1. GCSE Business Studies 26 April 2017
Launch & Support
GCSE Business Studies
26 April 2017

2. Agenda Revision of GCSE Qualifications (for first teaching September 2017)
Introduction
Overview of new Specification
Specimen Assessment Materials (SAMs)
Support Materials
Break out Session
Q&A

3. Accreditation Process
Regulatory Framework
General Conditions of Recognition
CCEA will ensure that each qualification offered is fit for purpose
Accreditation Process
N Ireland GCE and GCSE Qualifications Criteria
Two-stage process
Stage 1: submission of qualification strategies for approval
Stage 2: submission of qualification materials for review and accreditation

4. Qualification Strategies
CONTENT - Rationale for the proposed:
inclusion of internal assessment, where relevant
weighting of internal and external assessment
wording and weighting of assessment objectives
assessment of mathematical skills : Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Business Studies
assessment of QWC and
subject content
ASSESSMENT – Rationale for the:
subject content for Specimen Assessment Materials (SAMs)
content in assessments ensuring full coverage over the lifetime of the qualification
duration of examination papers
allocation of marks in examination papers, where appropriate
number and type of questions in examination papers, where appropriate
word limit or time limit for internal assessment and
allocation of marks for internal assessment

5. Specification and Specimen Assessment Material (SAMs)
Northern Ireland Regulator will carry out:
an administrative review
a subject-specific review
a review of regulatory requirements

6. Collaborative Approach to the Revision
Desk top Research
Writing Teams
Teachers
Higher Education
Consultation
Existing Specifications
Draft Specifications
Consultation with students
Relevant content
Prepared for further study/work

7. Quality Assurance
Higher Education - Higher Education Panel and Subject Advisory Team
Industry - Industry Panel and Subject Advisory Team
Teachers - Subject Advisory Team
Equality Panel - Access for all
Final CCEA Quality Assurance panel - Review of consultation comment logs and comment logs associated with all QA panels

8. Quality Assurance Equality Panel Final CCEA Quality Assurance panel
Access for all
Final CCEA Quality Assurance panel
Review of consultation comment logs
Review of comment logs associated with all QA panels
Only when CCEA Quality Assurance panel is satisfied that all issues raised have been appropriately addressed will the Specification and Sample Assessment material be submitted for accreditation

9. GCSE Business Studies Unique features Employability
Assessment weightings changed
External assessment 2 x 40% (80%)
Format of controlled assessment changed, structured approach
Internal assessment 20%
Content detailed and up to date
Deals with key business issues in a logical progression
Improved mark schemes
Qualification is linked to Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities at Key stage 4:
Working with Others
Self Management
Problem Solving
Using ICT
Communication Skills
Potential pathway into GCE study and a wide range of careers

10. Specification at a glance
Content
Assessment
Unit 1: Starting a Business
Unit 2: Developing a Business
Unit 3: Planning a Business
NB: Unit 1 and Unit 2 are now of equal weighting, equal marks and similar format.
External examination (40%)
Controlled Assessment (20%)

11. Content changes? Majority of content is similar to legacy
Re-ordered to make a more logical teaching sequence
Updated with M-Business aspect
Inclusion of financial statements – candidates need only complete statements, at a simple level
(exemplar resources have been written as support)

12. Summary of external assessment
Unit 1 and Unit 2
1 hour 30 mins
90 marks for each paper
3 questions in each paper
Structured and extended response
Each of 3 questions, marks from 1 to 8 available

13. Unit 1: Starting a Business
External Exam (40%)
1 hour 30 mins marks
3 Sections/ 3 Questions
Creating a Business
Marketing
Business Operations
Each question structured response marks 1 - 8

14. Unit 2: Developing a Business
External Exam (40%)
1 hour 30mins marks
3 Sections/3 questions
Human Resources
Business Growth
Finance
Each question structured response marks 1 - 8

