BUSINESS STUDIES
What does the course involve?
Business is a dynamic subject. You will learn about the diverse nature of business enterprise and the
interdependence of the various parts of the business world. You will explore business success and
business failure, investigate local, national and global business markets and understand how
businesses need to adapt and respond strategically to the changing environment in which they operate
to survive and grow. This constant evolutionary process makes business a fascinating subject.
In Theme 1 and Theme 2 you will learn about how businesses work. You will be introduced to the
marketing and people functions before investigating entrepreneurs and business start-ups. You will
also explore how business finance and operations work, and understand the impact of external
influences.
Theme 3 and Theme 4 move from functions to strategy.
You will explore influences on business strategy and decision-making, and understand how
businesses mitigate risk and uncertainty. You will also explore global business and the opportunities
and issues facing businesses in today’s global world.
What qualifications do I need?
It doesn’t matter if you haven’t studied business before.
You might have an interest in business, and want to start your own business one day. You may have
an enquiring mind and be interested in learning about the world around you, how businesses work and
what challenges businesses face. This course will help you to understand all this and more.
Assessment
Assessment of the course is through external examination at the end of each unit which involve a
range of different skills including, data response, case studies and a decision making report which all
reflect the wide ranging learning styles used through the teaching of the course. The AS and A level
courses will be taught alongside each other. Students wishing to sit the AS at the end of the first year
will sit two exams based on themes 1 and 2. The full A level will involve three papers as set out below
all sat at the end of year 2. NOTE ; The AS in Business does not contribute towards the full A level.
Paper 1
Paper 2
Paper 3
You will tackle data response and essay questions on marketing, people and global businesses – this
is the content you study in Theme 1 and Theme 4.
You will tackle data response and essay
questions on business activities, decisions and strategy – this is the content you study
in Theme 2 and Theme 3.
You will have a research task before the exam. The questions in the
exam – data response and essay questions – are linked to the context you will research.
General Comments
Students should be prepared to keep up to date with economic and business events through all forms
of the media as part of their studies. Visits and guest speakers will also be incorporated into the course
at appropriate times. Linking work experience with the course would also be useful as a learning tool.
Future Prospects
Following completion of this course students will be well equipped to move onto a range of business
based courses at university as well as providing an invaluable preparation to the world of work and the
general business and economic environment.