A-Level Business Studies (AQA 7132)

Course Overview

If you want to know more about how businesses make decisions, solve problems and earn profits, then A-level business studies is for you.

Business studies gives you the opportunity to learn about strategic decision making, together with functions and roles of business activities such as marketing and finance. An interest in current affairs is essential, together with a willingness to learn and apply business models and ideas to a variety of contexts.

The course focuses on business functions, external influences and strategic decision making, and is assessed by three examinations at the end of Year 13. A-level business studies will allow you to develop your skills of research, communication, analysis and evaluation, all of which prepare you well for higher education. This subject works well with economics, philosophy, mathematics, English and politics.

You will study:

  • What is business?
  • Managers, leadership and decision making
  • Decision making to improve
    • Marketing performance
    • Operational performance
    • Financial performance
    • Human resource performance
  • Analysing the strategic position of a business
  • Choosing strategic direction
  • Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies
  • Managing strategic change

“It is exciting to study the models and theories which we then see real world businesses using. I particularly enjoy business strategy in Year 13 because we study how companies such as Apple operate.”

St Ivo Student

Course Code: 7132

Minimum Entry Requirements

  • A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including english and 4+ in mathematics

Exam Board: AQA

Assessment

100% Exam:

  • Paper 1 – 33.3%
  • Paper 2 – 33.3%
  • Paper 3 – 33.3%

Choosing your post-16 options is an important decision, and St Ivo Academy Sixth Form is here to guide you. Applications are welcome from students in St Ives and beyond via the MyChoice16 platform.

Step-by-step application process

  1. Log in to your MyChoice16 account.
  2. Select ‘My Applications’. To start a new application, click ‘Start a new Application’; to continue an existing one, click ‘Continue’ next to your application.
  3. Complete all sections of your Profile Template if this is your first application. For additional applications, only ‘Course Choices’ needs to be completed.
  4. Qualifications will be uploaded by the school—this section can be skipped. Your form tutor will add a reference.
  5. Complete any remaining fields or checkboxes. Click ‘Send Application’ to submit.
  6. Your application status will update (eg. Sent, Schools Hold). The school will review your application to ensure it meets the requirements, and you may be asked to discuss it with a teacher.
  7. Monitor your application regularly and respond promptly to any notifications.
  8. All applicants will be invited to an interview before a provisional offer is made.

 

Business & Management

  • Business Manager / Consultant
  • Entrepreneur / Start-up Founder
  • Project Manager
  • Operations Manager

Finance & Economics

  • Accountant / Chartered Accountant
  • Financial Analyst / Planner
  • Banker / Investment Analyst
  • Economist

Marketing & Sales

  • Marketing Executive / Manager
  • Brand Manager
  • Digital Marketing Specialist
  • Sales Manager

Other Related Fields

  • Human Resources
  • Public Relations
  • Business Law / Corporate Law (with further study)
  • Teaching / Lecturing in Business

John Burniston – John.Burniston@astreastivo.org 

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