GCSE and A-level Business
Business Vision Statement
The Business Department's Vision is to provide the key knowledge of what businesses are, how they are set up and run, how they grow, how they interact and compete and reasons why businesses succeed or fail.
This knowledge will then provide the basis for our students (the next wave of entrepreneurs and employees) to set up their own businesses and not only understand a business’ place in the business world (as a competitor and driving force of the economy), but their own place within the business world (as an employee, customer, voter, and member of the community).
Useful Links
Business in the news:
GCSE Business websites for revision materials and quizzes:
- BBC Bitesize Exam Spec
- Seneca - You'll be given Seneca logon details
A-level Business website for theory notes, revision videos, exam guidance and current business issues in the news:
- Tutor 2 U - Business website for theory notes, revision videos, exam guidance and current business issues in the news.
Key Stage 4 - GCSE Business
Qualification: GCSE Business
Exam Board: Edexcel
Course details
GCSE Business allows students to develop an understanding of the internal and external factors that affect the way in which business organisations are run. Students will learn to apply, analyse and evaluate their knowledge of business in a number of different contexts ranging from small enterprises to large multinationals and businesses operating in local, national or global markets.
GCSE Business provides students with a knowledge of topics such as marketing, finance, human resources and operations. Students also learn about many different parties/groups that can affect the way in which businesses are run, for example; customers, suppliers, competitors, employees, banks, the government and society.
Assessment
Two written exams lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes each.
Each exam includes a mixture of multiple choice, short answer questions, calculations, data response and extended writing questions based on a case study.
Three 2-hour written exams at the end of year 13.
Each exam includes a mixture of short answer questions, calculations, data response and longer essays based on a case study.
Paper 3 is synoptic (covers all of the content learnt in year 12 and 13) and requires independent research into a market or industry that is pre-released by Edexcel.
Each exam includes a mixture of short answer questions, calculations, data response and longer essays based on a case study.
Paper 3 is synoptic (covers all of the content learnt in year 12 and 13) and requires independent research into a market or industry that is pre-released by Edexcel.
Key Stage 5 - A Level Business
Qualification: A-level Business
Exam Board: Edexcel
Course details
The Edexcel A-level Business course encourages the application of business concepts through the use of ‘real world’ examples and case studies. The syllabus reflects contemporary business issues within topics such as enterprise skills, global marketing, recruitment, finance and external/economic factors (such as Brexit and technological advancement). Throughout the course, students will consider business theory in relation to small, medium and large businesses within local, national and global contexts. The course enables students to acquire a range of important, transferable skills that are valued by universities and employers, such as numeracy, literacy, communications skills, decision-making techniques and analytical skills.
Assessment
Three 2-hour written exams at the end of year 13.
Each exam includes a mixture of short answer questions, calculations, data response and longer essays based on a case study.
Paper 3 is synoptic (covers all of the content learnt in year 12 and 13) and requires independent research into a market or industry that is pre-released by Edexcel.
What makes a successful A-level Business student?
Students of A-level Business should have a keen interest in the business world and are expected to take an interest in business issues within the news. Students need to be self-motivated because the examinations require thorough preparation and students are required to undertake significant independent study and research.
To study this course, what qualifications will I need and in which subjects?
Business students do NOT need to have studied GCSE Business Studies or any other previous business course. However, if a student did study Business at GCSE, a grade of 5 or higher will be required to take A-level Business. Students need to be competent in English and be confident with basic mathematical principles. As such, students will need grade 5’s in Maths and English to be able to study A-level Business.
