Business Studies

In Business Studies, students 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 in Grades 10-12

Business Studies is an elective IEB subject in Grades 10-12 and follows on from the basic skills taught as part of Economic & Management Sciences in Grades 8 and 9. The subject attracts many top students and potential business leaders of tomorrow, with many of our alumni commenting on how well prepared they are when entering tertiary education in the field of Business Studies as well as what good general business grounding it gives them.

Business Studies is a very practical subject and relates directly to the real business world and current affairs at all times. Students are expected to read the newspapers, watch the news and carry out practical work such as analysing articles, case studies, running entrepreneurial businesses, compiling their own CVs, interviewing skills, marketing and production practicals etc.

Business Studies students are constantly 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 students are well prepared for the future world of work. Where possible, they are also exposed to the business world through participation in external competitions and other practical assessments.

The Grade 12 portfolio component of the subject includes three alternate tasks together with the common tasks consisting of two tests and the Preliminary examination. The subject culminates in the writing of the National Senior Certificate Business Studies examination in November, which comprises two papers.