AS/A2 Business Studies AS/A2 Economics 2013 Entry
Business & Economics 1987-2012 •
Learn business skills such as managing resources or 25 Years understanding finance that will be useful in any profession
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Business is the study of organisations that seek to provide us with individuals what we want – at a price
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Economics looks at a primary goal in all our lives – how to get resources (or money) and how to use them (or spend it!)
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Don’t worry if you haven’t studied Business or Economics at GCSE, we realise our courses are a new challenge for you.
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Teachers are very supportive and are here to help you achieve your potential
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A high proportion of students continue their subject to further education often mixed with other disciplines such as languages
of inspiring
1987-2012 25 Years of inspiring individuals
Beth’s Perspective I really enjoy Business Studies as it teaches you about the world outside of the classroom. It teaches you about a range of businesses from smaller businesses to global, more wellknown businesses; this enables you to see the similarities and differences between the two. Also, as a subject it is applicable to several careers, making it very useful in later life. The Business teachers at Carmel give you all the support you need to help you get the best grade possible. Their open door policy enables you to go and see them when you are struggling on a certain topic and tutorials are available to make sure you understand every part of the course, and encourage you to reach your full potential.
AS/A2 Business Studies Exam Board AQA What will the course involve?
How will I be assessed?
AS: Unit 1 of the course looks at where business ideas come from, the role of entrepreneurs and how finance may be raised to start a business. In Unit 2, you will learn how businesses are managed with particular emphasis on the key functional areas of marketing, human resources, operations and finance.
You will do a written exam in the January of your Lower Sixth year, half way through your AS course. You do the second exam in June. The same pattern applies to the A2 part of the course. There is no coursework in Business Studies. You can resit any of the first three modules while at Carmel.
A2: Unit 3 focuses upon a further development of understanding in these functional areas from a strategic perspective. Unit 4 involves the study of the external factors, such as the economy and globalisation and how businesses respond strategically to managing change. Unit 4 also includes an examination theme - such as ‘the recent recession’ or ‘corporate social responsibility’, where students are directed to independent research.
Where does this course lead? Our students go on to study a wide range of courses at university all over the UK - and beyond. Most universities have a Business School. There are Business Studies courses and more focused courses, such as in Human Resource Management or Marketing but many degrees will mix Business in with other disciplines, such as Languages. Business is often a major element in courses such as American Studies or European Studies.
A* & A grade A2 Fast Track students
Beth Kelly Fairfield High School
Stretch and Challenge
Studying: Business Studies, English Literature, Philosophy & Religion
The Business & Economics departments are dedicated to the ‘stretch and challenge’ of our students. Our programme of provision includes specially designed workshops, interview practice, personal statement writing and tailored careers progression advice.
Meet the Tutors
Our subject specific workshops have been designed to broaden your thinking and academic ability. In doing so, our aim is for you to develop a heightened awareness of Business/ Economics and to ignite further your passion to study at a higher level. Workshops include: An introduction to Oxbridge and Prestigious Universities, Women Leaders, Stepping into Accountancy, Business Ethics, Self Belief and Owning a Business, and the opportunity to have your work published in Carmel’s very own ‘Economics Magazine’.
Karl Smith Assistant Principal Business Tutor Peter Murphy Head of Business Jennifer Taberner Business Tutor Laura Fowler Business and Applied Business Tutor
You will also have the option to fastrack your studies and take the BUSS4 examination early. This is an excellent opportunity to gain your A Level qualification in advance of your summer exams. The scheme has been highly successful, with 10 students attaining grade As and 4 gaining an A* in 2011, and 7 students with A grades in 2012.
AS/A2 Economics
Aaron’s Perspective
Exam Board AQA What will the course involve?
Where does the course lead?
The AS gives you an introduction to the theories and principles of the workings of the economy and the influences on it. You will apply theory to a wide range of real life situations.
A high proportion of A Level students decide to continue their study of the subject at a higher level.
You will interpret data and identify underlying trends. The A2 Level gives you a broader understanding and depth of knowledge of the economy including global aspects. Economics is a living subject. All topics are related to real world events. How will I be assessed? You will study two units for AS and a further two units for A2. Each year you will have two papers to complete which have written elements, multiple choice questions and data response questions. Each paper accounts for 50% of the marks for that year. Exams are spread over the course, which reduces pressure on you.
