Business Technology

The Business Technology Department deliver Computing and ICT at Key Stage 3, GCSE Business Communication Systems , Information Technology, Leisure and Tourism, Business Studies and also Work Related Learning at Key Stage 4. All pupils at Thornhill School are given the opportunity to study a business related subject through to the end of key stage 4. Pupils are taught a wide spectrum of fundamental principles and concepts of computer science and business which they build upon project by project.

Key Stage 3

In Key stage 3 the department follow the guidelines of the National Curriculum completing extended projects in each year. In Year 7 pupils complete a project which enables them to understand and develop the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science including logic, algorithms and data representation.  Pupils will have practical experience of writing progams in order to solve problems and apply information technology including new and unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems.  In Year 8 pupils complete a project which has been developed from GCSE Information Technology.  This gives pupils the opportunity to develop their year 7 knowledge and understanding to become responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Key Stage 4

In Key Stage 4 pupils study Business Communication Systems as a core subject.  Pupils can also opt for one of three courses: Leisure and Tourism, Information Technology or Work Related Learning. 

Business Communication Systems involves studying three units over three years:

• ICT Systems in Business

• Using ICT in Business practical skills
• Database
• Word Processing
• Spreadsheets
• Controlled Assessment

Leisure and Tourism involves studying two units over three years:

Understanding leisure and tourism destinations

• The range of Leisure and Tourism destinations in the UK and abroad
• How people chose which destination to visit
• Visitor attractions and activities
• Methods of travel
• Impact which tourism has on communities

The nature of leisure and tourism

• Why people use leisure and tourism facilities
• Different types of leisure and tourism organisations
• The rapidly changing leisure and tourism industry
• The range of employment opportunities in the leisure and tourism industry

Information Technology involves studying two units over three years:

• Unit 1 Living in a Digital World
• Unit 2 using Digital Tools

This course gives pupils opportunities to broaden and enhance ICT skills by working with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce effective ICT solutions.

The Business Technology Area offers Extra curricular activities to students of all ages. There is a number of enterprise activities organised for students in Key Stages 3 and 4 Students make use of retail opportunities where they sell products and learn how to run an enterprise activity.

As part of our role as a specialist status college for Business and enterprise we work closely with Year 4, 5 and 6 students from all our feeder primary school and staff participate in projects in Business and Enterprise and ICT.