BUSINESS A LEVEL AQA : A LEVEL BUSINESS INTRODUCTION Business is a very popular subject with two sets being run in both Years 12 and 13. It is a very successful subject proving to be a gateway for future studies in a wide range of business related courses at university. Within the Department, much use is made of the extensive resources including newspapers, magazines, the latest business books, the Internet and business broadcasts on radio and television. Our students are inquisitive and are interested in the world around them. COURSE CONTENT Business is an exciting, academic and contemporary subject. We begin by assessing the challenges and problems faced by businesses at start up and how they can overcome them. Later, we move on to how businesses manage to grow successfully. Students learn about business strategies and how businesses cope with change in the internal and external environment. Students sit four exams over the length of the course. There is no coursework. A LEVEL BUSINESS THEME
CONTENT
1 Marketing and People
Marketing includes; market research, marketing strategy and marketing mix. People includes; recruitment and selection, organisational structure, motivation and leadership.
2 Managing Business Activities
Raising finance, financial planning and management, production and efficiency, and external factors.
3 Business Decision Making
Business objectives and strategies, business growth, decision making techniques, managing growth and change.
4 Global Businesses
Globalisation, global expansion and marketing. The role of multinational companies.
Investigating Business in a Competitive Environment - from themes 1 to 4. ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT
WEIGHTING
2 hours: Based on themes 2 and 3. Data response exam with questions ranging from 2 to 20 marks.
35%
2 hours: Based on themes 1 and 4. Data response exam with questions ranging from 4 to 20 marks.
35%
2 hours: Based on all themes with questions based on pre-released research. Questions ranging from 8 to 20 marks.
30%
LOOKING FURTHER AHEAD The majority of A level students continue to study business related subjects at university, reading at a variety of universities including; Warwick, Manchester, Loughborough, Leeds, UCL, City, Durham and Surrey. Most areas of finance, accountancy, general management and consultancy require the study of Business at some point. Currently, Business and Economics related subjects are the most popular degree choice for Royal Russell students. The subject leads to a wide variety of careers within the business sector, including: Marketing, Accounting, Human Resource Management, Investment Banking and Public Relations. 17
