Business Studies

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A Level Business Studies students have access to a wide range of possible careers and Higher Education opportunities due to the diverse nature of the course.

Many of our students go on to study the discipline or related subjects at undergraduate level. Alternatively, you can start a career in business armed with an excellent knowledge of how businesses operate. In particular you will have a head start in careers within accountancy, marketing, sales and human resources.

Mr H. Cushion
Head of Business
hcushion@ng6.unity-ed.uk

“For me, Business Studies has offered a great insight into the working world of business which affects everything from what we are sold, to where we are sold it, and at what price. In Year 12 I’ve learnt a lot about decision making and the strategic positioning of businesses as well as management, operations and everything inbetween. These concepts are applied to the real world at a variety of scales and in various markets and sectors, where learnt theory is brought to life. Engage with the subject and you’ll develop a broad range of business skills, including problem solving, critiquing and analysis which are invaluable for the A Level, as well as other subjects and the wider world.” (Josh B)

Please note: Mrs Iwanczyk is the former Head of Business Studies. Mr Cushion is the current Head of Business Studies.

The Course
Business Studies has consistently been a popular choice for students studying at the Sixth Form. The department are experienced in delivering the subject and students achieve good results. As part of this course you will be taken to the Bank of England to develop your knowledge and understanding of the impact and role Government institutions have on business and the economy.

For a number of years we have followed the AQA specification which we find provides you with a flexible business course:

  • What is business?
  • Managers, leadership and decision making
  • Decision making to improve marketing performance
  • Decision make to improve operational performance
  • Decision making to improve financial performance
  • Decision making to improve human resource performance
  • Analysing the strategic position of a business
  • Choosing strategic direction
  • Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies
  • Managing strategic change

Assessment
Paper 1 lasts for 2 hours. It contains three compulsory sections which contain a mixture of multiple choice questions, short response questions and finishes with two essay questions.

Paper 2 lasts for 2 hours. The paper is based upon three data response questions which have different parts to them.

Paper 3 lasts for 2 hours. It has one compulsory case study from which six questions would follow based upon the information which candidates have been given.

Each of the different assessments make up 33.3% of the final A Level grade. All assessments take place at the end of the second year and each paper could focus on any of the topics which have been studied.

Entry Requirements
Minimum 65544 including 5 Mathematics and English Language or Literature. It is not a requirement that you should have studied Business Studies at GCSE in order to take an A Level course in this subject. It is more important that you have a strong interest in business studies and current affairs and want to learn how a business is organised, operates, plans and makes its decisions.

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