Curriculum - Sixth form

AS Level A2 Level

A-Level Business Studies aims to develop a critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and how they add value for their customers. It looks at the effect on business behaviour of different stakeholder expectations ie shareholders, customers, employees.

In the first year pupils study three AS modules:

Module	Topic	Content	Exam (% of total A Level)
(1)	Marketing and Finance	Market analysis, strategy and planning. Costing, company accounts, budgeting	15 %
(2)	People and Production	Organisational structure, motivation, leadership, recruitment. Methods of production, efficiency, stock and quality issues, lean production ie Japanese approaches to production	15 %
(3)	External Influences/Objectives	Unemployment, inflation, exchange rates, interest rates etc Government legislation: Health/Safety, Competition policies Ethical issues, impact of technological change Issues related to starting a new business Business goals and how they plan to meet them.	20 %

In the second year the pupils study three A2 modules which consolidates the work covered in year 1 and develops further understanding of each key area.

¨ Module 4: Marketing and Finance

Evaluating the potential of different marketing strategies to adapt to changing

market opportunities

Interpreting company accounts: Investment decisions

¨ Module 5: People and Production

Communication, Trade Union issues, Manpower planning

R/D, networks, location, application of IT to production

¨ Module 6: External Influences/Objectives

International competitiveness, EU economic policy

Business objectives, retrenchment, decision making techniques,

contingency plans

Assessment in Year 2 - pupils sit three further papers:

¨ A decision-making case study assessing modules 4 and 5: 15% of total marks

¨ A report and essay paper: 15% of total marks

¨ A number of compulsory questions based on a case study: 20% of total marks

How the Course is Taught

¨ To prepare young people for the challenges to be faced in the wider world pupils are expected to be 'active learners' and are expected to research topics through textbooks, library books, current articles and IT based resources.

¨ To develop their confidence and communication skills pupils will be sometimes expected to make class presentations of their work using IT software. They will be encouraged to work together in groups and to share/debate their views with others. Use is also made of interactive CD ROMS.

¨ There will be many opportunities during the course to observe and investigate business issues outside the confines of the classroom. Use is made of visiting business speakers and pupils are also encouraged to interview local firms about an issue and report back their findings to the class.

¨ the use of word-processing, spreadsheets and databases are used whenever appropriate to develop skills increasingly expected by employers.

Course Requirements

Pupils should have an active interest in current affairs and business issues in general. They would be expected regularly to read good quality papers, listen to the daily news and watch business-related programmes such as the money programme and Panorama.

Also holding a GCSE in business studies is useful but it is not compulsory.

Pupils would need to have sound mathematical skills as they are asked to review a business situation, analyse statistical data and make appropriate recommendations to deal effectively with the given situation. A 'B' grade in mathematics at GCSE is recommended.