What is Business Studies?
Business Studies is dynamic and challenging, drawing on a number of specialist fields including management, marketing, finance and operations management to produce an integrated course which is highly relevant to the modern world.
We begin by examining the issues entrepreneurs need to consider when formulating a business plan. Further development of the course looks at the complexities of managing established businesses and business strategy. The course enables students to develop a critical understanding of how business works, best practice in business and the markets they serve. Consideration of the impact of business on stakeholders such as consumers, employees and the external environment is also given importance.
Typical issues we might consider in the course include:
- Why do so many new businesses fail?
- How does a firm decide the best strategy for marketing a product?
- Are employees motivated by financial rewards?
- Do firms such as Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Nestlé do business in an ethical manner?
- Is the growth of China an opportunity or a threat for UK businesses?
What does the course consist of?
We follow the AQA modular syllabus. All units are assessed by examination, with a synoptic global business case study assessment in unit 4.
At AS Level, students study modules in:
- Planning and financing a business
- Managing a business
At A2, students study modules in:
- Strategies for success
- The business environment
- Managing change
Who should do A Level Business Studies?
Business Studies is suitable for a wide range of students. While the course will not teach you how to get rich, it is nonetheless useful for anyone considering a business career and a wide range of professions including accountancy, law, finance, retail, management, or any career that demands an understanding of the wider world such as engineering. It will also help you to understand the fundamental issues in starting a business and any kind of entrepreneurial activity. It is accessible to a wide range of students and serves as a natural complement to those studying humanities subjects, maths and science or the arts. Good written skills are important, particularly the ability to analyse using business language. For some elements of the course a basic level of competence in Mathematics would be beneficial.
How will I be taught?
Our philosophy is that students should be encouraged to develop as independent learners and critical thinkers, skills essential for university and the world of work. Hence our lessons make extensive use of IT, combined with group work, discussion, debate and research based activities. The department has interactive whiteboards in both classrooms, one of which is equipped with a suite of PCs.
