BUSINESS STUDIES
As the process of globalization continues to shape the Bahamian economic landscape, business education becomes increasingly important for all students. Business educators play a prominent role in this process. Educators must be cognizant that next only to tourism, financial services is a pillar upon which The Bahamas is built. Therefore, in preparing students to take their rightful place in society as productive and responsible citizens, it is critical that they have the chance to study the principles offered in business which aims to develop in them an appreciation for an increasingly globally integrated economy such as is The Bahamas.
-
Because all students will participate in the economic system, all students need to be literate in business
-
Because all students will encounter a business environment that is characterized by diversity-both domestic and international-all students need to practice the interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills that will help them function successfully in that environment.
-
Because all students will use technology as a tool for managing information, all students need to hone the lifelong learning skills that foster flexible career paths and confidence in adapting to a workplace that demands constant retooling.
The overall focus of the curriculum is on continuous quality education.
Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, applications, and attitudes that will reinforce workplace competencies. The business studies curriculum also aims to build a strong foundation for those who wish to pursue higher education in various business disciplines. The three-year high school programme in Business Studies is offered during grades 10 - 12.
Courses Offered |
Overall Focus |
Assessment |
Secretarial/Office Technology
Typewriting/Word Processing Office Procedures Shorthand |
To prepare students to function in an office environment. Emphasis is placed on speed, efficiency flexibility, depend-ability, interdependence and technical competence. |
Schools require written, practical and oral tests designed to determine under-standing at the know-ledge, comprehension, application, synthesis and evaluation levels.
Five subjects are assessed at the national level BGCSE):
Typewriting, Office Procedures Commerce & Banking Economics and Book-keeping & Accounts
*Except for type-writing, all BGCSE subjects comprise both a written component and a coursework component. |
Economics & Commerce |
To introduce students to the role and nature of business, local and international economic systems and commercial activities. Emphasis is placed on technical language, economic reasoning, critical thinking, analyzing data, and domestic and foreign trade. |
Commerce & Banking
Economics |
Bookkeeping & Accounts |
To provide students with a strong foundation in accounting. Emphasis is placed on the development of skills that foster accuracy, orderliness and logical thought in presentation and compilation of accounting reports for various forms of business ownership. |
Computer Studies |
To prepare students with skills in the field of information processing needed to enter the world of work. Emphasis is placed on understanding how a computer works, applying skills to solve problems, and business applications. |
edgar arnette |
|
|
|
Technology has accelerated the pace and frequency of change not only in business but also in life. Consequently, business educators must bring to the classroom characteristics and skills to contribute to the development of the “
renaissance” student/worker. This skill set includes flexibility, enthusiasm, good ethics and competence in several specific business subject areas. An education for and about business offers students the opportunity to master the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to succeed in business—and more importantly, an equal opportunity to succeed in life.
Technical Studies, formerly known, as “Industrial Arts” is fast becoming the most desired programme in the educational system. The courses are designed to develop employable skills in students, which will be enhanced with the use of the competency based modular approach. The programmes are implemented as follows:
INTRODUCTORY PROGRAMME (IP) - JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLThis Programme is designed to offer a cluster of course disciplines. These include introductory modules in the Building and Mechanical Trades. The cluster programme will lay the foundation for the Senior High Schools graduation programmes. This will better equip the students to make more informed and responsible choices at the senior high level. The cluster is organized into modules that will require double periods for implementation. It will consist of “core” modules, “enrichment” modules and “assistance” modules. All students will study the core modules and work towards achieving a common set of outcomes. Depending upon their strength, interests, and need for further work on particular concepts or skills, students will also take a selection of enrichment and / or assistance modules.
ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION (IP)At present at the junior high school level, Technical Drawing is the only national examination offered at the
BJC level. However, with the revision of the present curriculum there will be a combined
Technical Studies Examination. Additionally teachers in this programme will utilize a variety of assessment techniques in order to determine individual student’s strengths and to set future learning goals. Feedback will be provided to students in such a way as to support and develop the students’ self-assessment ability. With the use of the student profile system, combined with the portfolio of student work, teachers will be able to provide other teachers with detailed information about each student’s strengths, as well as about areas where improvement is needed. This should make it easier to make any necessary programme adaptation for students when or if they change schools.
