Examination Board     Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA)

Syllabus Number    2130

Assessment Modules for AS

Unit 1Mini Case Study   75 minute examination 
Unit 2 Data Response Study   90 minute examination
 
Assessment Modules for A2

Unit 3 Unseen synoptic case study (Summing up units 1, 2 and 3)   105 minute examination
Unit 4 Pre release case study and long answer synoptic essays (Summing up units 1, 2, 3 and 4)   105 minute examination

Course Content
Unit 1 – Planning and Financing a Business
Enterprise, generation of business ideas, conducting market research and financial planning.
Unit 2 – Managing a Business
Measuring Profit, organisational structures, measuring workforce effectiveness, and marketing.
Unit 3 – Strategies for Success
Strategies for business success, financial strategies, marketing strategies, people management strategies.
Unit 4 – The Business Environment and Change Management
Assessing the changing business environment, managing strategic change

Why take AS/A2 Business Studies?
This is a completely new business course and is an absolute change from the GCSE course.   This course looks in great detail at organisations, their successes and failures and equips you with a vast number of practical skills that you will need in the business world, skills that are actively looked for by universities and employers. 

What is expected of you as a student?
You will be expected to demonstrate a critical approach to the course and be able to apply knowledge to real life business situations.   You will need to be able to evaluate business activity in the context of its impacts on society.   Essay writing involves research and we urge you to work independently in order to maximise your grade.

Career Pathways:
• Degrees in Business Studies, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Law, Politics among others
• Lucrative careers as an entrepreneur, as well as employment in major banks, pharmaceuticals,
marketing and media organisations.  Governmental work is also an option.
• The majority of roles available in “The City” and “Canary Wharf”.
• International work, although studying a second language would be of maximum benefit in this case.