Business

Exam board: AQA (7138)

Students on this course will study business in a variety of contexts, ranging from small local businesses to large multinational organisations. The course explores how businesses operate, make decisions and respond to changes in technology, society, the economy and the global environment. Contemporary business issues, including artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, ethics, employee wellbeing and digital technology, are embedded throughout the specification.

COURSE CONTENT:

Year 12

Students develop an understanding of:

What business is and how businesses operate
Managers, leadership and decision making
Managing marketing and finance
Managing people and operations

Students will analyse data, interpret financial information and apply business concepts to real organisations and business situations.

Year 13

Students build on their understanding by studying:

Business and society
The external business environment
Business strategy
Strategic decision making
The impact of digital technology, AI and globalisation
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues
Managing change and developing competitive advantage

Students will evaluate strategic options and make judgements about business decisions using a range of evidence and data.

Assessment

Students are assessed at the end of the two-year course through three 2-hour written examinations, featuring a range of data response and extended-response questions that require application, analysis and evaluation of business concepts in real-world contexts. All papers use real business contexts and assess students’ ability to apply, analyse and evaluate business decisions.

Paper 1: What is Business? Managing Marketing and Finance

2 hours
90 marks

Paper 2: Managing People and Operations

2 hours
90 marks

Paper 3: Business and Society, Business and the External Environment, and Business Strategy

2 hours
90 marks

Skills Developed

Students will develop:

Critical thinking and decision-making skills
Numerical and data analysis skills
Problem-solving abilities
Commercial awareness
Written communication and evaluative skills
The ability to analyse contemporary business issues and strategic decisions

Entry Requirements:

Grade 5 in GCSE Business if studied or grade 5 in GCSE English, and for all grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics. In addition, a wider interest in business is essential. You will be expected to keep up to date with business news and current affairs.

Progression routes and careers:

There are a number of career and university options your A Level in business will offer you. Possible career choices with A Level business include management, marketing, advertising, retail, sales, human resources, finance, accounting, banking, retailing, manufacturing, local government and business consultancy. If you have a bright idea and the knowledge to back it up, you may even consider launching your own business! Many universities will accept business as an A Level when applying for courses such as economics, business and many other options. Business graduates are in high demand worldwide as business touches on every aspect of modern human society leading to diverse and often highly paid careers.