At KS5 the department offers AS and A2 level Business Studies. 

Examination Board: AQA

Business Studies is given a wide interpretation in the AQA syllabus.  The aim is to help candidates understand the nature and working of business and industry.  Marketing, accounting, finance, people/operations management, economic and governmental influences, objectives and strategy are all studied but the key to the whole course is the way in which these elements interact to affect business decision-making, performance and assessing appropriate functional strategies. The syllabus is concerned with a problem-solving approach to Business Studies to help students to understand the nature and working of business and industry.  Within assessment, emphasis is on development of business skills: research, analysis and evaluation.

AS outline

At AS Level, the specification introduces candidates to the challenges and issues of starting a business, including financial planning. It then focuses on how established businesses might improve their effectiveness by making tactical decisions at a functional level. 

The AS specification has 2 units:

Unit 1: Planning and Financing a Business

Topic list

• • Starting a Business - The challenges and issues of starting a business; enterprise; entrepreneurs. 
• • Financial Planning - Essential financial concepts needed to start a business including: calculating costs, revenues, profits; using a break-even analysis and cash-flow forecasting. 

Assessment

Written Paper: 1 hour 15 minutes (60 marks)

Weighting: 40% of total AS marks/ 20% of total A Level marks

Short answer questions and extended responses based on a mini case study.

Unit 2: Managing a Business

Topic list

• • Finance - budgets, improving cash flow and profits. 
• • People in Business - organisational structures, recruitment, training and motivation. 
• • Operations Management - operational decisions, quality, customer service, suppliers, technology. 
• • Marketing and Competition- designing and using an effective marketing mix, market conditions and competitiveness. 

Assessment

Written Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes (80 marks)

Weighting: 60% of total AS marks/ 30% of total A Level marks

Compulsory, multi-part data response questions.

A2 Outline

At A2, the specification considers strategies for larger businesses and how managers might measure the performance of the business. Finally, it considers the effects that external factors can have on businesses and how a business can plan for and manage change, including leadership style and change in business culture.

The A2 specification has 2 units:

Unit 3: Strategies for Success

Topic list

• • Functional Objectives and Strategies - examining their appropriateness in the context of corporate objectives. 
• • Financial Strategies and Accounts - making investment information, measuring performance, financial decisions. 
• • Marketing Strategies - analysing markets, and selecting successful marketing strategies, developing marketing plans. 
• • Operations Strategies - operational issues, location, innovation, improving operational efficiency 
• • Human Resource Strategies - workforce planning, adapting organisational structures, successful employee relations. 

Assessment

Written Paper: 1 hour 45 minutes (80 marks)

Weighting:  25% of total A Level marks

Questions requiring extended answers drawing upon AS materials. The focus will be on measuring business performance and assessing appropriate functional strategies to achieve success.

Unseen case study with a range of numerical data.

Unit 4: The Business Environment and Change

Topic list

• • Corporate Aims and Objectives - purpose and nature of corporate strategies, stakeholder perspectives. 
• • Assessing Change in the Business Environment - the effects of changes in the economic, political, social, ethical and technological environment and responses of organisations. 
• • Managing Change - planning for change, leadership and corporate culture, making strategic decisions, decision making. 

Assessment

Written Paper: 1 hour 45 minutes (80 marks)

Weighting:  25% of total A Level marks

A two part paper - Section A will contain questions based upon prior research.

Section B will be a choice of essay titles from which the candidate will select one. This will be a synoptic paper and draw on all the specification. 

link to the student guide

http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/pdf/AQA-2130-W-SG.PDF