Business Studies

• Why are so many acquisitions and mergers taking place in the UK?

• Are private equity firms really bad for business?

• What is globalisation?

• What are the effects of over half a million eastern European migrant workers on British business?

• What is Tesco’s winning formula?

• What makes a successful entrepreneur?

These are the type of questions that are examined in A Level business studies. The subject is very much about what is currently happening in the business environment and staying abreast of new approaches. So what makes a good business studies student?

• An enquiring mind

• A lively interest in business

• The desire to explore new ideas

• The ability to solve problems creatively

The focus of the course is on using business theory to solve problems and to create strategies for real-life business. Students develop a thorough understanding of topical business issues and will think about them in a critical manner, developing the skills of application, analysis and evaluation. They will also have the opportunity to apply what they have learnt in the classroom through visits to local businesses.

The main components of the course are: marketing; finance; people management; operations management; and external influences all of which are studied at AS and then more fully developed at A2. Both levels are assessed through exams and there is no coursework element.

Business studies can be studied without any previous knowledge in the Sixth Form and it fits very well with any of the other subjects on offer. Many degree courses today offer some business studies, e.g. in engineering, science and foreign languages. A large number of BGS students go onto business and management degrees each year and find A Level business studies an excellent foundation.

For details of the A Level curriculum please visit www.aqa.org.uk