Business Studies - A Level

Student entry into our Sixth Form requires 5 grade 4 GCSE's or above including English and Maths.

If you studied the applied subject at GCSE we are asking for a grade 5 in that subjects (Grade 6 in Maths)

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/business/as-and-a-level/business-7131-7132/specification-at-a-glance

A level Business engages you from day one through the use of case studies and real-life scenarios that embrace local communities and cultures, in addition to exploring national and international business themes. Students seem to fully embrace the business course over the two years, and take ownership for their learning. Many students enrich the classroom experience by sharing their own experiences of business and/or using examples from family members, who are entrepreneurs, sole traders and also employed in a range of professions and job roles.

The business curriculum has also been used as a platform to raise awareness, and help students understand about the ever-changing world that we live in. Political, social, environmental and technological themes have been explored to develop an understanding about the choices that are made and the impact that these choices have.

At KS5, the curriculum is aimed at broadening horizons to provide a clearly defined context of the business world and the economy and the importance of strategic decision making. We aim to build confidence in our students, so that they appreciate that there is life outside of their immediate catchment area of Norfolk and the UK. Instilling experiences at both a national and international level is core to the business curriculum at all levels. We want to support student understanding and appreciation of being global citizens. Students are kept at the heart of what we offer, through our curriculum whilst showing them how government and policy maker decisions, such as Brexit affect them.

We equip our students with good enquiry skills that encourage them to question, investigate and think critically about issues affecting the world. We also provide opportunities through guest speakers, trips and workshops to develop these skills further.

Business will provide you with essential transferable skills that will give you the edge, when applying to university, for an apprenticeship or the world of work. You will leave after two years having a portfolio of professional competencies, including a strong business acumen, being able to talk confidently, network effectively, work productively within a team and behave professionally, giving you a competitive advantage over your peers.

THE COURSE

You will study 10 units over the course of two years. Year 1 content will be units 1-6 and Year 2 content focus on strategic direction, methods and change units 7-10.

Subject Content Year 1

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

Subject content Year 2

7 Analysing the strategic position of a business (A-level only)

8 Choosing strategic direction (A-level only)

9 Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies (A-level only)

10 Managing strategic change (A-level only)

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Business students are encouraged to develop their business skills alongside their core teaching. We have guest speakers that have provided insights into key business themes, and it is hoped that extra-curricular trips will feature again in the future.

Students have also been encouraged to sign-up for online conferences, webinars and attend virtual seminars to support learning.

Students have an excellent awareness about local businesses and communities. This is encouraged, to support key theme topics such as: management and leadership styles, operations management, human resource management, business structures and marketing. An example of this will be working with local businesses in 2020-2021 to highlight the current economic climate, and understand strategies used for survival and growth during the Covid pandemic.

Minimum GCSE grade 4 in English Language and Mathematics. If applying for an A Level course that you have studied at GCSE it is expected that you would attain a minimum of a Grade 5 in this subject.

With a focus on helping you to become a good decision maker, you’ll learn essential managerial skills, alongside techniques to help you become an analytical problem solver. These skills are all highly sought after and valued in a wide range of careers.

You could in addition with other Level 3 qualifications apply to university to do a Degree in Business, Business Management, International Business or a host of other business related topics. You could apply to do an HND in Business, if you would prefer a vocational route. There are also a wide of business apprenticeship opportunities and higher apprenticeship opportunities from Level 4.

The skills you acquire during your A level will also equip you with the essential tools to enter straight into employment and a career with a business focus.