A Level Business Studies
What will I study?
Students will be taught for five periods a week. The courses innovative structure empowers students to develop an understanding of four units:
- (AS) - Unit 1: ‘Developing New Business Ideas' - This unit covers the characteristics that students would need to have in order to be successful in business. Students analyse how new and existing businesses develop product/service ideas and test them through market research. Students will also consider the competition within the market; the economic climate; how the business may be financed and how much money the idea might generate.
- (AS) - Unit 2a: ‘Managing the Business' - This unit covers the key activities that students may be involved in if they were to set up and/or manage a business. The unit introduces students to some basic management tools and models which will be further developed in the A2 qualification.
- (A2) - Unit 3: ‘International Business' - This unit will introduce students to the world of international business and issues which a company trading internationally would have to consider.
- (A2) - Unit 4a: ‘Making Business Decisions' - This unit allows students to assess the current competitiveness of a business through performance and non-performance indicators. Students will analyse corporate objectives and strategy on the basis of these indicators and on the external influences to the business. Students will be required to assess the cause and effects of change on a business and examine how the company can manage risk effectively.
What skills will I develop?
Throughout the course students will be involved in a range of learning activities which will allow them to develop important transferable key skills (numeracy, communication, ICT, problem solving, working independently and with others). Students will also further their understanding of social, moral, ethical, cultural, environmental, citizenship, and European issues within a business format.
How will I be assessed?
There is no coursework for this qualification; all units will be assessed through external examinations:
Unit 1 - Developing New Business ideas |
Unit 2a - Managing the Business |
Unit 3 - International Business |
Unit 4a - Making Business Decisions |
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Exam: 1 hour 15 minutes (Section A Supported multiple choice. Section B Questions based on data) |
Exam: 1 hour 15 minutes. (Section A Supported multiple choice. Section B Questions based on data) |
Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes. (Section A Questions based on data. Section B Case Study and questions) |
Exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes (Section A Questions based on data. Section B Decision making report - pre-released in June of previous year) |
Will Business Studies help me with my future career?
Business Studies is a diverse and varied course, this means that it can be the foundation for many careers that students may choose to study. Obviously if you want to be the next Richard Branson and run your own business it is very useful. Other careers and further studies that can be directly linked to Business Studies include Finance, Law, Business Administration, Resource and Environmental Management, Personnel, Sales and Marketing.
What qualifications do I need to study Business at ‘A' level?
A GCSE in Business Studies is not required but will help students when they start the course. The general requirements of entrance to the Sixth Form are required. An interest in current affairs and the world of business will aid student's understanding of the course. Commitment, a positive attitude to their studies, and the ability to meet deadlines are essential.
