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Business Studies (A Level)

Why should I study Business at Tapton ?

A level Business is a very relevant and interesting subject, which covers a range of topical concerns to students who are consumers, will in the future be employees (and employers!) and to those who are interested in the welfare of society generally.

Business organisations vary in size, ownership, objectives and most certainly in how they go about achieving those objectives. The business environment, in which firms operate, is increasingly complex and fiercely competitive, having a huge effect on us all - sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse! The course helps students understand the background to the business decision making process, encouraging them to establish informed opinions and views.

The subject offers opportunities for students to explore the real business world by visiting organisations. We are keen to exploit the development of the subject by inviting business practitioners into school, building on links with the business community and giving students the possibility of actively engaging in business activity themselves. Recent speakers have included Plancon, Bowdens Unique Boutique, Intergra Engineering, Bare Alternatives and Lucy Locket Loves. 

What are the Entry Requirements?

5 in English Language and a 5 in Maths.

What else is required?
  • An interest in/awareness of current affairs 
  • A desire to engage in regular background reading 
  • An inquisitive mind 
  • A willingness and ability to work independently, showing initiative, organisation and perseverance 
  • An ability to communicate effectively 
  • An ability to use and interpret data with some confidence.
What other subjects link well?

As with Economics, the subject complements study of other Humanities (Geography, Politics, Sociology) or Mathematics and is increasingly a good combination with a Foreign Language.

Exam Board

Edexcel

How will I be assessed?

There are 3 exam papers at A Level, all lasting 2 hours each:

Paper 1 worth 35% of the A level. It assesses theme 1 and 4 and includes two case studies with a mixture of short and longer answer questions. 
Paper 2 worth 35% of the A level. It assesses theme 2 and 3 and includes two case studies with a mixture of short and longer answer questions. 
Paper 3 worth 30% of the A level. It assesses all 4 themes and includes a pre-released context with data response questions and two extended questions.
 

what will i study - A level? 

Theme 1: Marketing and People. Students develop an understanding of how businesses identify opportunities and explore how businesses focus on developing a competitive advantage through interacting with customers. The theme also considers people, exploring how businesses recruit, train, organise and motivate employees, as well as the role of enterprising individuals and leaders.

  • Meeting customers’ needs
  • The market
  • Marketing mix and strategy
  • Managing people
  • Entrepreneurs and leaders.

Theme 2: Managing business activities. Students develop an understanding of raising and managing good finance, and measuring business performance. Students also consider the external influences that have an impact on business, including economic and legal factors:

  • Raising finance
  • Financial planning
  • Managing finance
  • Resource management
  • External influences.

Theme 3: Business decisions and strategy. Students develop their understanding of the core concepts and taking a strategic view of business opportunities and issues:

  • Business objectives and strategy
  • Business growth
  • Decision making techniques
  • Influences of business decisions
  • Assessing competitiveness
  • Managing change.

Theme 4: Global business. Students investigate businesses that trade on a global scale and explore their reasons for doing so. Students develop an understanding of the globally competitive environment and consider the ethical and moral dimensions of global business activities.

  • Globalisation
  • Global markets and expansion
  • Global marketing
  • Global industries and companies.