Business Studies (Sixth Form)
This course tells a story, beginning with a business start-up and all the associated problems involved in the first few months of getting a business established. As the company grows, the course then covers the different departments including: Marketing, Finance, Human Resources and Operations Management. In the first year (AS), these topics are covered at a middle management level, then in the second year (A2), at a strategic level. Finally the course covers the external influences a business has to face, as well as managing change and decision-making.In Business Studies students are assessed according to four skills. Firstly they need to show their understanding of business terminology and theory, and then apply their understanding to the case study situation. The higher-level skills of analysis and evaluation involve developing different arguments by showing cause and effect and then reaching a justified conclusion, based on the previous discussion. The homework that is set reflects these criteria, which allows for constant monitoring of these skills.
Due to the small class sizes students are able to participate fully in lessons through discussions, presentations and group work. In addition work is differentiated to meet the unique needs of each member of the class. An individual approach allows each person to achieve his or her maximum potential in this subject.
The examination board is AQA and the students take one exam in January and one in June for both the first and second year. In the final June exam, students are required to research a topic, identified in advance by the exam board.
Obviously the priority is to gain a high exam grade at Business Studies but importance is also placed on developing an interest in the subject through industrial visits or guest speakers and coverage of current business topics appearing in the press. Whatever career students decide to follow some aspect of this course will be relevant in their future employment.
Mrs S Hutton
Head of Business Studies
