St John Paul II Catholic College

This short qualification for the 14+ age group is to help them consider setting up their own business or being self-employed.  It is designed to highlight the features and challenges so that informed decisions can be made. The qualification culminates in a self-assessment of whether setting up a business is the right decision.  It is assessed by assignment.

On successful completion of this Award, the learner will be able to:

• Understand the benefits and drawbacks of self-employment based on their  personal circumstances and needs
• Demonstrate an awareness of the legal responsibilities
• Outline the business proposition
• Understand the personal and business monetary needs 
• Understand the requirements for accurate financial recordkeeping
• Demonstrate an awareness of the financial obligations 

This qualification is aimed at individuals who are thinking about setting up a small business or who are already running such a venture. During the course you will create a digital marketing plan which will build practical skills and knowledge of using digital technology to improve business performance. The qualification is assessed by assignment.

On completing this programme, you will be able to:

• Explain the terminology, benefits, risks and other considerations of using digital and online tools and techniques
• Outline the practical aspects of creating the infrastructure for digital and online tools
• Identify potential legal and contractual considerations
• Demonstrate how digital and online tools can be used to engage with customers, prospects and the market
• Suggest how digital and online tools can be used to generate revenues for the business
• Create an online profile for a business and potential points of differentiation
• Explain the importance of customer behaviour in an online context
• Develop a creative digital marketing plan for a small business

For a full overview download the qualification specification:

The shorter Foundation Diploma provides a good general grounding in core aspects of business.  It will also give you the tools to develop yourself in a way that will support your long term career progression.  

It is designed for those who wish to further their career or progress quickly onto the next ABE Level and then go onto employment.  If you wish to progress to a university degree, the 8 Unit - 120 credit - Diploma is likely to provide more favourable progression options in the long term.

This qualification is at the same level of difficulty as year one of a Bachelors degree.

This qualification gives you a thorough grounding in Business Management and is a great springboard for progressing to higher levels of academic study. It is at the same level of difficulty as year one of a Bachelors degree.

For a full overview download the qualification specification: 

This qualification will develop a strategic understanding of business management principles and practical application.  It is at the same level of difficulty as year two of a Bachelors degree.  

All units are supported by a study guide which is free to download from the ABE Portal.

For a full overview download the qualification specification:

In addition to compulsory units please choose any two from the 'Other units' list