The Business Studies department offers a range of courses at GCSE, BTEC AND GCE Applied.  At GCSE both Business Studies and Business Communication systems are offered.  At BTEC First pupils can choose to study for a diploma in Business Studies or Retailing, while at advanced level they can complete AS and A2 GCE Applied Business Studies.

To fully understand the business world pupils need to experience how it operates, and for this purpose a number of factory visits are organised for the various class groups.

Recently pupils have visited:

• The Tayto Factory in Tandragee.
• Maud’s Ice Cream Factory in Larne.
• FG Wilson’s Generator Manufacturer in Larne.
• RFD in Dunmurry.
• Montupet in Dunmurry.

Apart from the study of these large enterprises, pupils also consider the small businesses that are so vital, to the Northern Ireland economy.  Pupils also take part in Young Enterprise where they run a small business themselves; this lets them experience some of the practical aspects of the subject.
 
Last year’s GCE Applied class organised and run a local Car Boot Sale, taking responsibility for the organisation and promotion that was involved.  This was a great success gaining them valuable experience in event management while at the same time raising money for a local charity.