Business Studies

  • A Level
  • AQA
  • Entry requirements: GCSE Grade 6 in English, GCSE Grade 6 in Maths
  • Goes well with: Maths, English, Media, Young Enterprise Scheme

This course will enable students to investigate different types of organisations in various sectors and environments. They will identify business problems, and investigate them. They will also be able to make justifiable decisions using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The course is intended to give a complete understanding of business and enterprise.

Papers 1, 2 AND 3: All assessed externally

Written exam: 2 hours. 100 marks in total. 33.3% of A Level in each paper

All three papers assess the following content:

What is business?

  • Managers, leadership and decision making.

  • Decision making to improve marketing performance.

  • Decision making to improve operational performance.

  • Decision making to improve financial performance.

  • Decision making to improve human resource performance.

  • Analysing the strategic position of a business.

  • Choosing strategic direction.

  • Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies.

  • Managing strategic change.

Paper 1 - Three compulsory sections: Section A has 15 multiple choice questions (MCQs) worth 15 marks. Section B has short answer questions worth 35 marks. Sections C and D have two essay questions (choice of one from two and one from two) worth 25 marks each.

Paper 2 – Three data response compulsory questions worth approximately 33 marks each and made up of three or four part questions.

Paper 3 – One compulsory case study followed by approximately six questions.

“A Level Business is a great subject for getting a perspective of what it is like on the outside world. It’s very interesting and enjoyable.”