St Andrew's School

SYLLABUS FOR 2009

Exclusions

This syllabus must not be offered in the same session with any of the following syllabuses:

0598 Commerce (Botswana)

7101 Commercial Studies

INTRODUCTION

The syllabus provides an outline of commercial activities and how these activities are influenced by changes in the commercial environment. Candidates will be expected to appreciate the implications of commercial activities on the consumer, producer, retailer and wholesaler in home and international trade. Candidates will be expected to recognise the development of IT on commercial activities.

AIMS

The syllabus will enable pupils to:

1 develop knowledge and understanding of the purposes and functions of important commercial activities and commercial institutions;

2 develop an appreciation of the environment within which commercial activities take place;

3 develop knowledge and understanding of the language, concepts and decision making procedures of commercial activities;

4 develop knowledge and understanding of the importance of commercial communication and documentation and the impact of information technology;

5 develop knowledge and understanding of the nature and significance of innovation and change on commercial activities;

6 develop and apply the skills of selection, interpretation and evaluation.

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES

At the end of the course, candidates should be able to demonstrate:

1 Knowledge and Understanding

- basic principles, techniques and ideas in commerce;

- facts and terms relevant to commerce;

- key features and functions of commercial activities;

- main documents used in commerce.

2 Application

- application of commercial principles and ideas to given situations using appropriate terminology;

- use relevant data and information in written, numerical and diagrammatical form.

3 Analysis

- identification and selection of the significant issues in a commercial situation;

- analysis of problems relating to a commercial situation.

4 Evaluation

- distinguishing between evidence and opinion;

- making reasoned judgements and communicating them in an accurate and logical manner.

FORM OF EXAMINATION

Two papers will be set. Candidates must offer both papers.

Questions involving simple calculations may be set.

Paper 1 (30%) 1 hour

This Paper will consist of 40 multiple choice items.

Paper 2 (70%) 2 hours

This Paper will consist of 8 questions. There will be stimulus response questions (containing numerical, textual and visual information) and structured questions.

Candidates will be required to answer four questions.