Curriculum Intent
A level Business Studies
There are 4 themes to A level business which will be taught over two years. Theme 1 and 2 will be taught in year one and 3 and 4 in year two.
Theme 1
In this theme, students are introduced to the market, explore the marketing and people functions and investigate entrepreneurs and business start-up. This theme enables students to understand how businesses identify opportunities and to explore how businesses focus on developing a competitive advantage through interacting with customers. Students develop an understanding of how businesses need to adapt their marketing to operate in a dynamic business environment. This theme also considers people, exploring how businesses recruit, train, organise and motivate employees, as well as the role of enterprising individuals and leaders.
Theme 2
In this theme, students explore the finance and operations functions, and investigate external influences on business. This theme enables students to develop an understanding of raising and managing finance, and measuring business performance. The theme outlines the importance of using resources efficiently within a business to ensure that goods or services can be delivered effectively and efficiently, and to a high quality.
Theme 3
In this theme, students develop their understanding of the concepts introduced in Theme 2 and explore influences on business strategy and decision-making. This theme moves from functions to strategy, enabling students to develop their understanding of the core concepts and to take a strategic view of business opportunities and issues. Students analyse corporate objectives and strategy against financial and non-financial performance measures and how businesses grow, and develop an understanding of the impact of external influences.
Theme 4
In this theme, students develop their understanding of the concepts introduced in Theme 1 and explore business activity in a global context. Students investigate businesses that trade on a global scale and explore their reasons for doing so. Students develop an understanding of the globally competitive environment and consider the ethical and moral dimensions of global business activities.
Entry requirements:
Grade 7 or above in Business Studies
Grade 6 or above in English and Maths
