GCE 'A' Level Business
Minimum requirements
Ø 5 A*- C grades at GCSE
Ø Alternative pathway- Merit or Distinction at GNVQ Intermediate level
Introduction and overview
Why do some businesses grow more powerful across many countries whilst others seem to struggle to survive. Why is it that some people get well-paid jobs whilst others remain unemployed? Why do governments seem able to help some groups of people and not others? The main focus of the course is the study of businesses from the smallest entrepreneur just setting up on their own to the largest multinationals which are richer than most countries on the planet.
Subject content
Business Studies can be divided into six major areas of study. The first unit looks at how consumers, producers and workers operate at local, national, European and world level. It includes ownership, government assistance, recruitment and training, techniques and promotion as well as production methods, stock control and quality assurance. The third unit focuses on financial management, accounts and how to raise finance for investment.
At A2 level unit four looks at how new products come to be launched, decision making and project management techniques, costing and investment. Unit five is a planning unit which is coursework based. Unit six involves using all the previous knowledge and understanding to develop a corporate strategy for a business.
Assessment
AS assessment in year 12 is in the form of three terminal examination papers. The A2 course in year 13 has two more exam papers and a coursework assignment. This will involve investigation, research, analysis and reports to offer possible solutions and use IT to present your findings.
It is not necessary to have done Business Studies at GCSE- but it may help!
Good grades elsewhere at GCSE will still be needed.
Future pathways
This subject is becoming extremely popular both in sixth form and at university. It leads to a variety of jobs in business administration, management, personnel and retailing as well as financial and communication services such as banking and insurance.
Journalism, advertising, marketing, television and other forms of media are all now looking for business analysts who can help them and consumers make sense of the world of business.
