Introduction to the syllabus
The syllabus for Business replaces the former Leaving Certificate Business Organisation syllabus which was introduced into schools in 1978 and examined for the first time in 1980. The new syllabus has been developed in accordance with the recommendations of the NCCA's Senior Cycle Business Working Party (1990). The NCCA course committee was set up to revise the former Business Organisation syllabus taking into account:
- the length of the former syllabus
- the introduction of Junior Certificate Business Studies
- the need to increase the vocational emphasis within Leaving Certificate Business
- the range and abilities of candidates taking the existing Business Organisation examination.
Changes in emphasis in the syllabus
The title of the new syllabus is Business. It has a new emphasis, structure, format and content. It emphasises the vocational dimension of the subject. The new syllabus provides a context for students to build from exemplars in their own lives and apply them to the wider business environment. It also ensures that the study of Business will contribute to a broad general education. The NCCA course committee has defined the parameters of the new syllabus in its three component elements:
- People in business
- Enterprise
- Business environment
The course committee was aware of the need to structure a course that provides some continuation from, and development of, the Ordinary and Higher Levels offered in Business Studies at Junior Certificate. The Business syllabus content is common to both Higher and Ordinary Levels. There are specific learning outcomes for Higher Level students stated in the syllabus document. The assessment of the syllabus reflects both levels.
The Leaving Certificate Business syllabus helps prepare students for participation in a changing business environment and develops an understanding of the role of enterprise and the overall environment in which business functions. The course committee believes that these additions to the existing syllabus will contribute to the preparation of students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult and working life.
The committee was conscious of the level and age of Post-Junior Certificate students in preparing the depth and breadth of the new syllabus. The course was designed with mixedability class groups in mind as in many schools, both Ordinary and Higher Level students are taught in the same class.
These Guidelines do not attempt to cover all the issues which teachers will need toconsider when planning for the introduction of the new syllabus. They are intendedto give an overview of the direction of the new syllabus and an indication of thedepth of treatment required; they will be further developed though the process of in-career training.
The guidelines are intended to help teachers to:
- appreciate the philosophy behind the development of the syllabus
- understand the depth of treatment required in certain areas
- select appropriate resources and methodologies for the teaching of the new syllabus.
Business-related subjects in the past have made a major contribution to the curriculum in second-level schools and to the career prospects of many students. It is hoped that the new Business syllabus will strengthen this contribution.
The Business syllabus and Guidelines for Teachers promote Business as a vocationally relevant and dynamic subject. The Guidelines have taken into account the comments and suggestions made during the wide consultation process. The course committee would like to thank all the teachers, professional bodies and organisations who contributed to the ideas contained in these Guidelines.