Junior Cycle Business Studies: Skills for Life!

Welcome to the exciting world of Junior Cycle Business Studies! This three-year  course is about developing essential life skills and a strong understanding of the world around us. We aim to equip our students to be informed consumers, responsible citizens, and potential entrepreneurs.

Our curriculum is built around three key, interconnected strands:

1. Personal Finance 💰

This strand is all about helping students make informed and responsible decisions when managing their money. Topics include:

• Understanding needs versus wants.

• Managing income and expenditure (like budgeting).

• Learning about saving, borrowing, insurance, and the basics of taxation.

• Exploring their rights and responsibilities as a consumer.

2. Enterprise 💡

Enterprise encourages students to be creative, innovative, and practical. We explore the world of work and the functions of a business, big or small. Students learn to:

• Develop the skills and characteristics of an entrepreneur.

• Understand different types of business ownership.

• Explore the basics of marketing, financial functions (like basic bookkeeping and final accounts), and the impact of digital technology on business.

• The first Classroom-Based Assessment (CBA), "Business in Action," in 2nd year often sees students putting these skills to the test by creating their own marketing mix!

3. Our Economy 🌍

This strand broadens the focus, enabling students to understand the dynamic relationship between our local, national, and international economy. Key concepts include:

• The principles of scarcity and choice.

• Understanding supply and demand.

• Learning about the role of the Government's national budget and taxation within the economy.

• Exploring the impact of international trade and the European Union on Ireland.

Assessment

Assessment is varied, focusing on both knowledge and skills. Students complete two Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs)—one in 2nd year (a group project) and one in 3rd year (a Presentation)—which allows them to demonstrate their learning in a practical and collaborative way. This work and a common level final written examination in 3rd year, forms their final Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA) grade.

Students can go onto to study Senior Cycle Accounting or Business as a follow on from Junior Cycle Business Studies