Business - A Level

This subject is an excellent course in preparing students for working life. It provides an understanding of a business world that is rapidly changing.

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Course Content Year 12 This is a linear course, and includes the study of a range of businesses from new small start-ups to larger, multinational organisations, as well as considering the external environment and stakeholder perspectives. Topics in the first year include:

• What is business?
• Managers, leadership and decision making
• Decision making to improve marketing performance
• Decision making to improve operational performance
• Decision making to improve financial performance
• Decision making to improve human resource performance

Year 13
The study of strategic decision making should build on the study of decision making in the functional areas covered in year one.
• Analysing the strategic position of a business
• Choosing strategic direction
• Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies
• Managing strategic change.

Assessment Paper 1: 2h written exam – Fifteen multiple choice questions, short answer questions and one essay question from a choice of two. 100 marks (33.3% of total A level) Paper 2: 2h written exam – Three data response questions, each consisting of three or four part questions. 100 marks (33.3% of total A level) Paper 3: 2h written exam - Six questions on one case study. 100 marks (33.3% of total A level) Extended Learning Stock Market Challenges Marketing Competition Study Trip to Paris/New York

Entry Qualifications* Minimum requirements for admission to the Sixth Form:

• A grade 5 in Mathematics
• A grade 5 in English Language or English Literature
• Achieving at least 3 other GCSEs at grade 6 or above.
  

*Can be studied at A level without prior study Subject specific requirement

• Grade 6 or Merit in Business Studies (if studied)
• Grade 6 in Mathematics.

Career Opportunities Business Studies is an absorbing subject with real-life relevance. The subject relates well to the workplace. Career opportunities include - Accountancy, Banking, Business Management, Business Law, Human Resource Management, the Civil Service and Marketing.