15. Examination Assessment Clear questions and mark schemes Mark schemes detailed with clear mark allocations Clear mark breakdowns for Q’s with calculations (OFR) Similar style to legacy papers Level banding in 8 mark questions QWC assessed in 8 mark question

16. Unit 3: Planning a Business Controlled Assessment – What's new?
Now 20% of the assessment
Good practice adopted from other subject areas, similar format already used by Sciences
Has similarities to the legacy report, but more streamlined, less time consuming for teachers
A completely separate assessment from external examinations
Credit given to pupils for the research element as part of the assessment
The pre-printed booklets will make it very clear to students and teachers of the requirements
The mark schemes will be detailed and easier to apply
Usual controlled assessment rules apply – secure storage and no redrafting

17. How does it Look? A single controlled assessment task
(first release September 2018, first submission summer 2019)
Booklet A: to be completed as part of the 12 hours of research
15 marks available
Booklet B: on completion of Booklet A
I hour structured response
45 marks available
60 marks

18. Booklet A In centres each September (2018 start) CCEA set task
Context for study provided (case study, similar to legacy CAT)
Details of the areas of the specification which will be addressed through CAT will be included on the front of Booklet A
12 hours of research (as legacy)
Itemised requirements for your research are provided
Generic mark scheme (AO1 to AO3)
Level of Control
Research and completion of Booklet A can be carried out with a medium level of control.
15 marks

19. Booklet B 45 marks - Level of Control – High
Available from February (2019)
The CD will include:
- a copy of booklet A
- guidance notes for teachers
- candidate response booklet B
- mark scheme for booklet B
Secured by examinations officer in centre
Booklet B (Candidate Response) released only after Booklet A is completed and 3 days maximum before Booklet B is to be completed to allow it to be photocopied
Students must use/reference their own research (Booklet A available to them) when completing Booklet B
Specific Mark scheme released only after Booklet B is completed by students
45 marks - Level of Control – High

20. GCSE Support Sample assessment materials
Type of Support
Date
Sample assessment materials
Rolling basis from January 2017
Student guides/subject Snapshots
Microsites
Planning Frameworks
Fact files
Rolling basis from March 2017
Bespoke Materials
Support Events
Ongoing

21. New and updated resources
Business Plan Social enterprise International business Developing people Selection Financial statements Ratios Public sector

22. New and updated Resources contd
New and updated Resources contd. Recruitment Cash Flow Break even Marketing Mix Business Location Motivation Entrepreneurs Business Resources Business ownership

23. Contacts: GCSE (Add Subject)
Education Manager: (Jill Armer)
Telephone: Ext (2426)
Subject Support Officer: (Arlene Ashfield)
Telephone: Ext (2291)
Specification, sample assessment and support materials available on the subject microsite at

24. Why choose CCEA? mbvbmvbmvb
We support Learners - CCEA puts the learner at the centre of everything we do. We think about what learners need for life and work and then build solutions to meet those needs. We do this for the entire curriculum – from Foundation and Early Years to A level and beyond.
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We are Local - CCEA is Northern Ireland’s awarding body. We understand local needs and we are focused on providing services and products for learners in Northern Ireland. This also means we’re near you, should you need help or support.
We are Listening - CCEA listens to those who use its products and services; this means listening to teachers, employers and learners, and taking action to ensure better outcomes for learners. This approach ensures that we develop relevant, high quality and innovative specifications and support.

25. Working with CCEA The benefits: teacher cover provided
first-hand experience of how the examining system works
user insight to the standards required for the assessment
opportunity to examine assessments across a range of abilities
improved learning and teaching outcomes
creates links with CCEA personnel/subject officer
opportunity to network with other professionals
provides recognition and enhances the professional development of teachers
Examiners and moderators are vital to the success of the examining system
Teachers provide expert knowledge of the specification content
Understanding of the capabilities of the candidature at a specific level

26. Keeping you informed The ReVision microsite – ccea.org.uk/therevision
Essential updates
Specifications & SAMs
Monthly e-Vision newsletter
Subject specific e-alerts Face to face
Social media
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