCSE depending on which course they decide to follow (Certificate or Diploma)
Over the last two years we have taken Key Stage 4 students to Wimbledon Lawn Tennis, Thorpe Park, Tesco and have had various guest speakers in.
Key Stage 5
The BTEC National Level 3 follows a similar structure to the level 2 in KS4. Students will study 6 units over two years and can achieve a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction *, equivalent to 1 ‘A’ Level, or 3 units over 1 year equivalent to 1 ‘AS’ Level.
A highlight of this course is the completion of unit 3 in Year 12 on marketing which focuses on Thorpe Park, including a trip, plus students set up their own business for which they get to keep the profits!
Extra Curricular
Business Coursework club is run at lunchtimes and is available to students who wish to do homework or research via the internet. The Business room is also available to use at the end of the school day by those students who wish to work in a quiet atmosphere.
