Courses

Business

Course Description

In the fast-paced and exciting world of business, there are endless possibilities. This established and highly successful subject provides a good springboard into the dynamic world of business and appeals to a broad range of students with diverse interests. Businesses today operate in a challenging and global environment, understanding these issues and business theory is an advantage in many occupations.

Entry Requirements

Students studying three A Levels will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 and three GCSEs at grade 5/4, including English Language and Mathematics at grade 5/4 or above. Or eight GCSEs at a minimum of grade 5.

Features of the Course

Business is a very popular and well established subject, as most people work in some form of business organisation. It is without doubt, one of the most important and relevant subjects to study. It combines well with almost any other subject and it is held in high regard by universities and employers. Throughout the course you will develop transferable skills including the ability to problem solve, analyse and make evaluative judgements. You will apply theory and models to particular businesses and use real business news on most days to discuss what is going on in the real world and how the theories you have learned can apply to most companies in the news.

Assessment

All assessment is completed via examination at the end of the second year. There are three exams of two hours each and the format is a combination of multiple choice, data response and extended written questions.

Exam Board: AQA

Enrichment and Work Experience

You will be involved in financial markets selling virtual shares and researching the FTSE 100. You will keep a portfolio of current affairs which relates to the main sectors of industry with a prize awarded for the best portfolio. Visits include the Tutor2u study events together with planned trips to Alton Towers and Jaguar Land Rover.

There is an expectation to complete a minimum of a one-week placement in the Summer term. You will be proactive in finding a placement that will enable you to use your skills and to enrich your experience so that any applications for university or employment will show that you have good practical, as well as good academic levels of achievement.

Additional Information

Wider reading of the business news will be an important part of studying A Level Business. In particular, knowledge of organisations within the major sectors of the UK economy such as banking, retail, the car industry, the supermarket industry and the airline and travel industry will allow you to link current affairs to topics in the classroom and in your written answers.

Links With Other Subjects

Business can be studied with many other subjects and links well with Economics, Accounting, IT, Law and Mathematics.

Future Career Opportunities

Successful students have progressed onto a variety of higher education courses including business, law, economics, accounting and marketing. Others have chosen to enter directly into employment in areas such as retail management and leisure and tourism. There are many opportunities for business related degree courses, higher apprenticeships or degree apprenticeships available.

Why study at The Sixth Form Bolton?

You can be assured of a warm welcome by our staff. The department prides itself on the guidance and support we give and all students are valued and included and encouraged to achieve their full potential.

We have excellent resources including first-rate IT facilities which help enhance your learning. Visiting speakers are welcomed and bring their real life experiences to our classrooms. The course is taught by experienced staff; a number of our teachers are examiners in this subject and results are consistently high with students achieving well above the national average.