AS/A2 Applied Business 2012 Entry
Applied Business1987-2012 • •
An exciting qualification for students who love coursework and 25 Years want to learn in a true vocational setting of inspiring
individuals During your first year you will study topics such as Customer Service and Career Planning and you will actually design and make a product
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The second year provides exciting opportunities to study Marketing, Managing People and looking at areas such as Fairtrade and healthy eating
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The course provides a suitable basis for related subjects in Higher Education as well as a valuable preparation for careers in any area of business
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The tutors use a variety of exciting approaches, including work experience, links with local employers, case studies and research to bring the subject to life
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Opportunities to develop a practical approach through enrichment activities such as Young Enterprise
1987-2012 25 Years of inspiring individuals
Melissa’s Perspective
AS/A2 Applied Business Double Award Exam Board AQA What will the course involve?
Studying Applied Business Studies is really interesting; it has not only taught me about the business world but I’ve also learned a lot about myself and it’s helped me to plan my future career. I work very hard and am really proud of what I have achieved so far. The lessons are often interactive which gets everyone involved and is a great way to make learning fun. Carmel also has fantastic facilities, which definitely makes studying easier. When I leave I hope to build upon the great foundations that Carmel has given me and have a successful career.
A Level Applied Business is different from A Level Business Studies in a number of ways. Firstly, as the ‘Applied’ title suggests we try to give you a greater involvement with businesses; so more trips to businesses, more research of real businesses, a one-week work placement in the first year and a greater development of the personal skills you will need to do well in a business. Secondly, the Applied course is worth 2 A Levels, so you spend double the amount of time on it than on Business Studies. Thirdly, it involves more coursework. How will I be assessed? Progress on Applied Business is mostly through coursework: of the six units done in the first year, four are by coursework, and the same
goes for the second year. You will do one exam in the January and one in the summer of each year. This gives you greater control over your achievement. You will receive regular feedback from your tutor and have the chance to improve your coursework assignments. Where does this course lead? Since Applied Business is a double A Level in Business it leads to similar courses at university as Business Studies. However, it also has an added dimension. During the course you will be involved in activities that will help you to develop a range of business skills such as investigation, report writing and presentational skills. This should equip you better for the style of learning at university. It will also give you a greater ability to promote yourself if you seek to enter employment or set up your own business after college, instead of going to university.
Melissa Morgan Rainhill High School Studying: Applied Business, Philosophy, Psychology
L6th students simulate a recruitment exercise taking it in turns to be the interviewer and interviewee.
What support will I receive?
Meet the Tutors Susanne Maher Head of Applied Business, Tourism and BTEC Level 2 Business Senior Tutor Alison Woodcock Applied Business, Business and Economics Tutor Liaison Officer
During your time at Carmel College you will receive enormous amounts of support from a variety of different areas. Within the Applied Business Department you will find staff who care about your progression at Carmel and that you both enjoy and succeed during your time with us. All of the department staff are willing to give you extra help and time to ensure you understand the subject and to provide you with support and advice. Our door is always open to students and you will find staff working with students at break and lunchtimes and after college to help them succeed. We pride ourselves on the success of our students and will always ‘go the extra mile’ to ensure you are proud of your success also. We find that many students come back to see us from university and they always say that their time at Carmel has really helped them prepare for their degree.
Thomas’ Perspective Applied Business Students Team Up with Saints
Applied Business students shine!
Students from the A2 Applied Business course were given the opportunity to work in partnership with Saints RLFC to host the annual fashion show in college. The project formed part of the students’ coursework and required them to work together to design an effective promotional campaign and co-ordinate a high profile event. The team went from strength to strength to host the most successful show to date, with a sell out event together with a guest appearance from a club player and the club’s official mascots! Generating over £1200 in sales together with £100 for Willowbrook Hospice, the team received praise from both Saints Directors and the Mayor of St Helens!
As part of their A2 Applied Business coursework, students have voiced their opinion regarding the current debate of ‘Healthy Eating’ and ‘FAIRTRADE’ produce within Carmel College. After extensive research conducted over a three month period, all students presented their results to a board of significant decision makers and influential individuals within, and externally to, the college. As a result of this inspiring project three students were then invited to represent the student voice on the tendering process to choose the new catering company for the college.
I enjoy studying Applied Business because I have always had a passion for business and during the class discussions and coursework tasks I have a chance to talk about my knowledge of business and expand my knowledge. Applied Business is a demanding subject but you will get a lot out of it. After Carmel I do not have any set plans but I would like to have a career in business.
Our talented students have done further work in relation to FAIRTRADE, when they recently entered a national ‘Snack Attack’ competition. Students showcased their business knowledge and creative skills by designing a promotional campaign. Thomas Hallett St Aelred’s Studying: Applied Business, ICT, Product Design
Careers Corner The Business Faculty have introduced a dedicated careers area in which students can access a wealth of information in relation to their future career prospects. Learn about financial support, university life and importantly how you can get ahead in preparation for your application. Browse our extensive library of university prospectuses, including information from the highly respected Russell Group cluster. Have a look at our ‘Tips for Successful Interviews’ or experience a mock interview with one of our dedicated staff. The careers area ‘Notice Board’ is consistently updated on a weekly basis to inform students of relevant open days and taster sessions. If university is not for you we also have extensive information on taking a gap year and apprenticeship courses. The careers area is further enhanced by a virtual gateway of careers advice, guidance and useful links available through our Carmel Connect intranet site. This is an essential area in the researching of life after Carmel and supports you in reaching your full potential on a course that is right for you. Pay us a visit and start planning your bright future...remember the world’s your oyster!
Meet the Tutors Laura Fowler Applied Business and Business Tutor Emma Smith Applied Business Tutor Head of Economics
Natalie’s Perspective Carmel has a welcoming vibe that really motivates students to enjoy their college experience. The tutors are always happy to help and really want students to succeed. Applied Business is allowing me to develop my knowledge of the business and economic world as well as giving me an insight into how businesses are run. Carmel has so many beneficial facilities for students, which have really impressed me. There’s a really encouraging atmosphere too. When I leave Carmel I hope to go on to study the Art Foundation course at the college and then progress onto university.
Frequently Asked Questions What are the entry requirements for AS Applied Business?
What other A Levels complement Applied Business?
You will need CC in Applied Business/ C in Business Studies/ C in Business Communications (if studied) and grade Cs in GCSE Maths and English Language. How does AS Applied Business differ to AS Business Studies? Applied Business is mainly coursework based and therefore students need to really enjoy spending study time producing coursework. They will be expected to spend at least four hours per week outside college, working on their coursework. The grade for this work makes up two thirds of their final course mark. Applied Business students usually have a desire to either study Business at university or progress to a Business career after college. AS Business Studies is all exam assessed and has no coursework.
There are no forbidden combinations of subjects and so we encourage you to choose subjects that you will achieve in and are motivated to study. You are discouraged from doing another coursework based subject due to the amount of coursework involved. Subjects that are popular are AS ICT, Law and Languages. Is the course an A Level? Yes, Applied Business is exactly the same as any other Advanced Level qualification and carries the same UCAS points for university. It is welcomed in the world of work as you will develop so many vocational skills such as communication and problem solving.
How successful are Carmel’s Applied Business students? Natalie Woodward The Bankfield School Studying: Applied Business, Photography, Media Studies
Students present their findings to the decision makers
More Information For details of the course specifications visit: www.aqa.org.uk
2009
Applied Business A2 AS
A/B
A-E
33% 100% 50% 100%
2010 A*-B
A*-E
50% 100% 63% 100%
2011 A*-B A*-E 79% 100% 72% 100%