Sixth Form Options Booklet 2019-21

Business Studies
Type of Qualification
A Level Business Studies
Entry Requirements
General entry requirements for level 3 study, and the following: GCSE English Language/Literature at grade 5, and a
social studies subject at grade 5 (or equivalent). It is not necessary to have studied business studies at GCSE.
Course Content
Business is front-page news. The way companies operate is under greater scrutiny than ever before and TV
programmes like The Apprentice and Dragon’s Den have raised the profile of business to a new generation.
The AQA specification brings the subject up-to-date, enabling students to engage with, explore and understand
business behaviour and develop a critical understanding of what business is and does.
In year 1 the following topics are covered:
1. What is business?
2. Managers, leadership and decision making
3. Decision making to improve marketing performance
4. Decision making to improve operational performance
5. Decision making to improve financial performance
6. Decision making to improve human resource performance
In year 2 the following additional topics are covered:
1. Analysing the strategic position of a business
2. Choosing strategic direction
3. Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies
4. Managing strategic change
How Your Work is Assessed
Year 1: Assessment is by two one-and-a-half hour written exams at the end of the course.
Year 2: Assessed by three two-hour written exams at the end of the course.
Progression to Further Education, Higher Education (University), Apprenticeship or Employment
Many students go on to study business at university, specialising in a number of areas including business and
marketing and business and organisational management.
The qualification will also give students a clear understanding of many concepts in the world of business and so
prepare for employment in a variety of business areas including retail, administration, banking and human
resources.