Business Studies

Examining Board AQA

Subject Content

Business Studies concerns the functions of contemporary business organisations. It is a dynamic course that studies the enterprising skills required to succeed in business. Business Studies involves the investigation of how enterprise adds value by organising the production of goods and services. This course is designed to allow the integration of business themes, such as innovation and change, social and environmental responsibilities, takeovers/mergers and ethical considerations.

Methods of Study

Each Module of the course is explored through a combination of class discussions and group work activities. This process is backed up by comprehensive notes provided by the tutor. Homework is set weekly and the style of each assignment reflects the demands of their final examination, i.e. student’s complete essays, data response questions and longer case study exercises. In addition, a test is set at the end of each topic in the style required at AS and A2 level, approximately every half term.

The AS Modules are:

  • Module 1: Planning and Financing a Business
  • Module 2: Managing a Business

The A2 Modules are:

  • Module 3: Strategies for Success
  • Module 4: The Business Environment and Managing Change

Methods of Assessment

AS EXAMINATION

UNIT ONE: AS MODULE1: Planning and Financing a Business

  • Short answer questions and extended responses based on a mini case study
  • One hour and 15 minutes
  • 50% of the total AS marks
  • 25% of the total A Level marks

UNIT TWO: AS MODULE 2: Managing a Business

  • Compulsory, multi-part data response questions
  • One hour and 30 minutes
  • 50% of the total AS marks
  • 25% of the total A Level marks

A2 EXAMINATION

UNIT THREE: MODULE 3: Strategies for Success

  • Extended answers based on unseen case study
  • One hour and 45 minutes
  • 25% of the total A Level marks

UNIT FOUR: MODULE 4: The Business Environment and Managing Change

  • Pre-release research task and choice of essays
  • One hour and 45 minutes
  • 25% of the total A Level marks

Entry Requirements

There are no special qualifications required for AS/A2 level Business Studies other than the standard GCSE quota needed for study at Rainford College. However, although it is not necessary to have taken GCSE Business Studies, if this course was followed, at least a grade C would be required. For those students who haven't studied GCSE Business Studies there is no need to worry because the course assumes no prior knowledge.