Commerce IGCSE - A Home Study, Distance Learning Course

COURSE OVERVIEW

A distance learning course is the ideal way to gain a IGCSE in Commerce. Whether you're looking to go on to further education, improve your job prospects or expand your knowledge, distance learning IGCSE Commerce is a flexible and convenient course, which allows you to comprehensively prepare for an exam or career through home study. What's more, because the distance learning IGCSE Commerce course is a fully comprehensive course, no prior knowledge is required.

The Edexcel International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in Commerce is designed for use in schools and colleges. It is part of a suite of IGCSE qualifications offered by Edexcel.

The Edexcel IGCSE in Commerce is designed as a one year course (which can be completed in a shorter timescale). As students progress they are introduced to new ideas and concepts while continuing to use and reinforce previously learned concepts and skills. The course is designed to give students a sound understanding of commerce and the ability to use knowledge, skills and understanding appropriately in the context of international business and the United Kingdom (UK).

Key Features

• Closely based on the content of the equivalent Edexcel GCSE Commerce suite of, Qualifications.
• 100% examination – single assessment route allowing all students to demonstrate their knowledge and, understanding of business.
• Comprehensive and detailed description of subject content.
• Appropriate for students of various ages and from diverse backgrounds in terms of general education and, life-long learning.
• Provides a solid basis for Edexcel AS GCE and, Advanced GCE in Economics and Business Studies qualifications

It will also prove valuable to anybody wanting to go on to complete a B. Comm. or M. Comm. degree.

Key Subject Aims

• The Edexcel IGCSE in Commerce qualification enables students to:
• Develop an interest in, and enjoyment of, commercial subjects that will be sustained in later life
• Use relevant terminology, concepts and methods effectively and recognise the strengths and limitations of the ideas used.
• Develop and apply their knowledge, understanding and skills to current issues in a wide range of appropriate international and UK commercial contexts.
• Use an enquiring, critical approach to distinguish between facts and opinion and evaluate qualitative and quantitative data, to help build arguments and make informed judgements.
• Understand the reasons why people go into business and the challenges that starting your own business can present.

The Knowledge, Skills and Understanding

This Edexcel IGCSE in Commerce requires students to achieve the knowledge, skills and understanding to apply their learning as follows:

• acquire a knowledge of, and develop an understanding of, the nature and purpose of commercial activities and commercial institutions
• develop an awareness of the context within which commercial activity takes place
• develop an awareness of the nature and significance of innovation and change within the context of commercial activities
• develop skills of numeracy, literacy, inquiry, presentation and interpretation
• increase knowledge and awareness of the dual role of people in everyday life as producers and consumers
• develop an appreciation of the impact of information technology, and the importance of commercial communication and documentation.

Course Key Topics

Unit 1: Production and Commercial activity
Unit 2: Trade
Unit 3: Consumer credit and protection
Unit 4: Business Ownership
Unit 5: Aids to trade

Home Study Tutor Support

Effective learning is encouraged through frequent activities and self-assessment questions, and there is guidance for the preparation of coursework.

You will be provided with comprehensive materials designed to provide you with everything required to complete your course of study. You will have your own personal tutor helping you with your course work and with any questions you may have. Plus you can contact a Student Advisors by email or phone for all the practical advice you may need – so we really are with you 100%.

You have a lot of resources to help you in your studies; your course blue file, your textbook, internet resources and your tutor. You should make good use of your tutor to help you with any difficulties that you may have during the course especially at the start and there is extra material in the student support portal.

Course Assessments

Tutor Marked Assignment

Each unit has its own Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA). This assignment will be based on the information which you have studied and will prepare you for the final examination.

The TMA should be uploaded to the tutor through the On Campus account, for marking and grading. Although tutor support is optional, it is a vital component in preparing you for the examination and you are encouraged and advised to take full advantage of this support. The completed TMA unit can then be used as a ‘revision tool’ for the final examination.

Each TMA (five in all) will be graded in the same manner as the examination paper, with feedback comments and support/advice from the course tutor.

Self Tests
Each unit has a series optional ‘self tests’ which will ask revision questions about the content being learnt in the unit, and answers are provided for you to check your own knowledge and understanding. These ‘self tests’ do not need to be sent into the tutor for marking!

Examination Revision/Preparation
From the course materials you will be able to prepare your own revision notes and pointers to ensure that you are fully prepared for the final two hours (2.0) examination. The revision notes will come from your completed ‘self tests’, personal notes and the TMA content and feedback from your course tutor.

Final Examination
Paper 1: Paper code: 4CM0/01
• One examination paper lasting 2 hours.
The total mark for the completed examination paper is 100.

Final Grading
Assessment Objectives and weightings
% in IGCSE
AO1: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the specified subject content 30–40%
AO2: apply knowledge and understanding to effectively address commercial problems and issues, using appropriate terminology, concepts,
methods and calculations 20–30%
AO3: select, organise, analyse and interpret information from various sources to analyse commercial problems and issues 20–25%
AO4: evaluate evidence and make reasoned judgements accurately and appropriately 15–20%
TOTAL 100%