Why choose A level business?
Whether you hope to one day be a chief executive of a multinational company or you are simply looking for an A level that will give you a great understanding of how the world works, business is a great option.
The course has had considerable exam success and our students have progressed onto a wide range of higher education courses. You will learn all about the inner workings of the businesses you see around you every day, from your corner shop to global brands such as Nike. You will also learn how businesses plan for the future, how they stay ahead of the competition, how they manage their resources, and how they strategically operate in domestic and global markets.
Course type: A level
Board: AQA
Head of department: Mr A MacLaughlin
Entry requirement: Grade 6 GCSE business. If business has not been taken at GCSE – grade 6 GCSE maths is required with A level core maths recommended in addition; five grade 5s at GCSE including English
How will A level business be delivered and assessed?
| Component | Content | Assessment |
| Year 12 | Introduction to core business functions including marketing, operations, finance and human resources. Emphasis on decision making, business context and data use. | Delivered through case studies, discussions, real-world examples, and exam-style practice. |
| Year 13 | Builds on Year 12. Focus on strategy, managing change, external environment, and strategic decision making in larger and complex business scenarios. | Further development of analytical and evaluative skills applied to business strategy and real-world contexts. |
| Examination format | All assessment is exam-based. No coursework. | Three written exams (2 hours each). Each paper worth 33.3% of the A Level. Questions include multiple choice, short answer, data response, and essay. |
Topics covered
Year 12
- What is business?
- Managers, leadership and decision-making
- Decision-making to improve marketing performance
- Decision-making to improve operational performance
- Decision-making to improve financial performance
- Decision-making to improve human resource performance
Year 13
- Analysing the strategic position of a business
- Choosing strategic direction
- Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies
- Managing strategic change
