Business Studies

Course Overview

Business Studies allows students to explore the world of business in the 21st century.

You will study businesses from a variety of contexts including large/ small, UK focused/global, services/manufacturing. The course not only concentrates on the internal goings-on of businesses, but looks at the fast-changing external environment in which these businesses work.

You will consider well-known businesses from the perspective of different stakeholders. Critically, you will gain an understanding of the strategic decisions made by businesses in order to increase their competitiveness in the market place.

A variety of teaching and learning methods are used to enable you to develop the required skills to be successful. For example, student presentations; analysis of business problems to make appropriate recommendations; analysis of data; critical thinking to develop lines of argument and make informed decisions.

The course will cover: why businesses exist, different forms of ownership, managers & leaders, stakeholders, marketing, operations (production), finance, human resources, analysing the strategic position of a business, choosing strategic direction, strategic methods, managing strategic change.

Question papers use a variety of assessment styles including short answer, data response, essays and case study analysis. You will be assessed by sitting two exams in year 12 (internally assessed) and three formal and externally assessed exams in year 13.

Business A level can lead to a wide range of degree level courses including: Business, Marketing, Human resources, Accounting and Finance and Economics. It is also a great complementary subject for many other areas of study, such as, Engineering, Design, Law and Geography.

This subject also provides an excellent preparation for the world of work – whether you fancy yourself at the head of a successful multinational, or you prefer to set up your own small business – this course will give you the knowledge and skills required.

We will also be offering the opportunity for you to organise and run your own ‘Young Enterprise’ company as an extra-curricular activity, giving you the opportunity to experience what it is really like to manage a business. How many students can put CEO of a company on an application form?