Business

GCSE Results Information

Now you have received your GCSE results, use them as a guide to your overall strengths before making a decision on your A Level subject choices.

Business and Economics are both essay-based subjects. This means your ability to write clearly, build arguments and evaluate ideas (skills shown through English and other written subjects) is arguably more important than your mathematical ability!  The nature of maths applied to Business and Economics A-Levels can be found in the respective specifications and is generally considered to represent GCSE level ability.  The assessment of these skills represents a minimum of 10% of the overall marks for Business A-Level and a minimum of 20% for Economics A-Level.  The rest is essays!

Business is often preferred by those who like to apply practical advice to real companies.  The course follows the Edexcel specification and is split into four themes:

  1. Marketing & People

  2. Managing Business Activities

  3. Business Decisions & Strategy

  4. Global Business

This course is for students who are drawn to problem-solving.  You will enjoy thinking strategically as well as tactically, providing practical advice to real companies and articulating recommendations.  Case study evidence takes centre-stage; no two companies are the same and therefore analysis of the specific business is needed before providing an answer. 

Economics tends to suit students who enjoy analysing how government decisions affect everyone.  The course follows the AQA specification and is split into Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.  Both sides of the course are taught concurrently throughout. Economics is particularly suited to those who are fascinated by current affairs, such as climate change or international trade​.  It addresses some of the biggest issues in the world today, so you will need to be prepared to dig deep into their fundamental causes, to debate and to make well-informed decisions.  An eye for detail is therefore imperative, but so too is the ability to think laterally.

If you achieved strong grades across a variety of different subjects, you might of course consider taking both.  This is completely fine!  Ultimately, your choice should reflect your strengths across both written and analytical skills, together with your interests, curiosity and future ambitions. 

If you are unsure on your choices before beginning your A Level journey at Salesian College, please contact sowen@salesiancollege.com

Why study Business?

Business is an extremely popular A Level course. It is a useful subject for a wide variety of university studies and for the world of work. This subject is concerned with day-to-day issues affecting Business and students therefore can relate to the concepts covered, through their study and keeping up to date with current events.

Business takes the viewpoint of the organisation and is concerned with the process of decision making short and long term within the organisation. Students study the interrelated nature of Business using business models, theories and techniques to support analysis of contemporary business issues and situations. All study is within real business situations and shows the need to consider all aspects of impact that any decision taken may have. Internal factors – operational, financial, human resources and marketing are considered together with external factors of competition, economic and social environments. The topics lend themselves to studying and engaging with the business world. The specification and assessment encourages students to follow business developments and think critically about contemporary business issues.

Why at Salesian College?

Salesian College offers excellent facilities in which to study Business. The students learn in an extremely hospitable environment. Students are challenged both in and outside of the classroom. Activities include visits to BMW Mini, Diddly Squat Farm and a Business focused residential. Local visits are also included to link the subject matter to future career aspirations. The teachers have an abundance of real-world knowledge and expertise gained from previous work experience across many sectors, industries and departments.

What does the Business course involve?

Business follows the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Business. It is structured into four themes and consists of three externally examined papers,at the end of Year 13. 

Paper 1 = 35%
Paper 2 = 35%
Paper 3 = 30%

Students are introduced to business through building knowledge of core business concepts and applying them to business contexts to develop a broad understanding of how businesses work. Breath and depth of knowledge and understanding, with applications to a wider range of contexts and more complex business information, are developed in the second year of study, requiring students to take a more strategic view of business opportunities and issues.

Students will develop an understanding of the following topics:

Year 1 syllabus

  • meeting customer needs
  • marketing mix and strategy
  • managing people
  • entrepreneurs and leaders
  • raising finance
  • financial planning
  • resource management
  • external influences.

Year 2 syllabus

  • business objectives and strategy
  • business growth
  • decision-making techniques
  • influences on business decisions
  • assessing competitiveness
  • managing change
  • global marketing
  • global industries and companies.

 

Skills required

As a student of Business you will need to be interested in business and the economy, be comfortable with basic mathematics and be capable of writing coherent English. The understanding of concepts, terminology and theory are the key to success. There is no need to have studied GCSE Business to take this subject.

What the Business Department offers in teaching and resources

All students learn in a well-resourced centre, with an extensive reference library in the department. Throughout the course, material is examined from textbooks, case studies, magazines and quality newspapers. Current affairs programmes are also important as well as up-to-date documentaries following topical issues.

What is expected from Business students?

You will be expected to have a keen interest in Business and ultimately must apply your knowledge outside of the classroom environment each and every day to get the most from the course. You will be expected to be proactive with work and have a good attitude in relation to completing it on time.

What can an A Level in Business lead to?

Many students go to university to follow courses in Business related subjects, for example, Accountancy, Business Management, International Marketing and have careers in Banking, Insurance, Government, Finance, Operations Management, International Marketing, Public Relations, Human Resource Management. 

If you have any further enquiries, please email Miss Saffron Owen, Head of Economics and Business Studies, at sowen@salesiancollege.com