Staff 

• Mrs AL Brennan - Head of ICT & Business 
• Mrs G Devlin 

Aims of the Department 

The Business and ICT Department aims to: 

• Encourage pupils to develop a lifelong interest in business and ICT.  

• Engage pupils in the study of business and digital technology and develop  practical skills in using software applications. 

• Gain a holistic understanding of business and the international marketplace. 

• Develop a critical understanding of organisations and their relationship with key stakeholders. 

• Evaluate the role of technology in business communication, business operation and economic activities. 
• Generate enterprising and creative solutions to business problems and issues. 

Curriculum Overview 

Key Stage 4 

CCEA GCSE Business & Communications Systems 

Unit 1: 

Software Applications for Business 

Students will study file management and the use of common applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, web authoring, web browsing, email and presentation software. 

External 2 hours computer-based examination - 40% 

Unit 2: 

The Business Environment 

Students will study recruitment, selection, training and marketing as well as the implications of digital technology for business. In the context of the changing nature of business, they will consider different roles, including stakeholders and customers, and how best to communicate.  

External 1 hour written examination - Structured questions - 35% 

 Unit 3: 

Developing Digital Solutions 

Controlled assessment - Students plan and develop a digital solution for a business through the use of software applications, planning and research.  

Assessed by a controlled assessment. (marked by the teacher and moderated by CCEA) - 25% 

Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Information and Creative Technology 

BTEC Firsts in Information and Creative Technology 

This course offers an exciting introduction to the digital world and helps students take their first steps toward a career in the technology industry. Through hands-on learning, students will develop the skills to create IT systems and software, design websites and mobile apps, and produce digital media such as videos, graphics, and animations. 

The qualification is a Technical Award, equivalent to one GCSE, and is aimed at pre-16 students working at Level 2. It fits within the broader Key Stage 4 curriculum and introduces key themes in the digital sector. Students will explore how digital devices work and how technology enables us to share and exchange information. 

Throughout the course, students will build a strong foundation of knowledge about the IT industry while developing practical, technical, and creative skills. They’ll have opportunities to apply what they learn in real-world projects, gaining valuable experience in designing and producing digital content. 

Optional units allow students to deepen their learning by creating, testing, and evaluating digital products, websites, and databases. This qualification is designed to be both engaging and practical, helping students build confidence and competence in using technology creatively and effectively. 

Compulsory units 

Students must take two core units: unit 1, which is externally assessed through an onscreen, on-demand examination, and unit 3, which is internally assessed. 

Unit 1, ‘The Online World,’ starts with students’ own experiences and quickly extends to online services and the technology that supports them. 

Unit 3, ‘A Digital Portfolio’ is compulsory; it gives students the opportunity to design, 

create, test and review a project. 

This core makes up 50% of the qualification and the remaining 50% consists of a choice of two (from seven) optional units. 

Optional units 

The optional units reflect the breadth of opportunity within the IT sector: 

Unit 4: Creating Digital Animation 

Unit 5: Creating Digital Audio 

Unit 6: Creating Digital Graphics 

Unit 7: Creating Digital Video 

Unit 9: Spreadsheet Development 

Unit 10: Database Development 

Unit 13: Website Development 

The Business and ICT Department at St. Joseph’s College is committed to developing students’ understanding of the modern business world while equipping them with essential skills for future success. Through engaging and practical learning experiences, students explore key concepts such as enterprise, marketing, finance and business operations.  

Our curriculum encourages critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork – skills that are highly valued in both further education and the workplace.  Whether students aspire to run their own business, work in finance, pursue a career in IT, our courses provide a strong foundation for their journey.