KS5 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

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