GRADUATION PROGRAMME (GP)...... SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
This programme is designed for senior high schools. It offers specialized courses in:
-
The Building Trades - (Carpentry & Cabinet Making, Plumbing Masonry, Electrical Installation and Drafting/CAD)
-
The Mechanical Trades - (Auto-mechanics, Welding and Electronics)
The purpose is to assist students to prepare for the transition from school to adult society, to the world of work, and to further formal education, as well as to a life of ongoing learning and growth. The programme is intended to provide the opportunity for students to consolidate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they have gained throughout the introductory programme, and also learn how to apply their experience and understanding as they assume their roles in adult society, as they enter the job market.
The senior high curriculum is organized into modules of study. Each module requires a number of classroom hours to complete. The modules are grouped into courses.
ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION (GP)At the end of the high school programme only four courses are assessed at the national level - Carpentry &Joinery, Electrical Installation, Graphical Communication and Auto-mechanics. With the revision of the senior high school curriculum the remaining four courses will be assessed through the modular process, and students will receive competency certificates.
WORK STUDY / WORK EXPERIENCEThis programme allows the students to receive practical experience in the real world of work. All teachers are required to assist students to experience this aspect of their development. The Work Experience activities play a vital role in the students attaining their competency certificates. The Technical Studies programme is a growing progressive and developing educational project.
Home Economics, Hospitality Training & Cosmetology
The Government of The Bahamas recognizes the impact that global trends and rapid changes in Technology have on the restructuring of economies, societies, institutions and individual lifestyles.As a result, the Department of Education has expanded its curriculum to include a wide range of academic, technical and vocational subjects.Home Economics, Hospitality Training and Cosmetology teachers form an integral part of the educational process in which students with diverse skills and abilities, ethnic backgrounds, personal desires and abilities are recruited, trained and educated to translate knowledge into services which benefit society. Teachers must by example and competence be prepared to teach life-long skills and instill values, morals and attitudes, which enhance the personal, social and professional growth and development of citizens in our developing society.Home Economics, Hospitality Training and Cosmetology teachers are further challenged to demonstrate practical competencies in the classroom environment, which reinforce content knowledge and training required to empower and produce highly skilled citizens for careers as: scientists, educators, public policy officials, business leaders / managers, entrepreneurs and home makers, to significantly impact humane and orderly relationships, maximize professional talent, promote nation building and improve home and family living. These subjects promote a sense of well-being, pride and accomplishments, which cannot be measured by monetary value. However, the content, skills, values and morals derived from them will empower individual citizens to make wise choices and decisions that are fundamental to successful living and job satisfaction.All subjects offer a wide variety of practical and theoretical experiences in and through clearly defined objectives and student - oriented activities that extend beyond the walls of the regular classroom, with field trips, on the job training opportunities and exposure to professionals in related careers Home Economics educators should be committed, assertive and adaptable with a variety of practical skills, content, knowledge and pedagogy training to competently guide and teach the curriculum and examination objectives.
Page Top
The Home Economics Programmes are offered to grades
7 – 12. The components include: Food and Nutrition Clothing Construction and Craft Parenting and Child Development Housing and Interior Design Home and Home Management
Hospitality Training Programme is offered in grades 10 –12 and consists of the following components: Food Preparation Food Services Front Desk Operations House Keeping Tourism Studies
Cosmetology is offered in grades 10-12. The components are:
- Salon Business/Management
- Skin and Hair Care and Beauty Tips
- Manicuring and Pedicuring Methods and Techniques
- Hair Cutting and Barbering
- Etiquette and Social Graces
- National examinations are offered at grade 9 and grade 12 in Home Economics at the BJC and BGCSE levels.
Page Top
