This A Level course allows an integrated and interactive approach to Business at Post 16. The course will:

• Enable learners to focus on the dynamic nature of the contemporary business world.
• Provide opportunities for research into topical business issues.
• Offer opportunities for the development and application of a full range of academic skills.

This A level specification introduces learners to the dynamic business environment and the importance of entrepreneurial activity in creating business opportunities and sustaining business growth. Learners will develop an appreciation of the strategic, complex and inter-related nature of business issues from a local to global perspective. It also explores the key internal functions of business and how the management of these functions can assist in improving the effectiveness and performance of a business. Learners will investigate strategies for larger businesses and how these strategies may change according to circumstances. Learners will consider the effects that external factors can have on businesses and how a business can plan for and manage change, including leadership style and change in business culture.

Students will be required to investigate, analyse and evaluate business behaviour and activity. They will consider the influence of economic factors on business making. A variety of techniques is used such as supported self-study, analysing case studies, reading and critically appraising business articles, entering competitions and developing an understanding of enterprise and entrepreneurial skills.

• Component 1: Business opportunities and functions – Exam 2 hours 15 minutes
• Component 2: Business analysis and strategy – Exam 2 hours 15 minutes
• Component 3: Business in a changing world- Exam 2 hours 15 minutes

Grade 5 is required in mathematics.
You do not need to have studied business at GCSE. If you have, a grade 6 is required.

Our students have gone to a variety of destinations after studying A Level Business – these include apprenticeships in accountancy as well as degree courses, including a number on sponsored places with PwC to study Business Management and Finance. Business combines extremely well with a wide variety of other subjects that are available at universities and colleges. It can also provide an introduction to the professions or can take you directly into employment. Any career you decide to finally move into will involve you working in an environment which makes use of skills acquired through this course.

Students study the unit business opportunities and functions. The topics that will be explored include:

• Enterprise
• Business plans
• Markets
• Market research
• Business structure
• Business location
• Business finance
• Business revenue and costs
• Marketing
• Finance
• People in organisations (human resources)
• Operations management
  

Students will study component 2 (Business Analysis and Strategy) and component 3 (Business in a Changing World) and learn about bigger organisations, the decision making process, strategy implementation and external factors which influence business decisions. The topics include:

• Data analysis
• Market analysis
• Sales forecasting
• Analysing financial performance
• Analysing non-financial performance
• Aims and objectives
• Strategy and implementation
• Decision-making models
• Investment appraisal
• Special orders
• Change
• Risk management
• PEST factors
• Ethical, legal and environmental factors
• International trade
• Globalisation
• The European Union