A-Level Business Studies

A Level Business Studies

Specification: AQA

Method of Assessment:

Students sit examinations in their A Level courses at the end of Year 13. All students will take internal end of year examinations at the end of year 12 to determine suitability to continue with the subject in Year 13. Students who do not meet the required pass grade in the Year 12 end of year examinations will not be permitted to progress into Year 13.

100% exam- three papers 

Paper 1: This is a 2 hour exam with a total of 100 marks worth 33.3% of the A Level.  All ten topics are examined over three sections: Section A 15 multiple choice questions, Section B Short answer questions, Section C Two essay questions. 

Paper 2: This is a 2 hour exam with a total of 100 marks worth 33.3% of the A Level.  The exam includes three data response questions.  All ten topics are examined. 

Paper 3: This is a 2 hour exam with a total of 100 marks worth 33.3% of the A Level.  The exam includes case studies and extended question responses. All ten topics are examined. 

Note: For the A Level certificate to be awarded, students have to successfully complete all three exams.  

Course Overview:

This exciting new course is delivered in a way which allows students to study Business Studies in a holistic way.  Students will be introduced to ‘Business’ by using key business models, theories and techniques to support the analysis of current business issues and situations.  The content of the course is designed to engage students through topics and issues that are relevant in today’s society which include key contemporary developments such as digital technology, business ethics, and globalisation. 

Students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions – all skills that are needed for further study and employment.

Units Studied:

The first year of this course covers:

[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.

The second year of this course covers:

[7] Analysing the strategic position of a Business

[8] Choosing strategic direction

[9] Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies

[10] Managing strategic change

Entry Requirements:

Students require a minimum of a grade 5 in 7 different subjects at GCSE (or equivalent), including English (Literature or Language) and Mathematics, with at least a grade 6 in Business Studies or a related subject.

Reading Materials / Resources:

AQA A-level Business Year 1/AS Third Edition (Wolinski & Coates)

AQA A-level Business Year 2 Third Edition (Wolinski & Coates)

AQA Business for A-level (Marcousé) (covers full A-level)

Career Opportunities

The majority of students at Harris have taken the A Level Business Studies course mainly to gain access to a place at university, normally taking a business related degree, another social science or information technology. A number have gone onto careers in industry, including banking and working for the Government.

For more information, please contact Mr Mozzini c/o sixthform@harristottenham.org.uk

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