Business Sutdies AS/A Level

BUSINESS STUDIES AS/A LEVEL

Examination Board: AQA Syllabus AS:5130 A2:6130

BSAS

How long is the course?
The course is divided into AS and A2. Students can take AS over one year or both AS & A2 modules over two years to make up a full A Level.

Cost:
Students will need to purchase the following text AQA Business Studies: Steven Fodes, Diane Mansell, Peter Stimpson, Helen Coupland-Smith.
ISBN 978-0-7487 9846-9 £17.99.

Is there an interview?
Yes

What can I progress to?
Higher Education (particularly business-related degrees)
Employment

Possible Subject Combinations
This course combines well with a variety of other Advanced Level courses.

Extra Curricular Activities
All students can add to their main programme of study by taking part in a wide range of clubs, groups, societies and courses. Not only are the activities fun, they also develop skills and provide new and fulfilling experiences, as well as enhancing applications to Higher Education and employment

What is the course about?
The course is designed to give students an understanding of the complex and dynamic world of business. It seeks to develop relevant theoretical knowledge that can be applied to various business scenarios. Business Studies can cater for the academic and career aspirations of a wide range of students.
The subject content is divided into the following units which are assessed in both years.

AS Level - Year 1
Unit 1 will cover:
·Starting a Business
·Financial Planning
Unit 2 will cover:
·Finance
·People in Business
·Operations Management
·Marketing and Competition.
The course aims to develop both knowledge and relevant skills, and particularly seeks to develop in students the ability to make confident and informed decisions in complex and challenging situations.
If students wish to progress to the A2 Level, they must obtain a grade D or above at AS Level.
The A2 Units build on the AS Units by considering more complex business scenarios and focusing on strategy as opposed to tactics.

A2 Level - Year 2
Unit 3 will cover:
·Strategies for Success
·Functional Objectives and Strategies
·Financial Strategies and Accounts
·Marketing Strategies
·Operations Strategies
·Human Resource Strategies
Unit 4 will cover:
·Corporate aims and Objectives
·Assessing change in the Business Environment
·Managing Change
In order to develop in students an awareness of the business world and equip them with skills needed for decision-making, students will be taught in a variety of ways. These includes class discussion, presentations, case studies and investigations into the current business environment. All students are supported with resources that relate to specific syllabus areas, as well as content focusing on developing exam technique. Students are expected to use Study Space on a regular basis to enable them to develop their understanding of the business world and to share and exchange views on current developments.

Study Skills
As part of Stanmore College Sixth Form's excellent support network, Literacy and Numeracy support is available to any student enrolled on a course, depending on the student's individual needs (determined during Induction by an assessment). Support is provided through the Skills for Life Study Plus Programme. Students can attend either one-to-one or group sessions in a friendly, stimulating and supportive environment.

What are the course outcomes?
Enable candidates to focus on the dynamic nature of the contemporary business world.
Provide opportunities for research into topical business issues.
Offer opportunities for the development and application of a full range of academic skills.

How will you be assessed?

AS Level: 2 units: 2 exam papers = 50% of total A Level marks.

A2 Level: 2 units, 2 exam papers = 50% of total A Level marks.

Requirement
7 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English. You need to have achieved a grade B if you have taken at GCSE. However, you do not have to have studied business studies to enrol on this course. How long is the course? The course is divided into AS and A2. Students can take AS over one year or both AS & A2 modules over two years to make up a full A Level. Cost: Students will need to purchase the following text AQA Business Studies: Steven Fodes, Diane Mansell, Peter Stimpson, Helen Coupland-Smith. ISBN 978-0-7487 9846-9 £17.99.