What is the Applied A Level?

 

·         An Applied A Level is a double A Level which has a work-related emphasis and is assessed mainly on coursework.  The Applied A Level in Business is for people who already know they wish to pursue a career in this area.

 

·         The course prepares you for employment more directly than most other A Levels.  It will give you a head start in your career though many students decide to take a university degree before going into employment.

 

Is an Applied A Level as good as a traditional A Level?

·         An Applied A Level has the same value as two A Levels in more ‘traditional’ subjects like Maths or English.

 

Can you mix Applied  A Levels with other A Levels?

·         Yes, most students do this.  As long as you are suitably qualified you can combine an Applied course with one or two ‘traditional’ A Level subjects chosen from those offered at the College.

 

What do you do on the course?

·         You will gain a broad understanding of the world of business and study selected areas in greater depth.

 

·         You spend time on work-related assignments and may visit local employers. You will develop the communication, numeracy and IT skills you need in any job as well as talents in report writing, making presentations and using IT packages.  You are required to undertake work experience and most students find this helps them with the practical aspects of the course.

What assessments will I do?

   

·         Most of the course will be internally assessed through a programme of work related assignments set and marked by your tutors.

 

·         Some of the course will be externally assessed through written examinations.  The units assessed in this way are ‘Investigating Business And Finance’ in the first year and ‘Business Decision Making’ in the second year.

 

·         Each unit is graded A-E and your overall qualification is also graded AA-EE (because it is a double A Level).

 

 

What combines well with the Applied A Level in Business?

 

·         There is a wide choice of other AS and A Levels but most students choose courses which will help them in their business careers.  Many students choose ICT or Maths, while others choose Psychology or a modern language. 

 

·         Many Applied Business students follow the Certificate in Financial Studies.  This is a course which has the value equivalent to another AS Level.  It focuses on developing your understanding of Finance with units on why money matters, risk and reward, and making financial judgements.

 

·         When you start the Applied A Level you will be eligible to apply for the Career Academy in Business and Finance.  This prestigious scheme will put you in touch with successful businesses, provide you with a personal mentor and offer you first hand experience of employment via an extended, paid internship between year 1 and year 2 of the course. 

 

What do we look for?

 

·          A good overall performance at GCSE with an average of a C grade including English and Mathematics.

 

·         We welcome students who have already begun business-related studies by way of BTEC First, Applied GCSEs or OCR Nationals.

 

·         An enthusiasm for Business and a good school report that shows you have good organisational skills and that you can meet deadlines.