Business Studies

Award: GCSE in Business Studies 8132 

Awarding Body: AQA 

Specification Code: 603/0304/9 

Specification Website: AQA Business Studies

Have you ever wondered what setting up a business would involve? Ever had an idea of a product or service that you might want to bring to market and be an Entrepreneur, that is your own boss? If you are interested in the internal functionings of a business and the external influences that impact the business world then this course is for you.

We explore an interesting array of concepts, from how to boost staff motivation to marketing tactics and financial calculations. An inquisitive mind willing to learn about the real business world is needed but if you are up for the challenge then choose Business Studies. There is also the opportunity for continuation at A level too.

Year 10

Unit 1 – Business in the real world

The purpose & nature of businesses, business ownership, setting aims and objectives, Stakeholders, Location, business planning and expanding a business.

Unit 2 – Influences on businesses

Technology, Ethical & environmental considerations, the economic climate, Globalisation, legislation and the competitive environment.

Unit 3 – Business Operations

Production processes, the role of procurement, concept of quality and good customer service.

Year 11

Unit 4 – Human Resources

Organisational structures, recruitment & selection of employees, motivating and training employees.

Unit 5 – Marketing

Identifying & understanding customers, Segmentation, the purpose and methods of market research and the elements of the marketing mix (4P’s).

Unit 6 – Finance

Sources of finance, Cash flow, financial terms & calculations and analysing the financial performance of a business.

Assessments

There are two exam papers at the end of year 11, each worth 50%. 

Both exams cover Business in the real world and Influences on business and then focus on two other units of the course as outlined below:

Paper 1: Influences on Operations and HRM on business activity.

1 hour 45 minutes worth 90 marks and is 50% of the GCSE.

Section A has multiple choice questions (10 marks)

Section B has one case study and stimulus response questions (40 marks)

Section C has one case study and stimulus response questions (40 marks)

Paper 2: Influences on Marketing and Finance on business activity

1 hour 45 minutes worth 90 marks and is 50% of the GCSE

Section A has multiple choice questions (10 marks)

Section B has one case study and stimulus response questions (40 marks)

Section C has one case study and stimulus response question (40 marks)

The course will be demanding on the students’ mathematical and written language skills. They will be expected to write arguments in essay form, as well as carry out calculations with data and analysis. 

Award: A-Level 

Awarding Body: AQA

Specification Code: A-Level 7138 

Specification Website: AQA  A-Level Business

Institution: Westside

Having done Business at GCSE you may want to continue on with your journey and this course will allow you to do just that. We do reflect on the foundations you learnt but other advanced theories and concepts are also taught.

The first half of the course looks at the internal functioning of a firm and explains what they can do to improve on their performance. The second half of the course opens your mind to business strategies and growth, as well as human psychology when it comes to corporate cultures, motivation and resistance to change. This course thoroughly prepares you for a university degree in Business, Management, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Human Resources and many other Business related alternatives.

Should you wish to start employment after A levels, this course helps develop your key skills in research, analysis and evaluation, as well as, preparing you for what to expect in the business world once employed or self-employed.