At Bridgewater Sixth Form we take a holistic approach to the Business Studies subject, demonstrating the interrelated nature of business using business models, theories and techniques to support analysis of contemporary business issues and situations to provide a dynamic specification. The content is designed to engage students through topics and contemporary developments that are relevant in today’s society such as Digital Technology and Business Ethics, and Globalisation.
We follow the Edexcel A Level Business syllabus, with the course assessed in the summer of Year 13.
Business Studies – A Level content
- Theme 1 focuses on marketing and people involved un running a successful business. Students will develop an understanding of meeting customer needs, the market, the marketing mix strategy, managing people and entrepreneurs.
- In Theme 2, we look at how business activities are managed. Students will develop an understanding of raising finance, financial planning, managing finance, resource management and external influences.
- Theme 3 looks at business decisions and strategy. This theme develops the concepts introduced in Theme 2. Students will develop an understanding of business objectives and strategy, business growth, decision-making techniques, influences on business decisions, assessing competitiveness and managing change.
- Theme 4 looks at the wider impact of global businesses. This theme develops the concepts introduced in Theme 1. Students will develop an understanding of globalisation, global markets and business expansion, global marketing and multi-national corporations.
There are three exams at the end of Year 13.
Paper 1: Marketing, people and global business (35% of the total qualification)
Paper 2: Business activities, decisions and strategies (35% of the total qualification)
Paper 3: Investigating business in a competitive environment
A Level Business Studies opens up many degree course options for further study such as Business and Management Studies, Marketing, Accountancy and Finance. There are also many courses which combine Business Studies with Languages, Law, IT, Mathematics or Psychology. In addition, numerous degree courses offer practical experience working for major companies as part of the programme of study.