Economics & Business Studies
Key Stage 5 (Years 12 & 13)
Exam Board: AQA
Studying Economics & Business Studies allows you to better understand the world around you. The department has grown in size since Economics and Business Studies were introduced into the curriculum at Bishop Challoner two years ago. It is popular choice of subjects for pupils and studying these subjects prepares you for life beyond school, no matter your path!
The AQA A-Level Economics syllabus leads to the investigation of Economics on all levels from the individual consumer to the actions of national governments, international trade and development of global regions. Successful students will gain an understanding of current issues. They will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to enable them to evaluate the decisions of governments and businesses, the words of the press and politicians, and comment on any aspect of human behaviour that affects the allocation of resources and the welfare society. iGCSE Economics is also offered to pupils of Year 10 and 11.
Business Studies offers the opportunity to observe and evaluate business practice in all its different contexts and applications; from Multinational to Sole Trader and from Public Service to Financial Institution. The Department follows the AQA A-level Business course and also offers iGCSE Business Studies for Years 10 and 11. This draws on skills from a variety of disciplines and encompasses the four main functional areas of business: Finance, Production, Human Resources and Marketing.
Pupils are encouraged to read newspapers and relevant journals. Time will be spent developing an interest in current issues, improving the pupils’ skills as economists and business students, as well as their understanding of the world in which they live. Tuition takes a variety of forms including lectures, discussions, group projects and individual research. We attend conferences to hear distinguished speakers from public life and invite outside speakers into the classroom here as well.
Entrance requirements:
In order to study Business at A Level, candidates should have reasonable levels of numeracy and literacy; therefore, a 5 in Mathematics and 5 in English Language or Literature, are needed if Business was not taken as a GCSE option.
Career Opportunities:
Business has immediate relevance to everyday life. It is a practical study of the institutions and patterns of behaviour that are so important to the society in which we live. Despite its practical nature, Business requires candidates to develop the academic skill of analysis and evaluation. Our Business students have gained entry to a very wide range of University courses. In the right combination of subjects, Business is well respected as a qualification for entry into Higher Education.
For those who already have careers in mind, Business with Mathematics is a useful combination for Banking, Insurance, Accountancy, etc. while Business with languages is a good start for those considering Sales and Marketing. Combined with sciences it provides a useful background for a scientific career in industry.
Structure of the course:
Lower Sixth Content |
Upper Sixth Content |
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What is business? Managers, leadership and decision making 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
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The Business syllabus encourages candidates to acquire a range of important and transferable skills including:
-Data and numerical skills – candidates will be expected to manipulate data in a variety of forms and to interpret their results
-Presenting arguments and making judgments and justified recommendations on the basis of the available evidence
-Recognising the nature of problems, solving problems and making decisions using appropriate business tools and methods
-Planning work, taking into account the demands of the task and the time available to complete it
-Conducting research into a specific theme in preparation for one or more tasks
-Challenging their own assumptions using evidence that has become available.
Assessment
Three papers of 2 hours each, all covering the whole of the course content and counting for 33.3% of the A Level each:
Paper 1 (100 marks)
15 marks of multiple choice
35 marks of short answer questions
50 marks comprised of 2 essay questions
Paper 2 (100 marks)
Three data response questions
Paper 3 (100 marks)
One case study of approx. 6 questions
