In the Business, Economics and Information Technology Department, students receive a solid base of academic theory supplemented with opportunities to put this theory into practical application throughout the school year and beyond.
The courses offered are designed not only to give the students an appreciation of what makes business successful in Canada and abroad, but also to develop many of the skills required to be a successful individual in business. A major component of this success is the ability to communicate effectively and in a timely and proficient manner. To this end, an emphasis is placed on information technology and personal communication.
Grade 9: 21st Century Studies
Grade 10: Marketing 11, Computer Science 11/12AP
Grade 11: Entrepreneurship 12
Grade 12: Economics 12AP, Financial Accounting 12
Fine Arts: Computer Aided Design, Digital Design.
Students looking for a career in business or economics are urged to be involved in these courses and develop the skills that will assist them now and in the future.
Computer literacy is an essential component of modern life and is especially necessary for students seeking a post-secondary education. The School has recognized this and is continuing to stress the importance of technology across the curriculum. In all grades, teachers and students, alike, are being exposed to tools and computer programs that enhance the learning process and help prepare students for post-secondary careers and beyond. The leadership and assistance of the Computer Department in supporting the academic progress of all students is a cornerstone to this success. Be it in the classroom or in the Houses, the computer system at Brentwood continues to evolve and grow in size and quality.
21st Century Studies 9
The 21st Century 9 course introduces students to a variety of issues and problems that affect our world on a global level. These global issues are economic, political, cultural and environmental. The connections between the problems from a historical and geographical perspective provide the basis for an exploration of the complex nature of human interactions within society and with nature. The phenomenon of “globalization” in an economic and demographic sense is explored together with the effect of the internet on human communications, education and business. Students will be introduced to research techniques that include intelligent and efficient use of internet resources to extract and analyze information. The impact of man on the environment and the need for sustainable solutions to energy and waste production forms the second part of the course (which rotates to a new instructor half way through the year). Students will be introduced to means of collecting and handling data through technology devices and spreadsheet programs that help them manipulate and display measurements they have taken and information they have gathered. A “hands-on” component to the course will involve students in monitoring environmental sites on and around the school grounds, growing produce on campus and participating in conservation efforts with community groups. The course will also incorporate the Youth Philanthropy Initiative which offers an opportunity for students to win $5000 through the Toscan Foundation for a local charity. Students learn research and presentation skills including public speaking, video and slide presentation and the creation of an illustrated brochure. Through successful completion of the course, an ICT 9 credit is awarded to reflect student proficiency in areas of digital and information technology.
Marketing 11
This course looks at the general theory of Marketing and its role in our everyday lives. The Marketing mix is explored in detail after the students are exposed to some behavioral psychology and how it impacts our decision making processes. To better appreciate the role of customer service in marketing, the students get practical experience through their Front of House work at the Bunch Theatre. The selling process is looked at in some detail and the students then are asked to enter the marketplace and sell advertising for the annual Brentwood Regatta Souvenir program. This year with the opening of the Crooks Centre, which will house a number of student services including the school store, the students will be involved in the planning, product management, sales and marketing in the store.
Computer Science 11AP
This course is a preparation for Computer Science AP and is primarily directed at developing the programming component required for success at the AP level. Students will be introduced to the concepts and language involved in Java based programming and the ideas behind the successful design, testing, debugging and implementation of a computer program to solve specific problems. An object oriented approach to programming is adopted and students will also be introduced to the concept of a class in terms of both its design and its user interface. In addition, this course will also offer a “hands on” component in terms of examining and reconstructing hardware elements. The principles of networking computers and the management of servers will also be outlined. Students will receive credit for Information and Communication Technology 11 (ICT 11) through successful completion of this course.
Entrepreneurship 12
This senior level course will allow the students to be immersed into the theory and practical aspects of Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship in the last two decades has been looked at and considered a salve for many of the economic ailments of our times. In addition to extensive study of theory, the students will participate in “Project Innovation “ which will challenge them to run a business for a brief period with minimal funding, experience or help. The students will face some very interesting challenges and situations which will make the theory presented later more meaningful. For a large part of the year the students will be required to create a venture from scratch and then implement that venture during the annual Brentwood Regatta in April. Students invest their own money and reap the benefits of their diligence and creativity. This project gives all of the students’ practical experience in many of the problems and challenges the entrepreneur faces each and every day.
Economics 12AP
This senior level course will examine the current economic issues affecting Canada/ USA while looking outside of our borders to the role that we can play in the ever extending global marketplace. The course will focus on Macroeconomics but students will first examine some Microeconomic components that deal with simple supply, demand, opportunity cost, scarcity and productivity. Macroeconomics issues that will be discussed are economic growth, stability, employment and international trade. Considerable emphasis will be spent on the measurement of the economy and the implications of decisions made by major institutions such as the Central Bank, Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments. Students will write the Advanced Placement exam in Macroeconomics.
Financial Accounting 12
Students in this senior level course will look at many aspects of accounting, but equally important will be the students’ exposure to the discipline required in accounting and the ethical implications in the overall business and economic community. Some of the key areas of study will be include basic accounting principles and the accounting cycle. Students will be expected to distinguish the basic forms of business ownership, be aware of the various career opportunities and accounting designations and become familiar with the use of computer technology in the accounting process and report generation. Students also study internal control systems in the management of a business, the analysis of a financial system of a business by reviewing financial statements and develop an understanding of the stock market activity and terminology. For practical experience the students will be involved in the accounting side of the school store and assist the students in the Entrepreneurship 12 classes as they plan and run their businesses.