“People respond well to those that are sure of what they want.”Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief, American Vogue
The study of Business A Level enables pupils to enhance their workplace marketability. Pupils consider and evaluate the decisions made by businesses in the increasingly complex, dynamic and globalised commercial environment.
The study of the subject results in pupils developing a critical understanding of mainly commercial and some public sector organisations, the markets they operate in and the process of adding value. They will also become aware that business behaviour can be considered from a variety of perspectives, for example the ethical and environmental implications on decision making. The wider social, technological, legal, political and economic factors which influence business activity are studied in detail. Pupils may consider the importance of social media on a retailer’s decision, in how to attract their target market more effectively or how legislation, such as the sugar tax, influences both business behaviour and costs.
A level
A Level Business takes a holistic approach to the subject and focuses on the interrelated nature of the business using contemporary models, theories and techniques. An appreciation of the topical business and economic environment is absolutely essential, so as to gain an appreciation of the influences on business and the key economic concepts and theories covered. The specification is designed to engage pupils by considering topics and issues that have contemporary relevance such as digital technology, social responsibility and the globalisation of markets.
Course Content and Assessment – Examination Board: Edexcel, Code: 9BS0
Pupils sit 3 examination papers. There is no coursework.
- Paper 1: Marketing, people and global businesses (Written exam: 2 hours, 35% of the qualification) This paper comprises both data response / comprehension questions and two extended open-response questions.
- Paper 2: Business activities, decisions and strategy (Written exam: 2 hours, 35% of the qualification)
This paper consists of data response/ comprehension questions and two extended open-response questions.
- Paper 3: Investigating business in a competitive environment (Written exam: 2 hours, 30% of the qualification)
Preparation for this synoptic paper focuses on a pre-released context document such as an industry or market in which businesses operate; some questions focus on the broad context whilst others focus on at least one strand within the context, such as a particular business.
Co-Curricular
Newspapers, internet sources, specialist publications and television programmes are integral with regard to keeping up to date. We invite successful local entrepreneurs into school to address Business pupils and to invite debate and discussion, which the elected Business Prefect helps to organise. We facilitate a biannual exciting trip abroad where we consider tourism, the business of sport and export opportunities.
Careers & Higher Education
The study of Business is compatible with almost any combination of subjects and more and more of our pupils take the subject alongside Economics. Many of our pupils go on to study a business orientated degree. An appreciation of business is a very marketable skill to have.
