A-Level in Business

A level Business Studies aims to look at the questions arising in business and how decisions are made in business. The new Edexcel syllabus covers 4 themes which are assessed in 3 external exams at the end of the two-year course.

Themes

1) Marketing and people

2) Managing business activities

3) Business decisions and strategy

4) Global Business

We are currently exploring a new course for 2025 as the AQA course we currently follow is being defunded. However the vocational qualifications tend to look at the questions arising in business and how decisions are made in business. Units (that are assessed both internally and externally) tend to include:

• Financial planning and analysis
• Business dynamics
• Entrepreneurial opportunities
• Managing and leading people
• Developing a business proposal
• Marketing communication

Paper 1: Marketing, people and global businesses - 35% of the qualification

Paper 2: Business activities, decisions & strategy - 35% of the qualification

Paper 3: Investigating business in a competitive environment - 30% of the qualification

For all Sixth Form courses, students must have five GCSE (or equivalent) passes at Grades 9-4, which must include Mathematics and English Language/Literature at a Grade 4 or above. There is no need for any prior knowledge of the subject.

Students who have studied Business at GCSE are expected to have achieved a Grade 4 or above. Students who have studied BTEC Business are expected to have achieved a P2 or above. The right attitude to the subject is vital along with an interest in current affairs, politics, industry and enthusiasm to know more.

Students can take this course to complement other Advanced Level courses. This could lead to Higher Education in areas of business studies, marketing, accounting or more general Higher Education courses.

With further training, students may choose a career related to business studies, such as marketing, finance and accounting, human resources or public relations.

This is a recognised qualification that would support a trainee management course within a company and helps students to develop the skills, understanding and experience to work towards management level.

Students can go on to degree courses with either BA or BSC qualifications.