Exam Board: AQA

Qualification

The course provides a good foundation for further study of Business in higher education as well as providing a good general education. It is also useful for students intending to pursue careers in any area of business. Students will develop an understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value. They will also study business behaviour and be made aware of the economic, environmental, ethical, governmental, legal, social and technological issues associated with business activity.

AS Level – Year 1

Planning and financing a business

This unit accounts for 40% of the AS level and 20% of the A Level and is assessed by examination (1 hr 15 mins) which accounts for 60 marks and consists of short answer questions and extended responses based on a mini case study.

Managing a business

This unit accounts for 60% of the AS level and 30% of the A level and is assessed by examination (1 hr 30mins) which accounts for 80 marks and consists of compulsory, multi-part data response questions

A Level – Year 2

Strategies for Success

This unit accounts for 25% of A Level and is assessed by examination (1 hr 45 mins) which accounts for 80 marks and consists of questions requiring extended answers based on an unseen case study drawing upon knowledge from AS units.

The Business Environment and Managing Change

This unit accounts for 25% of A level and is assessed by examination (1 hr 45 mins) which accounts for 80 marks and consists of pre-release research tasks leading to the first section of a two-section examination. The second section will consist of a choice of essays. All questions will be essay style and synoptic therefore drawing upon knowledge from all four units.

Entry requirements

No prior business studies knowledge is required to undertake this two-year course of study. Students must have an acceptable level of English language understanding (at least GCSE English grade C or equivalent) as written essays are a major part of assessment.

For more information on this course, please go to http://www.aqa.org.uk