Business Studies
Business Studies is an exciting and developing area of the curriculum. Several pathways exist - each tailored to the needs of each pupil.
The key advantage of the department is that prior learning is not a prerequisite of the course.
It is a course that allows people to utilise their daily experiences in a thoughtful and structured manner.
Click on the routes above to find out more.
Intermediate GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification)
General Information
Intermediate GNVQ is a one-year course and equivalent to 4 GCSE A-C grades. It covers a wide range of business issues and is timetabled for 14 and a quarter hours per week. It is an excellent base for advanced study.
Are there any special requirements?
No, we assume that no one has studied this subject before - although if you have you may find this helpful. There is no evidence to suggest that students who have studied the subject prior to enrolment perform any better than those who have not done so.
What will I be studying?
The Intermediate consists of the following 6 units:
Unit 1: |
Investigating How Businesses Work.
This Unit examines how businesses work internally. Students explore all areas of business including marketing, human resources, administration and production. As part of the assessment for this Unit students produce a report based upon a firm of their own choice. |
Unit 2: |
How Businesses Develop.
This Unit explores the differing types of business ownership within the UK, the factors affecting a firm's growth and the implications of growth. |
Unit 3: |
Business Finance.
Investigates budgets, cash flow statements, profit and loss accounts and break-even and their relevance to business. This Unit is assessed externally. |
Unit 4: |
Customer Service.
This unit is based upon a study of customer service within the organisation visited during work experience. |
Unit 5: |
People in Business.
Unit 6 explores the human resource area of the company. Employee rights, responsibilities and the benefits of co-operation are all covered in a unit which is useful for future employment. |
Unit 6: |
Promotion.
This unit looks at how businesses attempt to persuade customers to purchase their Goods & services. Usually each student will create a brand new product and they investigate the market in order to generate material that would be used in real life. |
What skills will I need and be developing during the course?
Communication is evident in all the units as students produce reports, and on occasion participate in group presentations. In addition, the two financial units develop basic numeracy skills. As students produce individual research projects, and reports, they develop their research skills, and the ability to plan their work to meet set deadlines. IT skills are developed through the use of computer packages and the Internet.
How is the course assessed?
The course is assessed in a variety of methods; two thirds of the units are internally assessed through coursework that involves students producing individual projects. A third is externally assessed through examinations.
What career opportunities are there? On completion of this course you may:
- Choose to proceed to the Advanced Vocational Business course - the majority of students completing this course have chosen to do this. A number of our ex-intermediate students are now enrolled on degree courses at university following the successful completion of the Advanced Vocational Business course here.
- Choose to enter employment - a number of our past students have gained office jobs.
AVCE (Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education)
The Advanced Course can be the equivalent of 2 Full A Level Exam Grades. It is dependent upon which route you decide to take.
| Types of Courses |
Equivalent to |
Length of course |
Single Award |
1 Full A Level |
1 Year |
Double Award |
2 Full A Level's |
2 Years |
Click for more information: Single Award OR Double Award
AS/A2 GCEs (General Certificate of Education Courses)
These courses have replaced traditional A levels and, if you wish to continue studying a GCSE subject to a higher level or begin a completely new subject, there is a large selection to choose from.
All these courses are modular, allowing you to gain an Advanced Subsidiary (AS) award after one year of study.
In your second year you can choose to complete further modules in your chosen subjects (at A2 level) thus achieving a full A level award.
General Information
- We offer the AQA A level Business Studies modular syllabus at both A level (2 year course) and AS level (1 year course.)
- AS level forms the first year of the A level course.
Are there any special requirements?
No, we assume that all students are starting from scratch.
What will I be studying?
AS Level & A2 Level The first and second years consist of 3 units - to varying degrees of complexity:
- Marketing & Accounting and Finance:
Analysis of Market forces, Market Strategy and Planning. Cost analysis, Price and Break-even Analysis, Company Accounts, Budgeting and Cost Centres.
- People and Operations Management:
Structure of Businesses, Motivational Theory, Human Resource Management. Productive efficiency, Controlling Operations and Lean production.
- External Influences and Objectives and Strategy:
Economic, Governmental and Social opportunities and constraints. Business objectives and Strategy.
What skills will I need and be developing during the course?
Sound communication skills are required whilst there is limited application of number on the course. The course aims to further develop communication and the ability to analyse information. There is the opportunity to enhance IT skills - particularly with the Business Project.
What career opportunities are there?
Business Studies provides a valuable base for a wide number of careers in a variety of fields
- Most occupations now involve some degree of business knowledge - this course provides you with an insight into current practice and the various facets of management.
- You may choose to follow the subject at a higher level and specialise in specific fields such as Marketing, Human Resources, Management or Accounting.
- Accountancy or management training scheme.
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