Business & Economics
Business KS4
Exam Board: AQA
Overview of the course:
The aim of this course is to give students the opportunity to explore real business issues and how businesses work. Students will consider the practical application of business concepts. The units provide opportunities to explore theories and concepts in the most relevant way, through the context of events in the business and economic world. The knowledge and skills gained from this specification will provide you with a firm foundation for further study.
Students who choose this option should appreciate that the work is academically demanding. They should, however, be aware that the subject is rewarding, stimulating and constantly changing to keep up-to-date with current developments. There is a very strong emphasis on extended written work and financial analysis, much of which are analytical and evaluative in nature. Therefore students will need to work hard from the start to ensure full understanding of the concepts and their application. Students will be expected to demonstrate not only knowledge but also an understanding of how concepts and theories allow them to recognise, select and organise information and apply it to solve problems.
There is a substantial amount of written work, so students need to be prepared to work in depth on their homework and in class activities. Finance and numerical work is a large part of the course, so students must be prepared for this element. There are regular formal tests and extended writing tests.
Topics studied and assessment methods:
Students work towards 2 externally examined units. There is no coursework/controlled assessment:
Paper 1: Influence of operations (production) and HRM (Human resource Management) on business activity
1 hour 45 minutes exam (50% of GCSE)
Exam contains 2 case studies with extended questions, plus some multiple choice theory questions.
Topics:
- Business in the real world
- Influences on business
- Business operations and human resources
Paper 2: Influences of marketing and finance on business activity
1 hour 45 minutes exam (50% of GCSE)
Exam contains 2 case studies with extended questions, plus some multiple choice theory questions.
Topics:
- Business in the real world
- Influences on business
- Marketing and Finance
What can students do at the end of the course?
The qualification will lead to a variety of careers in business, including marketing, people management, accounts and production, as well as further courses in Business, for example A-Level Business or Advanced Vocational courses, for example, BTEC Business.
How can parents support?
Students should be learning the taught topics at home every week using their class notes and revision guide (which should be used from the start of the course). Additional material is available on Google classroom and study websites such as Sam learning & www.getrevising.co.uk/
Students should be learning and be memorising key vocabulary weekly, therefore parents can test them on these.
Students will also be set extended writing homework to help for their important extended questions in their exams. These contribute to a significant part of their final marks in each exam and so are vital they are practised from the start of the course. They will be testing the student’s ability to show business knowledge, application to the case study, analysis of the effects and evaluation (justified judgements on decisions made with an awareness of wider influences). Parents can look at the feedback given to these and ensure their child re-attempts the work acting on the feedback given.
Parents should encourage their child to attend the weekly lunch achievement support session.
Students should be spending 2 hours a week at home; learning the topics, memorising vocabulary, practising questions and past papers as well as completing the written homework tasks. This subject is completely new to the students and therefore they need to spend considerable time on weekly study.
KS5 Business
| Course | A-Level Business |
| Examining Board | AQA |
| Specification | Link |
| Why study this subject? |
Through Business Studies A-level, you'll engage with the world of business through the context of current business developments and real business situations. You'll learn how management, leadership and decision-making can improve performance in marketing, operational, financial and human resources.
The Business A-Level course focuses on a problem solving approach to business designed to help students understand the nature and working of business organisations, looking at real business in the real world. Much of the learning is based around business case studies and focusing on how students can use their business knowledge to determine the success of a business. The aim is to encourage students to develop a critical understanding of different businesses, the context in which they operate, the markets they serve, and ultimately recommend actions that businesses should take to be successful.
You will be able to develop your knowledge in raising and managing finance and measuring a business’s performance. With this information, you’ll understand the importance of using resources efficiently, so goods and services can be delivered to a high quality. |
| Key Content |
What is business? |
| Assessment AS- |
2 Exams |
| Assessment A-Level |
3 Exams |
| Next steps - Careers/HE courses |
If you’re looking to go onto a business degree, then an A-Level in Business Studies is perfect for you. It will allow you to achieve those all-important UCAS points you need for entry into university. You will be able to study any degree you are interested in such as: The list is endless. A business A-Level opens many doors for all students. If a degree is not what you want to do, apprenticeships are also available: |
| Suggested links to resources |
KS5 Economics
| Course | A-Level Economics |
| Examining Board | AQA |
| Specification | Link |
| Why study this subject? |
Economics is not simply all about numbers. It is the study of the world around us from a social, financial and cultural perspective, gaining an understanding of economic theories and interrelationships between macro and micro economic issues. A level Economics is divided into two parts: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Microeconomics explores the concept of an ideal free market economy, based on perfect competition, and compares it with the complexity and inefficiency of real modern market phenomena. Macroeconomics looks at economics from a national point of view and explores themes like Inequality, Unemployment and Immigration, Economic Growth and Trade/Budget deficits. It also considers the trade-offs that governments face as they try to resolve problems such as the financial crisis of 2008.
As you learn more about economics, you will develop good analysis skills and will be able to pick out key information from statistics and text. You will learn how to use data to draw conclusions and make informed decisions. Analysis and evaluation skills are highly sought after by employers and you'll be able to apply your acquired skills to real-life situations in business |
| Key Content |
Individuals, firms, markets and market failure -Micro Economics
The national and international economy -Macro Economics Economic performance |
| Assessment AS- |
2 Exams |
| Assessment A-Level |
3 Exams |
| Next steps - Careers/HE courses | Economics can lead to a wide range of careers in Economics and Finance-related professions including: Accountant, Actuarial Analyst, Chartered Accountant, Data Analyst, Economist, Finance and Banking, Financial Risk Analyst, Financial Planner, Forensic Accountant, Investment Analyst, Statistician, Stockbroker. In addition, the knowledge and skills learned would also be useful for careers including: Actuary, Business Analysis and Development, the Civil Service, Data Science, Diplomacy, Economic and/or Political Journalism, Government and Politics, Management Consultancy, Policy Development and Management, Quantity Surveying. |
| Suggested links to resources |
