In S1, pupils receive one period per week of Business. The course is designed to introduce them to a broad range of digital tools and technologies. Through practical learning pupils have the opportunity to develop skills in word processing, presentations and spreadsheets. By the end of S1 pupils will develop confidence and gain valuable skills for life and work. 

BGE S1 – Business

·       Word Processing – developing skills writing, editing and digital communication

·       Spreadsheets – organising data, problem-solving and basic formula and functions

·       Presentations – creating eye-catching presentations, organising information logically and using animation and transitions

·       Internet research – developing a solid understanding of safe internet usage, finding appropriate information through fun interactive projects

In S2, pupils receive one period per week of Business. The course is designed to build and strengthen skills developed in S1 and prepare pupils for S3 and beyond. Through a combination of independent work and group work pupils learn about Business functions such as Marketing and Operations. They also learn about Business Ethics which helping them become responsible citizens and better understand where the good they purchase come from. The topics covered in S2 are directly linked to S3 and National Awards to streamline and reinforce pupil learning.

·       Marketing Mix

·       Business Ethics

·       Operations – Methods of Production

·       Digital technologies

In S3, pupils who have chosen to pursue Business Awareness receive 3 periods of Business per week (1 double period and 1 single period). S3 Business Awareness is designed to help ease the transition from BGE into senior phase. Pupils undertake a variety of topics which link closely to senior phase and provide insight and understanding of both Business Managment and Administration and IT at National level.

·       Influences on Business – understanding how internal and external factors influence businesses

·       Functions – Marketing, Operations and Human Resources – learing about the different functions in business and how they contribute to success

·       Understanding Business – gaining an understanding of how businesses operate

·       S3 Business Assignment – a skill based introduction to writing assignments to help prepare students for National level

·       Administration and IT – exploring Microsoft applications such as Excel, Word and Access

💼 Business Management – National 5, Higher & Advanced Higher

🔍 Course Overview
The Business Management courses provide learners with an understanding of how organisations operate in a dynamic, competitive, and global environment. Pupils explore how businesses make decisions, use resources, and respond to external influences — developing transferable skills in analysis, communication, and enterprise that are valuable for study, work, and everyday life.

📘 National 5 Business Management
📚 Course Content
Learners study five key areas:

Understanding Business
• Role of business in society and the economy.
• Business objectives and planning.
• Internal and external factors (PESTEC).
• Stakeholders and their influence.

Management of Marketing
• Market research, market segmentation, and the marketing mix (product, price, place, promotion).
• Branding, product life cycle, and ethical marketing.

Management of Operations
• Methods of production, inventory control, quality assurance, and sustainable production.

Management of People
• Recruitment and selection, training, motivation, and employment legislation.

Management of Finance
• Sources of finance, cash budgeting, break-even analysis, and interpretation of financial statements.

🛠️ Skills Developed
• Understanding how businesses meet needs and wants.
• Applying decision-making skills to business issues.
• Analysing information and interpreting financial data.
• Communicating business ideas clearly.
• Developing enterprise, teamwork, and digital literacy.

🧪 Assessment
• Question Paper (90 marks – 75%) – 2 hours.
• Assignment (30 marks – 25%) – 5 hours. A research-based business report on a chosen topic (e.g. customer service, marketing mix, or quality improvement).

📈 Progression
• Higher Business Management
• Other SCQF Level 6 qualifications
• College courses, apprenticeships, or employment in administration, marketing, or retail.

🖥️ Higher Business Management
🔍 Course Overview
The Higher course develops a deeper understanding of how large organisations make strategic decisions, manage resources, and adapt to change. Learners apply business theory to real-world case studies, building analytical and evaluative skills essential for management and leadership.

📚 Course Content
Understanding Business – Large organisations in the private, public, and third sectors; internal and external environments; decision-making and structure.
Management of Marketing – Extended marketing mix (7 Ps), market research, product portfolios, and technology in marketing.
Management of Operations – Production methods, quality management, inventory control, and ethical and environmental operations.
Management of People – Workforce planning, training, motivation theories, leadership styles, and employment legislation.
Management of Finance – Financial statements, ratio analysis, budgeting, and technology in finance.

🛠️ Skills Developed
• Analytical and evaluative thinking.
• Research and report-writing skills.
• Interpreting complex business information.
• Understanding financial and marketing data.
• Problem-solving, teamwork, and enterprise.

