AS/A2 Applied Business 2013 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
Stephanie’s Perspective
AS/A2 Applied Business Double Award Exam Board AQA What will the course involve?
At Carmel I have been able to learn a range of techniques which have enabled me to become more confident and focused on what I want in life. In Applied Business, I have enjoyed the diverse range of topics; all of the individual units have given me an insight into the different pathways within the business sector that I would be able to follow. Within this subject I have been on two trips, one to Darkstar Laserquest and the other to Cineworld, both of these involved researching and collecting information about the company. We had interviews with the managers of both establishments and then were able to take part in activities. When I leave Carmel I hope to gain a full time position with my current employer.
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
Stephanie James Newton-le-Willows Community High School Studying: Applied Business, Photography
Meet the Tutors Susanne Maher Head of Faculty Head of Applied Business, Tourism and BTEC Level 2 Business Alison Woodcock Applied Business, Business and Economics Tutor Liaison Officer
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, as well as Apprenticeships. 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 or during an Apprenticeship. 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.
L6th students simulate a recruitment exercise taking it in turns to be the interviewer and interviewee.
What support will I receive? 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 enjoy college 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 and you will find staff working with students at break, 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 and they always say that their time at Carmel has really helped them prepare for their future.
Jordan’s Perspective Applied Business Trips Our Applied Business Students have really benefitted from working closely with outside organisations. This often involves visiting these organisations and trips this year included a visit to Liverpool Maritime Museum and the Liverpool One Complex. The students listened to professionals talk about the customer service provided by the organisations and were provided with information about the marketing of the attractions. Students have also had fun learning about Darkstar in St Helens. The trip included a marketing talk as well as a game of laser quest. They also visited Cineworld in St Helens to learn about the marketing and watched a movie to polish off a very enjoyable day. The students are invited every year by the Tourism students to participate in a residential trip. The trip this year was London but in previous years has been New York City and Toronto. Guest speakers include Young Entrepreneur (Director), Mark Stanbury who shared with the students, the secret of his success, Anne Quayle from Pilkington Glass (Marketing Manager) as well as talks from the College Finance Director and Marketing Manager. To support the
students close to exam time they have participated in a meditation session that they all thoroughly enjoyed. Applied Business students shine! 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 have been very impressed with how good the business department is; the teachers are very helpful and supportive as they will always try their best to help the students to get a higher mark in their coursework and tests. I have really enjoyed my coursework and have particularly enjoyed Units 1 and 6. In Unit 1 we have been learning about McDonalds and how the business is run as well as the history of the company. I enjoyed unit 6 because it was all about developing a product, we made our own product and then researched what we would need to run and set up a business selling our products. After Carmel I am hoping to go to America to do football coaching.
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.
Careers Corner The Business Faculty has 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!
Jordan Tobin Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School Studying: Applied Business, BTEC ICT
Meet the Tutors Laura Fowler Applied Business and Business Tutor, Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator Emma Smith Applied Business and Business Tutor, Head of Economics
Lauren’s Perspective Applied Business is a very interesting subject as it enables me to learn about how real businesses operate, and how they try to meet the needs of their customers. I also enjoy doing coursework as I am able to voice my thoughts and opinions into my work. Through Applied Business I have been given the chance to take part in a work experience placement in Liverpool Football Club’s marketing offices. I am very excited as I am keen to learn more about marketing outside of a classroom environment. After Carmel, I would like to go to university to study Business Management with Mandarin Chinese.
Frequently Asked Questions What other A Levels complement Applied Business?
What are the entry requirements for AS 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 Applied Business differ to 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. 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 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. Probably the best Applied Business department in the country! (A Level Performance System)
How successful are Carmel’s Applied Business students?
Lauren Corcoran St Edward’s College
2010
Applied Business A2 AS
A/B
A-E
50% 100% 63% 100%
2011 A*-B
79% 100% 72% 100%
Studying: Applied Business, Maths, Dance
Students present their findings to the decision makers
More Information For details of the course specifications visit: www.aqa.org.uk
A*-E
Trip to Liverpool to visit Liverpool One and Maritime Museum
2012 A*-B A*-E 73% 100% 56% 100%