Business Studies A-level

Course summary

Business Studies aims to make you think critically about business. Business at this level encompasses many disciplines and covers different forms of organisation and business activity. The course integrates ideas drawn from various disciplines, including Economics, Accounting, Law, Government and Politics, Sociology and Psychology. The course focuses on small to medium sized businesses operating within national and international markets. It includes the teaching and learning of transferable skills such as calculations, interpreting and analysing data, applying knowledge to unfamiliar situations, developing arguments and making judgements and decisions. The Business Studies A Level course is concerned with a problem solving approach to business issues and enterprise. It will provide a theoretical and practical understanding of business operations and industry and the impact on them of external factors. This course deepens knowledge gained from the GCSE, but previous study is not necessary. However, an interest in the business world is essential. At AS level in Year 12, areas of study include the importance of the context of business in relation to decision making, how technology is changing the way decisions are made and how businesses operate and compete and the competitive environment and the markets in which businesses operate. At A Level in Year 13, areas of study include the importance of assessing feasibility and risk when making strategic decisions, the influences of Corporate Social Responsibility, ethical and environmental issues on strategic decisions and the impact of technology on strategic decision making.