🧪 Assessment
• Question Paper (90 marks – 75%) – 2 hours 45 minutes.
• Assignment (30 marks – 25%) – 8 hours. Research-based report analysing a real business issue.

📈 Progression
• Advanced Higher Business Management
• HNC/HND Business or Management courses
• Employment in marketing, HR, or finance.

🏢 Advanced Higher Business Management
🚀 Why Choose This Course?
The Advanced Higher course develops independent learning, research, and critical-analysis skills through investigation of complex business issues. Learners study strategic decision-making, leadership, and global influences, preparing them for university or professional careers.

📚 Course Content
External Business Environment – Globalisation, multinationals, ethics, government policy, and technological change.
Internal Business Environment – Management and leadership theories (Fayol, Mintzberg, Herzberg, Maslow, etc.), change management, and workforce diversity.
Evaluating Business Information – Research methods, financial and performance analysis, and use of analytical tools (Gantt charts, force-field analysis, critical path).

🛠️ Skills Developed
• Independent research and report writing.
• Evaluating and synthesising complex business data.
• Applying management and leadership theories.
• Strategic thinking and problem solving.
• Communication and academic referencing skills.

🧪 Assessment
• Question Paper (80 marks – 67%) – 2 hours 45 minutes.
• Project (40 marks – 33%) – A 2 500–3 500-word individual investigation analysing a current business issue using real data and research.

📈 Progression
• Degree courses in Business, Management, Finance, Economics, or Marketing.
• HND Business or related qualifications.
• Employment in management, administration, or enterprise roles.

BGE Business – Completion of classwork if not finished in class. On-going consolidation of classwork can be done as all work is posted to Google Classroom so pupils can access it at any time.

Senior Business – Periodic flipped learning homework tasks, pass paper questions and case studies. 

📘 NPA Business Skills, FA Business Skills & FA Accountancy

🧾 NPA Business Skills (SCQF Level 6)

1️⃣ Course Overview
The National Progression Award (NPA) in Business Skills provides pupils with an insight into the modern business world and the core skills required to succeed in it. The course combines theory and practical learning to develop understanding of business operations, people management, finance, and the use of digital tools to support effective business practice.
This NPA also forms the knowledge component of the Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills, making it an ideal stepping stone for pupils considering work-based learning pathways.

2️⃣ Course Content
Pupils will study five mandatory units:
• Understanding Business
• Management of People and Finance
• Contemporary Business Issues
• PC Passport: Word Processing, Presenting Information, Spreadsheets and Databases (or Web Apps alternatives)

3️⃣ Skills Developed
Pupils will:
• Build communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Learn to use and present data effectively using business software.
• Develop knowledge of business structures, strategy and decision-making.
• Understand current issues affecting small and large organisations.

4️⃣ Assessment
All units are internally assessed and verified. Assessment methods may include practical assignments, presentations, written tasks and project-based evidence.

5️⃣ Progression
The NPA supports progression to:
• Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business or related areas
• Employment in entry-level business or administration roles

6️⃣ Pathways, Wider Skills Development, DYW, Careers
This course links closely with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) priorities by offering practical and relevant learning for today’s business environment.
While only a small percentage of pupils will go on to careers directly in business administration, the wider employability skills developed — including communication, teamwork, organisation, digital literacy and customer service — are highly valued across all industries.
Local labour market information highlights that administrative and business support roles remain among the most in-demand across Edinburgh and the Lothians, with strong pathways into management, finance and marketing.
Useful links:
• Planit – Business Career Area: https://www.planitplus.net/CareerAreas/View/20
• My World of Work – Business & Administration Factfile: https://www.dyw-edinmideast.com/uploads/1/0/5/5/105538585/music.pdf

--------------------------------------------------------------

🏢 Foundation Apprenticeship: Business Skills (SCQF Level 6)

1️⃣ Course Overview
The Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) in Business Skills allows S5 and S6 pupils to gain real-world experience while still at school. Learners spend time in a workplace placement alongside classroom study, building both technical and meta-skills for the modern business environment.

2️⃣ Course Content
The framework includes three core elements:
1. National Progression Award in Business Skills
2. Work-Based Challenge Unit (project-based)
3. Work-Based Learning (SVQ units in Business Administration)

Typical workplace tasks include:
• Producing business documents and managing meetings
• Organising events and travel arrangements
• Delivering presentations and providing administrative support
• Using digital tools such as spreadsheets, word processors, and databases

3️⃣ Skills Developed
Learners develop:
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Planning and organisation
• Problem-solving and initiative
• Digital and data-handling competence
• Professional behaviours and time management

4️⃣ Assessment
Assessment is continuous and based on practical evidence gathered in both school and workplace settings. Learners compile a portfolio demonstrating achievement of required competencies.

