Business Studies
Our Team
Mrs E. Nelson
Head of Department
Our Department
Business Studies is a dynamic subject where pupils are introduced to the world of business. It is a highly relevant subject and deals with many of the issues faced in gaining employment or running your own successful business. Pupils will have the opportunity to be involved in case studies on well-known firms, simulations and visits to local companies. All of this allows them to put their theory into practice and see how it applies to the real world
GCSE
Unit 1 (40%) – Starting a business includes:
- Creating a Business
- Marketing
- Business operations (production)
Unit 2 (40%) – Developing a business includes:
- Human resources
- Business growth
- Finance
Units 1 & 2 are examined through a series of short, structured questions.
Unit 3 – Controlled assessment involves writing a business plan. It is completed in year 12 and accounts for 20% of the final marks.
A-Level
AS1 (50% of AS & 20% of A-level) – Introduction to Business includes key topics relating to:
- The central purpose of business
- Forms of business ownership
- Market forces
- Business operations (production, productivity & quality)
- Human resources (organisation design, HR planning, recruitment, selection, training & motivation
- Management & Leadership
AS2 (50% of AS & 20% of A-level) – Growing the Business includes key topics relating to:
- Competition
- Marketing (market research, marketing mix, product life cycle, market planning and strategy & E-business / E-commerce)
- Finance (sources of finance, break-even analysis, cash flow, budgeting & final accounts)
A21 (30% of A-level) – Strategic Decision Making includes key topics relating to:
- Business objectives
- Organisational culture
- Stakeholders & communication
- Business strategy & planning (including decision trees & contingency planning)
- Finance (company accounts, ratio analysis, investment appraisal)
A22 (30% of A-level) – The Competitive Business Environment includes key topics relating to:
- The macro economy & government policies
- Globalisation
- Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
- Organisational design
- Monopolies, mergers and restrictive practices
- Change
Examination Board information
For more information from the Examination board, click here:
Business Studies
GCSE Specification
Business Studies
A-Level Specification
Career Pathways
Business Studies will be a relevant subject no matter what career you have in mind. Some options include:
- Business management
- Finance
- Customer Services
- Property management
- Purchasing
- Marketing
- Human Resources
- Quality Control
- E-business
- Teaching