Key Stage 4

CCEA GCSE Business and Communication Systems

Study of this subject allows students to gain practical ICT skills and an understanding of how they are used to enhance business activities, particularly through e-commerce.  It will help to develop a lifelong interest in and enjoyment of business subjects that could potentially lead to related further study and employment.  Study of BACS will help pupils to understand how business is changing because of digital technology and how software applications can be applied to enhance business through digital solutions. 

Students must take at least 40 percent of the assessment (based on unit weightings) at the end of the course as terminal assessment.
 

Content	Assessmentessment
Unit 1: Software Applications for Business	External computer-based examination - 2 hours Students complete tasks using a range of software applications
Unit 2: The Business Environment	External written examination - 1 hour Structured questions
Unit 3: Developing Digital Solutions	Controlled assessment Students project manage and develop a digital solution for a given problem within a business context. Teachers mark the tasks, and CCEA moderate the ​ results.

Unit 1: Software Applications for Business	Unit 2: The Business Environment	Unit 3: Developing Digital Solutions
​File management Common software application tasks Word processing software Spreadsheet software Database software Presentation software Web authoring software Web browsing software Internet searching Email software	Types of business ownership Stakeholders Communication Digital trading Recruitment Selection Training Implications of digital technology for business and customers Marketing Market research Marketing mix	Planning and research Using software applications Evaluation