Business Studies

Head of Department: Mr G Bishop
Exam board: AQA
Qualification name: Business Studies
Qualification codes: GCE AS 7131, GCE A Level 7132

What you will study
Lower Sixth
What is business?
Managers, leadership and decision making
Decision making to improve market performance
Decision making to improve operational performance
Decision making to improve financial performance
Decision making to improve human resource performance
Upper Sixth (A Level only)
Analysing the strategic position of a business
Choosing strategic direction
Strategic methods – how to pursue strategies
Manage strategic change

How you will be assessed
AS
Business 1: A 90-minute written paper (50% of AS)
This covers all topics in three compulsory sections:
Section A has 10 multiple choice questions (MCQs) worth 10 marks.
Section B has short answer questions worth approximately 20 marks.
Section C has two data response stimuli with questions worth approximately 25 marks.
Business 2: 90-minute written paper (50% of AS)
One compulsory case study consisting of approximately seven questions.

A Level
Business 1: A two-hour written paper (33.3% of A Level)
This covers all topics in three compulsory sections.
Section A has 15 multiple choice questions worth 15 marks.
Section B has short answer questions worth approximately 35 marks.
Sections C and D have two essay questions (choice of one from two, and one from two) worth 25 marks each.
Business 2: A two-hour written paper (33.3% of A Level)
This covers all topics in three data response compulsory questions worth approximately 33 marks each and made up of three or four-part questions.
Business 3: A two-hour written paper (33.3% of A Level)
This covers all topics in one compulsory case study followed by approximately six questions.

Why choose Business Studies?
Entrepreneurs and business leaders create jobs, goods and services and, through salaries and sales, help to drive our economy forward. Will you be the next Peter Jones, Levi Roots or Michelle Mone, or produce your own range of children’s luggage like Rob Law who developed Trunki? Should anyone leave school before they know what goes into business planning and strategic decision making? Study A Level Business Studies and find out.

Course requirements
A willingness to think in a practical way and to engage with the world of business is essential, as is an aptitude for working with business data. GCSE Business Studies is not a pre-requisite.

Related subjects in the Sixth Form
Economics, Geography and Politics are complementary subjects.

Where could this lead?
Business management and international business management are often follow-on courses, as are those in business and finance or accountancy, business and marketing, and human resource management.

Further important information
All topics and themes are supported by a full set of networked notes and presentations. Extensive use of case study and real world material is involved. Lessons are also supported by business visits and revision conferences.