| KS5 Overview (information about how many lessons a week, topics covered, trips, facilities, equipment etc as well as GCSE exam board asnd course information AQA A Level Business Studies By studying A Level Business Studies students will be introduced to new ideas and concepts while continuing to use and reinforce previously learned concepts and skills. The course is designed to give students a sound understanding of business concepts and the ability to use knowledge, analytical skills and problem solving techniques in the context of international markets and the United Kingdom. A good knowledge of current affairs is an added plus in students of business studies.
AS Unit 1 – BUSS1 Planning and Financing a Business 40% of AS, 20% of A level, 60 marks (1hr 15min) In this unit, students are taught concepts in understanding the business environment and the key stages required in planning, when starting a business. Unit 2 – BUSS2 Managing a Business 60% of AS, 30% of A level, 80 marks (1hr 30min) In this unit, students learn about the operational strategies in running a successful business. Topics covered include quality management, marketing, managing the workforce, etc. A2
Unit 3 – BUSS3 Strategies for Success 25% of A level, 80 marks (1hr 45min) Questions requiring extended answers based on an unseen case study drawing upon knowledge from AS units. Unit 4 – BUSS4 The Business Environment and Managing Change 25% of A level, 80 marks (1hr 45min) The second section will consist of a choice of essays. All questions will be synoptic therefore drawing upon knowledge from all four units. The questions are linked to pre-release material, which is available from 31st January onwards in the year of examination. A Level Business considers real-life businesses and the way in which accepted business theory relates to their operation. By studying the theory and applying it to the real world you will be able to better understand how decisions are made and can then make informed judgements and conclusions. A Level Business will provide an exciting insight into the dynamic world of business, giving the basic skills necessary to produce a start, manage and grow a business organisation. Using a case study approach, you will develop skills of analysis, research and independent thinking so that you can develop your own balanced arguments. BTEC Business Studies Why study BTEC Business Studies? A BTEC qualification in business gives students the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for employment. The qualification provides career development opportunities for future employment and progression opportunities to higher education, degree and professional development programmes within the same or related areas of study, within universities and other institutions. By studying this BTEC Business course students develop knowledge, understanding and skills required by the business sector, including essential employability skills, and apply them in real work contexts. How will I be assessed? All units on this course are assessed by internal assessment through set assignments and graded by your teachers. Assignments take variety of forms, such as reports, presentations, case studies and group activities. All tasks are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands which allows students to receive feedback on their progress as well as collect evidence towards the various grading criteria specified for each unit. It will be quality assured through internal and external moderation. The overall grades for the qualification which may be awarded to learners who successfully complete all units are Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction*. Year 12 (Year 1) Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Certificate – 30 credits The 30-credit BTEC Level 3 Certificate is broadly equivalent to one GCE AS Level. During Year 1 students complete the following modules; Unit 1 – The Business Environment Unit 2 – Business Resources Unit 3 – Introduction to Marketing Students have the opportunity to ‘cash in’ the qualification at the end of the first year of student or continue to study in Year 13 to achieve the full A Level equivalent. Some Year 13 students opt into Year 1 of the course to gain the Level 3 Certificate only. Year 13 (Year 2) Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma – 60 credits The 60-credit BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma is broadly equivalent to one GCE A Level. Students must have completed Year 1 of the course to achieve the Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma. During Year 2 students complete the following modules; Unit 4 – Business Communication Unit 12 – Internet Marketing in Business Unit 19 – Developing Teams in Business |