Knowledge and Skills

Key skills provide a foundation for continual learning. They enable and empower individuals who inevitably face a series of choices in work, education and training throughout their lives. Current and future initiatives such as learn direct, lifelong learning and widening participation all require a more flexible population in the workplace and key skills play a role in setting the framework.

Learners need the chance to show current and future employers that they can:

  • Communicate effectively, in a variety of situations, using a wide range of techniques.
  • Work well with others - individuals or teams - so that work can be properly planned and targets met.
  • Manage their own development, so that they are always ready to take on the challenges of change and diversification.
  • Use number, not just within routine tasks and functions but to help them be more effective and efficient in all they do.
  • Use ICT in a range of applications to support all aspects of their role.
  • Solve problems in a variety of circumstances.

Business courses encourage candidates to:

  • Actively engage in the study of business and economics to develop as effective and Independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds.
  • Use an enquiring, critical approach to distinguish between fact and opinion, build arguments and make informed judgements.
  • Develop and apply their knowledge, understanding and skills to contemporary issues in a range of local, national and global contexts.
  • Appreciate the range of perspectives of different stakeholders in relation to business and economic activities.
  • Consider the extent to which business and economic activity can be ethical and sustainable.
  • Consider the moral issues that arise as a result of the impact of economic activity on the environment and economic development.
  • Recognise that their economic knowledge, understanding and skills helps them to understand current events and provides a basis for their role as citizens.