5️⃣ Progression
Successful completion provides direct progression routes to:
• Modern Apprenticeship in Business Administration (Level 3 or 4)
• HNC/HND Business or Management
• University business degrees or graduate apprenticeships

6️⃣ Pathways, Wider Skills Development, DYW, Careers
The FA develops the top employability skills identified by Scottish employers — teamwork, problem-solving, communication and adaptability.
The business and administration sector accounts for a significant proportion of regional employment opportunities, and skills gained here are transferable across finance, HR, marketing, and management.
Learners completing this FA gain valuable insight into the workplace, boosting confidence and employability.
Links:
• My World of Work – Business & Administration: https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/
• Planit Careers – Business: https://www.planitplus.net/CareerAreas/View/20
• DYW Edinburgh, Midlothian & East Lothian: https://www.dyw-edinmideast.com

--------------------------------------------------------------

💼 Foundation Apprenticeship: Accountancy (SCQF Level 6)

1️⃣ Course Overview
The Foundation Apprenticeship in Accountancy gives pupils the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge required for a career in finance and accounting. The course is industry-endorsed by AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) and ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and combines classroom learning with practical workplace experience.

2️⃣ Course Content
Core components:
1. National Progression Award in Accountancy
2. Work-Based Challenge Unit
3. Professional Qualification Units (AAT or ACCA Pathway)

Topics include:
• Recording and analysing financial transactions
• Preparing management and financial accounting information
• Understanding indirect tax (VAT)
• Applying professional ethics for accountants

3️⃣ Skills Developed
Learners will develop:
• Numeracy, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ethical awareness and integrity
• Teamwork and communication within professional settings

4️⃣ Assessment
A combination of project work, portfolio evidence and assessment of professional competencies in the workplace.

5️⃣ Progression
Progression options include:
• Modern Apprenticeship in Accountancy (SCQF Level 6 or 9)
• HNC/D in Accounting or Business
• Degree-level study in Accountancy, Finance or Economics
• Employment as an accounts assistant, bookkeeper or finance administrator

6️⃣ Pathways, Wider Skills Development, DYW, Careers
Accountancy is one of Scotland’s growth sectors, with strong local demand for finance and business services.
Even for pupils not pursuing a career in accountancy, the FA develops transferable skills such as data literacy, problem-solving, ethics and time management — all ranked among the top 10 employability skills by employers.
This course also promotes understanding of how finance supports decision-making across every sector.
Useful links:
• My World of Work – Accountancy & Finance: https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/
• Planit – Accounting Career Area: https://www.planitplus.net/CareerAreas/View/20

Supported Study Sessions & Revision Websites

Supported Study sessions run on a Wednesday lunchtime. See Business teachers for more information or to arrange different times.

Pupils can use Achieve for revision for National 5 and Higher Business Management.

📊 Pathways, Wider Skills Development, DYW & Careers
🧭 Pathways
Business Management provides strong foundations for careers across all industries. Pupils can progress through:
• National 5 → Higher → Advanced Higher → College / University / Apprenticeship.
• HNC/HND in Business or Management.
• Degree pathways in Business Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, or Entrepreneurship.
• Direct employment in administrative or commercial roles.

🌟 Wider Skills Development
Learners develop:
✅ Communication & Presentation skills
✅ Teamwork & Leadership
✅ Problem-solving & Decision-making
✅ Numeracy & Financial Awareness
✅ Enterprise & Innovation
✅ Digital & Analytical Literacy
✅ Confidence and Professional Conduct

💼 Developing the Young Workforce (DYW)
Business Management supports the DYW strategy by linking classroom learning to real workplaces. Opportunities may include:
• Guest speakers from local businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Enterprise challenges and Young Enterprise projects.
• Visits to local companies or college business departments.
• Collaboration with employers on marketing or finance projects.

🚀 Careers
Studying Business Management can lead to roles such as:
• Business Manager / Administrator
• Marketing Executive / Communications Officer
• Finance or Accounts Assistant
• Human Resources Advisor
• Project Co-ordinator / Analyst
• Entrepreneur / Small-Business Owner

“Business Management gives learners the insight, confidence, and skills to become the next generation of innovators and leaders.”