SPECIFICATION LINK: 7132

TITLE: AQA Level 3 Advanced GCE in Business (601/4336/8)

COURSE INFORMATION

Business will not make you a millionaire by the time you are 21. It will, however, provide an exciting insight into the dynamic world of business. You will learn the importance of marketing, how to identify, target and satisfy customer requirements, and how to motivate people, in order to maximise their output. You will learn that every business decision has financial implications, and you will be taught how to calculate profit, forecast cash flow and analyse a firm's published accounts. Apart from learning the theoretical aspects of business, examining case studies encourages students to use their initiative in problem-solving and gives rise to lively class discussions. Students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions – all skills that are needed for further study and employment.

Students starting a two-year course in September will take their A-Level qualification at the end of their second year

The subject content is presented in 10 modules which can be taught alongside each other, regardless if it is Year 1 or Year 2 content.

Subject content

1. What is business?
2. Managers, leadership and decision making
3. Decision making to improve marketing performance
4. Decision making to improve operational performance
5. Decision making to improve financial performance
6. Decision making to improve human resource performance
7. Analysing the strategic position of a business (A-level only)
8. Choosing strategic direction (A-level only)
9. Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies (A-level only)
10. Managing strategic change (A-level only)

ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE

Paper 1

What's assessed? All content above

Assessed

• Written exam: 2 hours
• 100 marks in total
• 33.3% of A-level

Questions

Three compulsory sections:

• Section A has 15 multiple choice questions (MCQs) worth 15 marks.
• Section B has short answer questions worth 35 marks.
• Sections C and D have two essay questions (choice of one from two and one from two) worth 25 marks each.

Paper 2

What's assessed? All content above

Assessed

• Written exam: 2 hours
• 100 marks in total
• 33.3% of A-level

Questions

Three data response compulsory questions worth approximately 33 marks each and made up of three or four part questions

Paper 3

What's assessed? All content above

Assessed

• Written exam: 2 hours
• 100 marks in total
• 33.3% of A-level

Questions

One compulsory case study followed by approximately six questions

ROUTES FOR PROGRESSION

Business Studies develop the skills and attributes to enter the world of work, employment, further education, apprenticeship or with training providers.

Higher Education - Degree/Foundation Degree in Business, Management, Economics, Law, Accountancy and other Social Science courses.