Business Studies and Economics - Our Curriculum
Business Studies
When studying Business at A level you will look at the different problems organisations face, such as survival, expansion or adapting to changing economic, social, political and technological change. You are expected to analyse the key factors involved in business case studies and to recommend the best course of action for a business given its existing position: Should it launch a new product? Should managers increase staff pay or give more to investors? Should a business target more emerging economies? How should you raise the money need to fund expansion – should you borrow from a bank or friends and family?
Essentially the course is about decision-making in a business context and as such it develops invaluable skills for work and study. You need to learn and understand theory but then apply it to a context. The “right” answer will depend on the problem in front of you and you need to be able to think issues through logically, put together well reasoned arguments and make recommendations. It involves analysing situations and making choices.
The A level Business course is linear. This means that the A level is assessed after two years on 10 themes.
Examination Board: AQA
URL: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/business-subjects/as-and-a-level/business-7131-7132
The Key Themes
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
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 TO THE A LEVEL COURSE
There is no formal prerequisite for entry on to the course, but suitable candidates should be both numerate and literate. Minimum B grades in GCSE Mathematics and English Language are recommended. It is assumed that candidates have had no prior exposure to the subject.
What could I go on to do at the end of my course?
Business Studies is a social science and as such can be effectively combined with other social sciences such as Economics, Politics and Geography as well as other more practical careers such as Law, Accountancy and Finance. Many of the skills involved are transferable and the study of one of these subjects will complement and enhance contextual appreciation of the other. Business Studies is widely regarded by universities as being a rigorous subject that develops the application of number, communication, IT skills, independent learning, team working and problem solving skills. It provides, therefore, a sound foundation for the higher study of most academic courses.
Economics
One of the great things about studying Economics is that students follow current Economic issues, such as international trade, globalisation, economic growth and sustainable development, wealth, poverty and inequality, how producers and consumers behave, how markets work and how they fail, government spending and taxation and how they intervene in our economic decision making. Studying Economics should develop interest and understanding about the economy and everything we study is placed in the wider, real life context.
The A level is structured into 4 themes covered over two years
- Theme 1 introduces students to markets and market failure
- Theme 2 introduces students to performance and policies issues for the UK economy
- Theme 3 explores business behaviour and the labour market
- Theme 4 explores the global perspective
At the end of the Upper Sixth there are 3 externally assessed papers at A level. Each paper comprises 100 marks and is 2 hours in duration. Questions comprise short answer, data response and essays.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO THE A LEVEL COURSE
There is no formal prerequisite for entry on to the course, but suitable candidates should be both numerate and literate. Minimum B grades in GCSE Mathematics and English Language are recommended. It is assumed that candidates have had no prior exposure to the subject.
Exam board: Edexcel A
Economics is a highly respected subject at A-Level, which provides a useful background for a wide variety of degree choices. These include: Banking and finance, Accounting, Management Science and Law. It can also lead to many well paid careers in the city, such as International or Corporate Banking, Trading in the commodities or money markets, stock broking, as well as careers in the media, advertising, accounting, charity work, government, and business consultancy.
