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The mandate of the BC school system is to enable learners to develop individual potential and to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to contribute to a healthy society and a prosperous and sustainable economy. To develop an effective and prosperous economy, British Columbia requires people who understand economics and business principles and possess the creativity and skills to apply them in inventive ways.
To participate fully in society, people need to be aware of the impact of economic forces in their lives. Economic literacy enables them to better understand the ramifications of economic changes that cause individuals, businesses, and societies to make critical choices concerning the allocation of resources. As national economies become increasingly interrelated and interdependent, individuals and businesses need to understand both the economic forces shaping society and the ethical considerations of their decisions.
The study of economics and business provides a variety of strategies that students can use as citizens in their public and private lives. They develop research, evaluation, communications, teamwork, and technological skills which will not only give them an advantage but also will make them more aware of the value of both co-operation and competition in their social, personal, and vocational pursuits.
As tomorrow's leaders, today's students must be able to envision the long-term implications of issues and changes within their communities, their country, and the world. They must also be confident in their abilities to respond effectively to these challenges. The business education and economics curricula emphasize creative and critical thinking in both independent and co-operative activities and provide students with opportunities to solve problems while applying skills and knowledge in practical ways to a variety of situations.
The rapid rate of technological change affects families, workplaces, communities, and environment. For example, individuals frequently change jobs to adapt to changing working conditions. In such a world, students need to be increasingly entrepreneurial and flexible. Business education and economics prepare students for this new reality by incorporating the challenges of technology, recognizing the evolving roles of women and men, and fostering the concept of lifelong learning.
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Revised: October 8, 1998
