Examination Board:  AQA

A-level Business Studies helps students:

  • develop a critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value
  • be aware that business behaviour can be studied from the perspectives of a range of stakeholders
  • acquire a range of skills including decision-making and problem-solving
  • be aware of the current structure of business and business practice

Grade 5 in GCSE Maths and English

In Year 12 students cover the following topics:

  • What is Business? Why do they exist and how can I set one up?

  • What do managers do?

  • Market research, target markets and how to promote your business

  • How to produce a product efficiently and to a good quality

  • Raising finance, managing your cash and making a profit

  • How to recruit, motivate and manage the best staff for your business

In Year 13 students cover the following topics:

  • Business strategy including the strengths and weaknesses of a business and opportunities they face

  • Choosing the future direction for a business. Deciding whether to grow or contract, to expand internationally or to innovate with new products.

  • Managing change in business. Managing the culture of a business, keeping staff happy whilst implementing changes.

Studying Business prepares you for a career in business, which may stretch across any sector or industry. Your career options are therefore very varied. Decide on the area you want to work in and we will support you to get relevant work experience along the way. Young Enterprise would be a good choice for your wider curriculum options as it helps you to develop many of the skills you will need for AS Business Studies.

You could be interested in a career or further study in; Business, Management, Self-employment, Retail, Marketing, Manufacturing, Logistics, Media, Fashion, Gaming, Economics, E-commerce, Finance, Accountancy, Project Management or the Public Sector.

Industries as diverse as chemicals, utilities, fashion, health, entertainment, grocery and construction all require managers with a clear understanding of business systems, efficiency and operational issues; all of which you will develop on this course.

Skills gained/developed

Year 12 / Year 13

  • Using arguments to make judgements or recommendations.
  • Data skills, interpreting and manipulating evidence, including financial data.
  • Applying knowledge to real business scenarios.
  • Thinking strategically to solve problems and make decisions.

 

Assessment Methods

Exam = 100%

Exam = 100%

AS Exams

Paper 1: 1 hr 30 minutes: 50% of AS (multiple choice, short answer and data response questions)

Paper 2: 1 hr 30 minutes: 50% of AS (case study with 7 questions)

 

A2 Exams

Paper 1: 2 hours: 33.3% of A Level (multiple choice, short answer and 2 essay questions)

Paper 2: 2 hours: 33.3% of A Level

(3 data response questions)

Paper 3: 2 hours: 33.3% of A Level

(Case study and 6 questions)

Course Key Details

Course Type :
Exam Board :
Pass Rate :
Assessment :
SNMATCovenantThrive