Course at a glance
Examining Board: Edexcel
Next Examination Period: May / June 2024
Exam Specification Code: 9BS0 (2015 Specification)
Coursework Element: None
Practical Element: None
Course Fee Includes: Online course materials and tutor support. Additional materials available at extra cost.
Fast Track Option: Fast Track A Level Business
Payment Options: Interest free instalment plans available
Edexcel A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations can be taken at any registered examination centre in the world. It is recommended students check with examining centres that the chosen exam is available.
Introduction
This course will help students to develop the skills needed to succeed in today’s changing business world and will open up a wide range of opportunities in employment and for those wishing to continue to study at university. Students will acquire specific and relevant business skills in analysis, evaluation, critical thinking, and decision making that can be applied across a broad range of industries operating in multinational and global markets.
The A level in Business is structured into four themes and consists of three externally examined papers. Students are introduced to business in Units 1 and 2 through building knowledge of core business concepts and applying them to business contexts to develop a broad understanding of how businesses work. Breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, with applications to a wider range of contexts and more complex business information, are developed in Units 3 and 4, requiring students to take a more strategic view of business opportunities and issues. Students are encouraged to use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of business, to understand that business behaviour can be studied from a range of perspectives and to challenge assumptions.
A Level Business Entry Requirements
Although the A Level Business programmes build on the course content of GCSE, it is not necessary to have this qualification before undertaking an A-Level. However, in order to meet the demands of the course, it is recommended that candidates have literacy and communication skills equivalent to C or higher at GCSE. Please note that full tutor support is still provided throughout your course duration.
All students must be 16 years of age or above.
A Level Business Course Duration
2 years.
Study Hours Required
Approximately 350 hours.
Awarding Body
Edexcel A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations can be taken at any registered examination centre in the world. It is recommended students check with examining centres that the chosen exam is available.
Examination Information
Students are required to arrange and pay for their A Level Business examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for further information and final examination sitting dates for the specification.
All examinations are held during the May / June exam period of every year.
You can find further information on exam centres here: https://www.oxfordcollege.ac/examination-centres/
A Level Business Course Content
A Level Business Unit 1 – Marketing and People
Students will develop an understanding of:
- Meeting customer needs.
- The market.
- Marketing mix and strategy.
- Managing people.
- Entrepreneurs and leaders.
A Level Business Unit 2 – Managing Business Activities
Students will develop an understanding of:
- raising finance
- financial planning
- managing finance
- resource management
- external influences.
A Level Business Unit 3 – 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.
- Managing change.
A Level Business Unit 4 – Global Business
This theme develops the concepts introduced in Theme 1. Students will develop an understanding of:
- Globalisation.
- Global markets and business expansion.
- Global marketing.
- Global industries and companies (multinational corporations).
A Level Business Assessment
A Level Business Paper 1: Marketing, people and global businesses (9BSO/01)
- Externally assessed.
- Availability: May/June.
- First assessment: 2017.
- 35% of the total qualification.
Paper 1 will assess marketing, people and global businesses. Questions will be drawn from Themes 1 and 4, and from local, national and global contexts.
Overview of assessment
- Written examination.
- The paper comprises two sections.
- Students answer all questions from both sections.
- Sections A and B each comprise one data response question broken down into a number of parts, including one extended open-response question.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- 100 marks available.
A Level Business Paper 2 : Business activities, decisions and strategy (Code: 9BSO/02)
- Externally assessed
- Availability: May/June
- First assessment: 2017
- 35% of the total qualification
Paper 2 will assess business finance and operations, business decisions and strategy. Questions will be drawn from Themes 2 and 3, and from local, national and global contexts
Overview of assessment
- Written examination.
- The paper comprises two sections.
- Students answer all questions from both sections.
- Sections A and B each comprise one data response question broken down into a number of parts, including one extended open-response question.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- 100 marks available.
A Level Business Paper 3: Investigating business in a competitive environment
- Externally assessed.
- Availability: May/June.
- First assessment: 2017.
- 30% of the total qualification.
Paper 3 will assess content across all four themes. Questions will be drawn from local, national and global contexts.
For Paper 3, there will be a pre-released context document issued on our website in November of the previous year. A new context will be given to centres each year and will relate to the examination series for the following summer.
The context will focus on a broad context, such as an industry or market in which businesses operate. The question paper will be in two sections.
The first section will focus on the broad context provided. This will be outlined to centres through the pre-released document. Questions will focus on the broad context.
The second section will focus on at least one strand within the context provided, such as a particular business.
Each section will contain unseen stimulus materials comprising quantitative and qualitative evidence. Students are required to apply their knowledge and understanding from Themes 1, 2, 3 and 4 and their understanding of the broad context to this evidence.
Students cannot take any of their research or investigation data carried out as part of the pre-release into the examination.
Overview of assessment
- Written examination.
- The paper comprises two sections.
- Students answer all questions from both sections.
- Sections A and B each comprise one data response question broken down into a number of parts, including one extended open-response question.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- 100 marks available.
Assessment and Tutor Support
The course is assessed via written exams at the end of the two year course of study. However, assignments are included within each unit to assess your progress and provide feedback. These are sent to your tutor and you will receive feedback and guidance on your work. You will have access to online tutor support for the full duration of your course.
Progression
Our A Level Business programmes are eligible for UCAS points, making them a great choice for students aiming to progress to University. UCAS points are awarded according to the grade earned, please see below for details.
A levels are also widely recognised by employers and are useful for students looking to progress their careers or meet requirements for promotion.
UCAS Points Table
A* = 56
A = 48
B = 40
C = 32
D = 24
E = 16