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Business

Why study Business?

The business course at Woodhouse introduces you to the dynamic environment of business and the importance of entrepreneurial activity in creating opportunities and sustaining growth in the UK and beyond. 

In addition, there is a clear focus on the functions of large corporations and their impact on today’s society.

The aim is to develop business students who are principled and have a deep understanding of the direct impact that all business operations have on the world in which we live.  Our vision is to ultimately develop ethical employers of the future, with a shared vision to protect not only key stakeholders by also the environment in which we live. 

Students are introduced to business through building knowledge of core business concepts and applying them to business contexts such as case studies or current new articles to develop a broad understanding of how businesses work in today’s world.  

At Woodhouse, business students are encouraged to use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of business and to understand that business behaviour should be studied from a range of viewpoints.  

The focus of the specification is to nurture an enthusiasm for studying business, whilst challenging theory and assumptions using contemporary contexts.  This allows learners to develop an appreciation of the strategic, complex and the inter-related nature of business issues from a local to global perspective.

Course overview:

Year 1

Component 1: Business Opportunities focuses on new business start-ups and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The content in this section is based around the concept of starting a new business and the issues that surround the process of planning a new business. 

Business Functions broadens the context for learners and includes all types of business organisation, from sole traders to established multinational companies and all functions from Marketing and Sales to Finance and Operations Management. 

Year 2

Component 2: Business Analysis and Strategy focuses on understanding and using analytical techniques and developing appropriate business strategies. Learners need to understand, construct and analyse a range of decision-making models and investment appraisal methods used by businesses to decide on their strategy. Students will develop analytical skills to investigate business opportunities and problems in a number of different contexts and evaluate a range of quantitative and qualitative data to suggest possible strategic responses from businesses.

Component 3: Business in a Changing World explores how business adapts to survive and succeed in a dynamic external environment.   Students will develop an understanding that, regardless of size, businesses now operate in a global marketplace with opportunities and threats and need to consider a wide range of external factors that affect decision-making and strategy. Students will integrate the knowledge developed in all three components to display and holistic understanding of business activity and the environment in which they operate.

How is the course assessed? 

Assessment is by exam. There is no externally assessed coursework. There are 3 papers taken at the end of the course.

  • Paper 1: Business Opportunities and Function (2 hrs 15 mins) compulsory short answer and compulsory data response questions.
  • Paper 2: Business Analysis and Strategy (2 hrs 15 mins) compulsory data response and structure.
  • Paper 3: Business in a Changing World (2 hrs 15 mins) compulsory questions from extended case study.  Synoptic essays from a choice of questions. 
What will I do in lessons?

You will do a range of activities both independent and interactive including: reviewing case studies and real business situations through individual problem solving, pairs work, group work, presentations and role plays and mini projects.  Students will have to undertake an in-depth corporate research project during their first year which sits alongside the curriculum to develop understanding and application skills.   There will be a range of in class assessment and periodic one to one feedback.

What Independent study will be expected? 

Up to five hours of week or work.   In the first year much of this work will be directed by your teacher but over time, as you become more effective independent learners, you will be expected to use your own initiative such as research business news stories and develop critical analysis.

Exam Board

Eduqas
Link to specification
GCSE entry requirements:
  • 6 in Mathematics required
  • 6 English Language required
  • 6 in Business required (if taken at GCSE)
What A Levels go well with this one?

A Level Politics, A Level Economics, A Level Psychology, A Level History and A Level Geography are good fits with Business.

What can I do beyond A Levels with this subject?

•    Business management or administration degree.  

•    International Business and Development. 

•    Financial Management. 

•    Apprenticeships in finance and business sectors
 

Careers in which it helps to have A Level Business include: Project Management, Human Resource Management, Business Development, Finance, Accountancy, Advertising and Digital Marketing, Consultancy, Journalism, Law, Civil Service and Teaching.

Frequently asked questions

How is Business different to Economics?

Business is about all the tried and tested methods of running an organisation successfully. Areas of study include: business functions from human and operations management to market analysis and financial performance.  There is a strong focus on strategic decision making such as change and risk management as well as external factors and globalisation.  Economics covers the wider impacts of decisions such as (but not limited to) changing tax levels, the interest rate, business and government investment, international trade agreements and welfare payments. 

Is GCSE Business an advantage when studying A Level Business?

Not really.  Student who studied GCSE will of course be more familiar with some of the knowledge and terminology required, but the emphasis of A Level Business is the application of that knowledge to real life business situations, the analysis of it and in making sound evaluations and judgements.  Therefore, students who have not studied the subject before are not disadvantaged as all knowledge is covered from the beginning.  

Do universities like Business A Level?

Universities love to see students with A Level Business because they often achieve very good results at degree level. 

What skills will I develop? 

Numerous skills are used and developed over the two-year programme from analytical and critical thinking skills to a creative approach in teamwork and problem solving.  Roleplays ad debate with also develop leadership and negotiation skills.  Your presentation skills will also be developed in the classroom.

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