Degree courses in Economics and related disciplines (such as Money, Banking and Finance, Business Studies, Sociology, Management Studies, Economic History, Politics) are increasingly popular at a variety of Higher Education institutions. Economics also combines very well with Languages, and is a key component in the professional examinations for Accountancy, Law, Banking and Insurance. The Economics department has strong links with the University of Manchester. Each year 4 students are chosen to attend a 10 week preuniversity course each Wednesday. It is a fantastic opportunity offering the chance to sample university life as well as make use of all the facilities available.
The best part about studying at Carmel for me is the availability of all the tutors. Especially in Economics the tutors are very friendly and very knowledgeable. They make the lessons interesting and encourage you to learn more about the subject. I have been to the Lowry in Manchester for a ‘tutor 2 u’ conference. This was very useful as a lot of information that was given helped me in the exam. The most impressive thing for me has been the use of resources at the college. After Carmel I hope to study an Economics based subject with Economics being one of the modules I study at university. I would strongly advise taking Economics as it has certainly helped me in other subjects as our economy affects everyday life.
There is no assessed coursework in AS or A2 Economics.
Aaron Leong Wade Deacon High School Studying: Economics, Maths, Further Maths, Law
Young Enterprise students winning the Merseyside Regional Final
What are the departments like? In A Level Business, we have around 160 students studying at AS in 7 classes and at A2, over 100 in 5 classes. In A Level Economics, we typically have around 40 students at AS and 20 at A2. Our students have a varied mix of other subjects - Mathematics, Social Sciences, Languages, Travel & Tourism and Art are commonplace. We have six members of staff who each teach across courses within the Business area. Business and Economics are housed in a suite of eight rooms, all equipped with interactive white boards, multi-media projectors and wireless internet connection. Students also have access to a computer suite and student workbase for quiet study and research.
At A2 Level, Economics students research and produce their own magazine.
Meet the Tutors Emma Smith Head of Economics Business and Applied Business Tutor Alison Woodcock Business, Applied Business and Economics Tutor
What other activities are there?
Hannah’s Perspective Carmel has been an excellent place to study as the help you receive is brilliant. Studying Business and Economics has been very beneficial as they link in together which makes the understanding of the subjects much easier. I studied Business at school which is why I chose to carry on with it but Law and Economics have both been interesting to learn something completely new. I also did Young Enterprise during enrichment which I loved and would thoroughly recommend to anyone with a passion for business. Once I leave Carmel I hope to study Management at the University of Leeds.
of managing finance, making operational decisions, project management and making entrepreneurial decisions, all of which are beneficial to both their studies and future careers.
Students and teachers from the Business Studies department have a joint initiative with the organisation ‘Fruto del Espiritu’ to host a series of fruit juice cocktail evenings in College throughout the year.
Proceeds generated from the cocktail evenings have fed back into funding educational projects in Columbia and our students have communicated both by email and webcam conference with student beneficiaries and the juice manufacturing plant.
Fruto del Espiritu was set up to raise awareness about the consequences of cocaine and offer a practical response by working with Columbian fruit producers. The mission of Fruto del Espiritu is to promote fruits such as Lulo and Maracuya, which can be grown instead of the coca bushes that produce cocaine. The organisation works closely with the international “Shared Responsibility Campaign”.
What are the entry requirements for these AS subjects? Business Studies – You will need GCSE grade C in both Maths and English Language. Economics – You will need GCSE grade B in both Maths and English Language.
Business Studies students have gained practical experience in organising and promoting events, as well as day to day experience
How successful are Carmel’s students?
2010
A/C
A-E
2011 A*-C
A*-E
2012 A*-C A*-E
Business Studies A2 AS
91% 100% 86% 96%
91% 100% 68% 98%
87% 100% 58% 97%
A/B
A*-B
A*-B A*-E
Economics
A2 AS
A-E
75% 100% 47% 94%
A*-E
70% 100% 77% 100%
100% 100% 51% 96%
Hannah Robinson The Sutton Academy Studying: Economics, Business Studies, Law
Fruto del Espiritu cocktail evening at Carmel
More Information For details of the course specifications visit: www.aqa.org.uk
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!