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SENIOR PHASE (S4-6)
In the Business Education Department we offer a range of courses and qualifications in the senior phase to ensure that learners can reach their fullest potential. Learners can undertake National Qualifications (NQs) and National Progression Awards (NPAs). Our senior phases courses are as follows:
ADMINISTRATION & IT
Administration & IT is in the Technologies curriculum area. Learners acquire key employability skills in using industry standard Microsoft Office applications which are useful in a wide range of employment areas. The courses cover the main software applications of Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Presentation and Organisation/Communications software along with an understanding of the theory of administrative practices in effective organisations. Learners can progress from the BGE into the following levels:
National 4 – Learners complete 2 Units covering key IT software applications and administrative theory along with and an Added Value Unit. All coursework is internally assessed and externally verified by the SQA. There is no examination at N4 level. Leaners achieve a Pass at Level 4.
National 5 – Learners complete the course covering more advanced IT software and administrative theory of administration. Assessment is undertaken externally by the SQA in the form of a 3 hour assignment and a 2 hour examination. Both the assignment and examination are completed entirely on the computer and externally marked by the SQA. Learners achieve a graded award from A-D.
Higher – Learners complete the course covering complex concepts in IT software and more detailed theories of effective administration. Assessment is undertaken externally by the SQA in the form of a 2 hour IT based assignment and a 1hr 30 min written examination. Both are externally marked by the SQA. Learners achieve a graded award from A-D.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Business Management is in the Social Studies curriculum area. Learners continue to explore the key functional areas of a business (Marketing, Finance, HR and Operations) exploring how businesses are structured and how they contribute to the UK and global economies. Important analytical and evaluative skills are developed as well as giving learners a sound understanding of the principles of good management which will equip them for the world of work. Learners can progress from the BGE into the following levels:
National 4 - Learners complete 2 Units covering basic business organisation and key functions of a business, along with an understanding of the key internal and external influences on the success of a business. An Added Value Unit is completed in the form of a research project. All coursework assessment and the AVU is internally assessed and externally verified by the SQA. There is no examination at N4 level. Leaners achieve a Pass at Level 4.
National 5 - Learners complete the course analysing more advanced business concepts with more emphasis on analysis and evaluation of the impact of actions on a small to medium sized business. A Coursework Assignment is completed in the form of a research project (30 marks) which is externally assessed by the SQA. Learners complete a 2 hour written examination (90 marks) and achieve a graded award from A-D.
Higher - Learners complete the course analysing more complex business concepts with greater emphasis on analysis and evaluation of the impact of actions on a large/global business. A Coursework Assignment is completed in the form of a research project (30 marks) which is externally assessed by the SQA. Learners complete a 2 hour 45 min written examination (90 marks) and achieve a graded award from A-D.
Adv Higher - Learners complete the course with emphasis on the external global business environment and management theories and approaches which can be used to create an efficient and effective organisation. A Coursework Assignment is completed in the form of a research project (40 marks) which is externally assessed by the SQA. Learners complete a written examination (80 marks) and achieve a graded award from A-D.
NATIONAL PROGRESSION AWARDS (NPAs)
National Progression Awards are courses designed to equip learners with key employability skills. These courses are internally assessed by teachers and externally verified by awarding bodies (eg SQA).
BUSINESS WITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – NPA LEVEL 5 and 6
The National Progression Award in Business with Information Technology is offered in the department to S5/6 pupils progressing from N4 in Admin & IT or Business Management. S6 pupils who wish to pick up business and IT skills are also able to choose this option. This course comprises 4 units; 2 Business and 2 IT Units. Candidates are internally assessed and units are externally verified by the SQA. There is no examination in the NPA course.
Candidates in S4-6 who study both NQs Administration and IT and Business Management at N5/H can also achieve the NPA awards at Levels 5/6 by completing the units throughout the course of their learning, thereby gaining an additional qualification.