Dainfern College

Basic Fields of Study

In Business Studies, learners study both Personal Finance (budgeting, tax, investment etc) and the Micro-, Market- and Macro-environments of the business world. In an increasingly competitive world, however, it is also important to learn skills such as strategising to solve problems, thinking creatively and doing environmental scanning in order to stay in touch with what is happening in the real world, both locally and overseas. Business Studies learners are constantly being exposed to case studies, and are required to analyse the strategies that businesses develop to cope with situations confronting them. An emphasis on aspects such as Labour Law and Entrepreneurial skills also ensures that learners are being well prepared for the future world of work.

Practicals

Business Studies is a very practical subject, and needs to be related to the real business world and current affairs at all times. Learners are expected to read the newspapers, watch the news and do practicals such as analysing articles, case studies, running entrepreneurial businesses, compiling their own CVs, interviewing skills, marketing and production practicals etc. Where possible, they are also exposed to external competitions such as the McCain Marketing competition and the ever popular JSE Liberty Life Schools Challenge.

Learners who enter the JSE Liberty Life Schools Challenge work in teams which get a (theoretical!) R1 million to invest; teams who make the most profit on their portfolio in six months win prizes. In 2005, one of the DFC teams came 11^th and in 2004, we came second, with a R17 000 prize shared between the team members and the school (several thousand teams compete nationally).

Business Studies in the FET

With the introduction of the FET (Further Education and Training) curriculum which led to the NSC (National Senior Certificate) from 2008 onwards, the subject changed so significantly from the old Business Economics that a name change was needed. Business Studies is far more entrepreneurially based, and with the introduction of the compulsory Maths Literacy, it is no longer simply an alternative for non-Maths learners. It is now attracting more of the top learners, and potential business leaders of tomorrow.

The new Portfolio, which comprises 25% of the final mark, includes both Primary and Secondary Research projects of which Social Responsibility and Environmental issues form an important component.

The examination has been split into a theoretical component which consists of a case study and data response type questions, and a practical examination which enables learners to apply their problem-solving and analytical skills to real life situations.

Conclusion