GCSE and A-level Business
Course introduction
Business is a dynamic subject which investigates many aspects of the business world. As Business has a massive impact on all aspects of modern society, this course will not only enhance the skills required for further study but also prepare you for your future career. As well as offering an insight into how businesses operate in the real world, the course also explores the factors required to start-up a small business which could provide a platform for starting a business of your own.
A range of teaching styles are used such as group work, student presentations, class discussions and more. This means that by the end of the course students will have a number of transferable skills including presentation, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, data analysis and many more.
Progression
Following GCSE Business, we offer A-level Business and a BTEC National Level 3 Extended Certificate in Business. Continuing to study Business can lead to a number of undergraduate degrees in Business and Business management as well as a number of career opportunities such as marketing, accounting and finance, retail, human resources, sales and many more.
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.
