Gateway Sixth Form College - BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma and Extended Diploma Business Studies

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The course is assessed by a combination of coursework and examinable units. Improving literacy/numeracy skills is a central focus of the course. Students will be assessed in various ways such as; writing articles, creating posters, drawing tables and charts, preparing, reports and presentations. This challenging course should not be underestimated, it is as rigorous as the A level in Business Studies.

This qualification is equivalent to 3 A Levels.

The course is assessed by a combination of coursework and examinable units. Improving literacy/numeracy skills is a central focus of the course. Students will be assessed in various ways such as; writing articles, creating posters, drawing tables and charts, preparing, reports and presentations. This challenging course should not be underestimated, it is as rigorous as the A level in Business Studies.

External speakers from companies such as Tesco, George at Asda and Mattioli Woods will support and guide students through their assignment work; also to give guidance and advice on graduate schemes they offer.

The qualification is designed to be taken over two years; the first year is the Foundation Diploma, which is equivalent to one and a half A Levels. In the second year the Extended Diploma programme is followed adding another one and a half A Levels. Over two years students will achieve three A level equivalent.

Assessment of the Foundation Diploma (Year 1)

Equivalent to one and a half A levels

6 units including:

Unit 1 Exploring Business – internally assessed
Unit 2 Developing a Marketing Campaign – externally assessed
Unit 3 Personal and Business Finance – exam based
Unit 4 Managing an Event – internally assessed
Unit 22 Market Research – internally assessed
Unit 27 Work Experience – internally assessed

Assessment of Extended Diploma (Year 2)

Equivalent to one and a half A Levels (Three in total)

6 units including:

Unit 5: International Business – internally assessed
Unit 6: Principles of Management – externally assessed
Unit 7: Business Decision Making – externally assessed
Plus three other optional Units

5 GCSEs at grade 9-4 including English Language and where specified Maths.

Many Level 3 students progress onto Level 4/5 courses in Business, Business and Finance, and Marketing courses. Some students use their qualifications to gain employment or as entry to further study of professional qualifications such as CIM and ILM.