Business Studies

Each year we will study two themes in Business: Year One: Theme 1 – Marketing and People In this theme, students are introduced to the market, explore the marketing and people functions and investigate entrepreneurs and business start-up. Theme 2 - Managing Business Activities In this theme, students explore the finance and operations functions, and investigate external influences on business. Year Two: Theme 3 - Business decisions and strategy In this theme, students develop their understanding of the concepts introduced in Theme 2 and explore influences on business strategy and decision-making. Theme 4 - Global business In this theme, students develop their understanding of the concepts introduced in Theme 1 and explore business activity in a global context. Your final A Level grade will be decided by how well you perform in three end of course external exams: Paper One: This paper is assessed by one 2hr written exam focusing on marketing, people and global businesses. It will comprise of one data response question broken down into a number of parts, including one extended open response question. Paper Two: This paper is assessed by one 2hr written exam focusing on business finance and operations, business decisions and strategy. It will comprise one data response question broken down into a number of parts, including one extended open-response question. Paper Three: This paper is assessed by one 2hr written exam. There will be one compulsory case study consisting of approximately six questions. Questions will be drawn from local, national and global contexts.

How will I learn?

The course will be taught by one teacher. In class you can expect to learn concepts and apply them through a variety of activities. You will be working independently and in groups on tasks. Work created in class and at home will be combined into a file of valuable material, which will help with revision and will be regularly monitored.

How will my work be assessed?

This is a linear qualification; there won’t be any external exams until the summer term of the second year of the course

What skills will I need to be successful in this subject?

You will need highly developed organisational skills in order to manage the demands of this course. You need to be able to understand complex theoretical concepts and apply them in given situations. You will need to develop skills in analysing the benefits and drawbacks of a given strategy and draw conclusions. Writing style is important at this level and you will be expected to structure appropriate responses to complex business problems. Finally, having a genuine interest in business and related topics is essential for success.

What are the entry requirements?

5 GCSEs grade 7.0 -5.0 Maths: Minimum C grade (grade 5) English: Minimum B grade (grade 6)

What are the opportunities after this course for further education/employment?

The A Level qualification enables progression to degree courses in Business or employment in a variety or careers in the business world