Business A level (S9404)

3 A Level Programme

Minimum of 66444 at GCSE (Please note : grade 4 may be replaced by an 'old C' grade and grade 6 by 'old' B grade)

Vocational subjects cannot replace GCSEs for entry on to an A Level programme.

You must also study English/Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

4 A level programme

If you achieve a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade 8 (A*) plus 5 at grade 7 (A) and your English Language and Maths are at minimum grade 4, you will have the option to join the A Plus programme.

Please note that A Plus is designed for applicants to academic courses at Oxford, Cambridge or other Russel Group universities. Grades in vocational subjects cannot replace GCSE's for entry to this programme.

Vocational programmes

Minimum of five grade 4 at GCSE (or old grade C) or Merit/Distinction in a relevant BTEC First Diploma (or equivalent) plus 1 grade 4 (or old grade 4) at GCSE. You must also study English Language and/or Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

Level 2 programme

Minimum of three grade 4 at GCSE (or old Grade C).

This programme is designed for those students who just miss our entry requirements for level 3 study. It includes an opportunity to improve your GCSE English Language and Maths grades, alongside a Workskills course to develop the skills required for progression into employment or onto a level 3 programme.

STUDYING BUSINESS WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A UNIQUE INSIGHT INTO THE WORLD OF WORK AND WILL HELP YOU DISCOVER HOW BUSINESSES OPERATE. IT OFFERS AN EXCELLENT FOUNDATION FOR THOSE WISHING TO PURSUE CAREERS IN MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, BUSINESS ACCOUNTING, MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY, HUMAN RESOURCES AND BUSINESS JOURNALISM AS WELL AS THOSE INTERESTED IN CONTINUING ON TO FURTHER STUDY.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN?

You will study business in a variety of contexts including large and small companies, UK and global focused etc.) and will learn about their key elements and essential functions. You will look at how businesses make decisions, the competitive environment, external influences such as ethical and environmental decisions, how technology is changing the way businesses operate and how statistical data and figures help businesses make decisions.

You will learn about financial performance, human resources, leadership, marketing, operations, and managing strategic change.

There is a strong emphasis on the practical application of what you learn and a lot of the work is based on data and case studies. As part of this, you will be asked to analyse a variety of business problems and situations.

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES

During the course students have the option to take part in various business competitions such as the recent Cadbury’s competition to design a new chocolate bar, using their business knowledge to win themselves prizes. Trips to locations such as Disneyland Paris to attend business conferences especially designed for the A Level course.

IS IT SUITABLE FOR YOU?

If you enjoy looking at the bigger picture, studying the business world in a more analytical sense and evaluating the impact of a business environment, then this course is for you. You will need an enquiring and logical mind, good communication skills and confidence in handling data and numbers.

HOW YOU ARE ASSESSED?

There is no coursework and all assessment are in the form of written exams. All three exams will take place at the end of the second year and are two hours
each.

THIS COURSE GOES WELL WITH…

This course can be combined with a wide variety of other subjects. Some students take it with subjects that can be useful in business such as Sociology, Psychology or Media Studies, while others prefer Mathematics or Science courses.

3 A Level Programme

Minimum of 66444 at GCSE (Please note : grade 4 may be replaced by an 'old C' grade and grade 6 by 'old' B grade)

Vocational subjects cannot replace GCSEs for entry on to an A Level programme.

You must also study English/Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

If you achieve a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade 8 (A*) plus 5 at grade 7 (A) and your English Language and Maths are at minimum grade 4, you will have the option to join the A Plus programme.

Please note that A Plus is designed for applicants to academic courses at Oxford, Cambridge or other Russel Group universities. Grades in vocational subjects cannot replace GCSE's for entry to this programme.

YOU CAN GO ON TO DO...

A variety of degree level courses such as Accountancy, Law, Business, Marketing, Human Resources, Event Planning and Management.

You can also progress on to Apprenticeships and/or employment in areas such as retail, customer service, banking, sales, marketing, administration and becoming an entrepreneur.