In S4 course in Business offers an array of topic which focus on the dynamic business world.

 Understanding business

Candidates are introduced to the business environment while developing skills, knowledge and understanding of enterprise, and the role of different types of business organisations in society. They also learn about the internal and external environments in which organisations operate, and the role of stakeholders in business.

Management of marketing

Candidates develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the importance to organisations of having effective marketing systems. They learn about the processes and procedures organisations use to maintain competitiveness, and how marketing can be used to communicate effectively with consumers, maximising customer satisfaction.

 Management of operations

Candidates develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the importance to organisations of having effective operations systems. They learn about the processes and procedures used to maintain quality through the effective management of suppliers, inventory, and methods of production in an ethical manner.

Management of people

Candidates develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the issues facing organisations when managing people. They learn about the theories, concepts and processes relating to human resource management, and how employees contribute to the success of organisations.

Management of finance

Candidates develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the issues facing organisations when managing finance. They learn about the basic theories, concepts and processes relating to financial aspects of business, when preparing and interpreting information to solve financial problems facing organisations.

We use teacher-led discussion, cooperative group work and many formative assessment strategies to give pupils the opportunity to demonstrate and improve their knowledge, practical skills and skills for learning, life and work.

Pupils are formally assessed using SQA assessment resources.

At National 4 level there are two units of work which are assessed by one formal assessment per unit. We also issue homework which covers each unit of work. This homework is graded as a percentage and is considered as part of the assessment of the course. All pupils will complete an added value unit at National 4 level. There is no final examination for National 4 level.

At National 5 level there are three units of work which are assessed by two formal assessments per unit. We also issue homework which covers each unit of work. This homework is graded as a percentage and is a vital part of the course as it helps to develop the answering techniques which are required for successful attainment at National 5 level. National 5 pupils will complete an added value unit at National 4 level and then a further added value unit at National 5 which forms part of the SQA final qualification result. The final exam comprises a question paper (70 marks) and an added value unit (30 marks).

The SQA assessments and homework results form the basis for the comments in the pupil report issued to parents. These results are also used to inform decisions about exam presentation at the end of S4.