Introduction

Business Studies offers a new and dynamic challenge to many students who are looking for a more practical discipline.  AS and A level Business Studies aim to make you think about all aspects of business and the likely challenges, from the business start-up right through to the problems of a multi-national.  In AS we look at what is involved when someone wants to start up in business.  The generation of a business idea, the raising of necessary finance, finding of the right location and staffing and the conducting of market research.  From this we look at how best to manage this business, concentrating on the four main areas of business: staffing, marketing, production and finance.  As the course progresses so does the size of the firm and the problems that they may encounter.

The course is taught using a series of purpose-made booklets covering the course content alongside past exam papers, individual research and the preparation of presentations.

AS and A level Business Studies are not easy options but they can provide a stimulating and relevant view of real world situations.  Students need to have at least C grades or above in Mathematics and English Language.

Business Studies complements many other A level subjects such as Information Technology, Mathematics, Sciences and Languages.  And it provides a useful foundation for many degree courses such as Accountancy, Management, Information Technology, Law and of course Business Studies.

Assessment

As with many ‘A' levels, Business Studies consists of four examinations: two for AS and two for A2.

 

The A Level Specification (AQA)

The subject covers a variety of topics and the AS specification includes the following:

AS

Unit 1- Planning and Financing a Business

This paper is taken in January of the Lower Sixth .

40% of AS, 20% of A level

1 hour 15 minutes examination

60 marks

Short answer questions and extended responses based on a mini case-study.

 

Unit 2 - Managing a Business

This paper will be taken in June of the Lower Sixth

60% of AS, 30% of A Level

1 hour 30 minutes examination

80 marks

Compulsory, multi-part data response questions.

 

A2

Unit 3 - Strategies for Success

This paper is taken in the January of the Upper Sixth.

25% of A level

1 hour 45 minutes examination

80 marks

Questions requiring extended answers based on an unseen case study drawing upon knowledge from AS units.

 

Unit 4 - The Business Environment and Managing Change

This paper is taken in June of the Upper Sixth

25% of A Level

1 hour 45 minutes examination

80 marks

Pre-release research tasks leading to the first section of a two section examination.

Second section will consist of a choice of essays. All questions will be essay style and synoptic therefore drawing upon knowledge from all four units.

Resits - All units can be re-taken at a later date, if necessary, to improve the mark.

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