Key Stage 5 Business Studies

Each student has access to their own course book. A variety of teaching styles is used: pair and group work, as well as individual learning. We make use of contacts with local businesses and business visits are a common feature of the course. Students are asked to read a quality newspaper, copies of which can be found in the library.

AS and A2

We follow the AQA specifications. This provides a smooth transition from GCSE Business Studies, although this is not a prerequisite for studying AS/A2 level Business Studies.

AS Module 1: Marketing and Accounting and Finance

  • Market analysis
  • Market strategy
  • Market planning
  • Classification of costs, profit, contribution and breakdown analysis
  • Company accounts
  • Budgeting
  • Cost centres and profit centres

Assessment: 75 minutes. Two compulsory stimulus response questions.
30% of AS, 15% of A2

AS Module 2: People and Operation Management

  • Management structure and organisation
  • Motivation
  • Human Resource Management
  • Productive efficiency
  • Controlling operations
  • Lean production

Assessment: 75 minutes. Two compulsory stimulus response questions. From pre-seen case study
30% of AS, 15% of A2

AS Module 3: External Influences and Objectives and Strategy

  • Economic opportunities and constraints
  • Government opportunities and constraints
  • Social and other opportunities and constraints
  • Starting a small firm
  • Business objectives

Assessment: 90 minutes. From pre-seen case study.
40% of AS, 20% 0f A2

A2 Module 4: Marketing and Accounting and Finance

  • Market analysis
  • Market strategy
  • Market planning
  • Company accounts
  • Ratio analysis
  • Contribution and break-even analysis
  • Investment decision-making

Assessment: See Module 5

A2 Module 5: People and Operations Management

  • Communications
  • Employer/employee relations
  • Human Resource Management
  • Productive efficiency
  • Controlling operations
  • Facilities

Assessment: 90 minutes. Case study, covering Modules 4 and 5.
15% of A2

A2 Module 6: External Influences and Objectives and Strategies

  • Economic opportunities and constraints
  • Governmental opportunities and constraints
  • Social and other opportunities and constraints
  • Impact on firms of a change in size
  • Business objectives
  • Business strategy

Assessment: 90 minutes. Case study
20% of A2

PLUS EITHER:
90 minutes report and essay
15% of A2

OR
Coursework project – 3000 words
15% of A2