A level business studies is a dynamic and engaging course, exposing students to the modern day theories about how businesses operate and the various factors that managers must consider in their everyday decision making process.  The course amalgamates the traditional framework of businesses – marketing, human resources, operations and finance – with new current theories about employee motivation, corporate social responsibility and entering international markets. The current specification has been updated to include a bigger focus on the impact of technological advancements and social media.

The course has a good mix of numerical and evaluative skills, preparing students with decision making skills to be used in all walks of life. Students studying A level business often go on to study business, accounting, economics, finance or marketing related degrees.

Course Structure

In Year 1 students are introduced to the general framework underlying business analysis:

• What is a business? The role of the manager. Leadership and decision-making processes.
• Decision making to improve marketing performance
• Decision making to improve operational performance
• Decision making to improve financial performance
• Decision making to improve human resource performance

In Year 2 students develop their understanding of topics in Year 1, focusing on the role of the manager, how decisions are made and how they’re put into action:

• Analysing the strategic position of a business
• Choosing strategic direction
• How to pursue strategies
• Managing strategic change

Assessment

Assessments for A level Business are synoptic at both AS and A2 Level. All topics are assessed in each paper.

AS Business students sit two equally weighted exams at the end of their first year of study

Paper 1: Business 1 – Multiple choice and data response questions (Year 1 content only)

Paper 2: Business 2 – Questions on unseen case study. (Year 1 content only)

A2 Business students sit three equally weighted exams at the end of their second year of study.

Paper 1: Business 1 – Multiple choice, short answer questions and extended response questions  (Year 1 and Year 2 content)

Paper 2: Business 2 – Data response questions. (Year 1 and Year 2 content)

Paper 3: Business 3 – Questions on unseen case study (Year 1 and Year 2 content)