BUSINESS:
Business Studies sets the foundation for lifelong financial literacy and ignites an interest in learning about the business world and the economy and how they impact on our daily lives.
Over the course of three years, students will study three strands, all of which are connected, including;
· “Personal Finance” focuses on students making informed decisions to effectively and responsibly manage their financial resources.
· “Enterprise” encourages students to identify opportunities and develops an understanding of the financial, marketing and operational functions of an organisation.
· “Our Economy” enables students to understand the dynamic relationship between the local, national and international economic situation.
WHAT WILL THE IMPACT OF JUNIOR CYCLE REFORM BE ON BUSINESS AS A SUBJECT, ITS FRAMEWORK AND ASSESSMENT?
The new and exciting course will also be offering new methods of assessment, with students no longer reliant on a single exam. Student progress and learning will now be tracked through classroom based assessments, an assessment task and a single common level exam at the end of 3rd Year. This refined approach will offer students a more varied approach to assessment, while encouraging them to become active participants in their learning.
Business Studies helps you to make more informed decisions in the everyday business of living. It gives you a better understanding of the world of work. It encourages you to think about how and why people start up in business and why you too might also consider starting a business.
Some of the things you will learn include:
· good communication skills such as letter writing and report writing
· how to collect, organise, and record financial information for yourself, your family, for clubs you may be a member of, and for businesses you may be employed with in the future
· what your rights and responsibilities are as a consumer (someone who buys or uses goods and services – that’s you!)
· how to calculate your wages when you start working (including the minimum wage)
· About why our membership of the European Union is so important to our economy.
WHAT IS IT LIKE FOR A STUDENT TO STUDY BUSINESS AT JUNIOR CYCLE?
The dynamic and energetic world of Business Studies is brought to life in the classroom through a new course, emphasising active participation and involvement with rich activities grounded in contemporary contexts.
FACILITATING SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS
Pupils with special needs are catered for using a variety of teaching methodologies. During lessons there is a conscious effort made to cater for the visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learning styles. Active teaching and learning is primarily used to differentiate in the classroom. Active learning involves students directly and engages them in the learning process.
Group/pair work, debating, guided discussion and discovery, are among some of the active teaching and learning methodologies that we incorporate into classroom practice. Students are involved in oral presentation when discussing consumer problems, debating current economic issues and during role play activities.
Adopting this approach puts the focus on the learner and learning, it increases information retention and students are given opportunities to develop their communication and teamwork skills. Group work allows students with learning difficulties to benefit from peer learning. This approach can really motivate students and thus, contribute enormously to their learning.
Some areas of the course require numeracy skills so special attention is given to those with numeracy difficulties. There is constant communication between the Special Education Needs Co-Coordinator and teachers with regard to students receiving both resource and learning support. To meet the broad continuum of SEN, specific thought has also been given to the needs of Gifted and Talented students. To ensure they do not under achieve it is vital to identify and monitor their progression.
Economics is a fascinating subject that students find both enjoyable and interesting. It encourages critical thinking and many students who study the subject progress to further study in the area at third level. Topics covered include Unemployment, Inflation, Wages, International Trade, Market structures, and Supply and Demand. Past pupils who have studied Economics at third level have pursued careers in a range of exciting areas including stock broking, industry and accountancy. A common refrain from such students is that they developed a passion for the subject at Coláiste Eamann Ris.
WHAT IS IT LIKE FOR A STUDENT TO STUDY YOUR SUBJECT AT SENIOR CYCLE?
Classes are taught in an interactive manner using a range of methodologies. An emphasis is put on linking class work to real world situations. The subject can be technical and require a degree of numeracy skills in parts but these aspects of the course are taught for understanding rather than ‘rote’ learning which retains students’ interest.
Coláiste Éamann Rís 