Why Business Studies?
Business Studies aims to develop a holistic understanding of business and enterprise, the market business organisations serve and the process of adding value. It considers business behaviour from a variety of perspectives, incorporating the interests of all stakeholders, using an investigative, problem solving and integrated approach. Business studies draws on a variety of disciplines for analysis and understanding. In the second year one aspect of the subject can be studied in greater depth.
Course Overview
Unit 1 – An Introduction to Business
This unit looks at the nature of business, different ways of classifying businesses and the external influences that affect business.
Unit 2 – Business Functions
This unit looks at the functions involved in business namely; marketing, accounting and finance, people in organisations and operations management.
Unit 3 - Option
One unit is chosen to study in more depth one of the functions involved in running a business. Students can choose either: Marketing, Accounting, People in Organisations or Business Production.
Unit 4 – Strategic Management
This is the synoptic paper which involves taking a holistic approach to looking at strategic decisions.
Assessment
AS Level assessment is by written examinations on An Introduction to Business and Business Functions. A2 Level is assessed by written examinations on Strategic Management and the Option chosen by the student.
Beyond A Level
Business Studies combines well with any A Level subject and will add breadth to those following courses in science, languages or purely arts subjects. It also complements subjects such as Geography, Sociology and Psychology.
Many girls who choose to study Business in the Sixth Form at The Abbey School go on to study a related degree at university, as Business Studies forms an excellent basis for many future careers such as banking, finance, law, ICT, marketing and human resource management.