Business Studies

What is the course about?

A Level business looks at all aspects of the business world, from starting your own enterprise to being part of a larger corporation.

In Year 12 you will study:

Theme 1: Marketing and People Meeting customers’ needs, and understanding what is a market? Enterprise and leaders, marketing mix and strategy. Theme 2: Managing Business Activities Raising finance, financial planning, managing finance, resource management and external influences.

In Year 13 you will study:

Theme 3: Global Business Implications of globalisation, global markets and business expansion, global marketing, global companies – are they good or evil? Theme 4: Business Decisions and Strategy Business objectives and strategies, business growth and its implications, decision-making techniques, assessing competitiveness and managing change.

How is the course assessed?

This course is assessed by examination only. There are three examinations covering all four themes.

What skills will I need and develop in this course?

This course will help you develop a number of skills:

• How to view the world around you from different perspectives.
• How to plan and conduct business operations and activities.
• How to analyse and interpret data.
• Critical reasoning skills – evaluate, justify, discuss.
• How to communicate your point of view fluently.

Subject combination advice

You cannot study both business and economics. Otherwise all combinations work well.

What can the course lead to in terms of higher education and future careers?

A Level business is an academic qualification. Therefore its greatest use is as a stepping stone to further and higher-level study.

What are the formal entry requirements?

GCSEs in English and mathematics at Grade 5 or above.

What activities enrich this subject?

Students have the opportunity to attend subject-related lectures to reinforce their understanding of the topics covered, and Young Enterprise is also very worthwhile to support business understanding.