Course at a glance
Examining Board: Edexcel
Next Examination Period: May / June 2024
Exam Specification Code: 8BS0 (2015 Specification)
Coursework Element: None
Practical Element: None
Course Fee Includes: Online course materials and tutor support. Additional materials available at extra cost.
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 understanding of how businesses work. Students are encouraged to use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of business, to understand that business behaviour can be studied 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.
The new AS Level in Business is structured into two themes and consists of two externally examined papers. Students are introduced to business through building knowledge of core business concepts and applying them to business contexts to develop a broad from a range of perspectives and to challenge assumptions.
Qualification aims and objectives
The aims and objectives of the AS Level in Business are to enable students to:
– Develop an enthusiasm for studying business
– Gain an holistic understanding of business in a range of contexts
– Develop a critical understanding of organisations and their ability to meet society’s needs and wants
– Understand that business behaviour can be studied from a range of perspectives
– Generate enterprising and creative approaches to business opportunities, problems and issues
– Be aware of the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities faced by organisations and individuals
– Acquire a range of relevant business and generic skills, including decision making, problem solving, the challenging of assumptions and critical analysis
– Apply numerical skills in a range of business contexts
AS Level Business (2015 Specification) Entry Requirements
Although the AS Level Business (2015 Specification) programmes build on the course content of GCSE, it is not necessary to have this qualification before undertaking an AS 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.
AS Level Business (2015 Specification) Course Duration
1 year.
Study Hours Required
Approximately 150 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 AS Level Business (2015 Specification) 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.
Pre-released materials required for Paper 3 will become available through your chosen examination centre in the November before your chosen examination period and will need to be requested directly from the examination centre.
All examinations are held during the May / June exam period of every year.
Further information on exam centres can be found here: https://www.oxfordcollege.ac/examination-centres/
AS Level Business (2015 Specification) Course Content
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.
Unit 2 – Managing Business Activities
Students will develop an understanding of:
- Raising finance.
- Financial planning.
- Managing finance.
- Resource management.
- External influences.
AS Level Business (2015 Specification) Assessment
There will be two written exam papers. Paper 1 and Paper 2 to be taken at one sitting, each paper is 50% of total marks for this qualification.
AS Level Business (2015 Specification) Paper 1 – Marketing and People (Code: 8BSO/01) 8BS0/01
Paper 1 will assess marketing and people, entrepreneurs and business start up.
The questions in Sections A and B will be drawn from Theme 1 content.
The question in Section C will also be drawn from Theme 2 content requiring students to make connections between marketing and people (Theme 1) and managing business activities (Theme 2).
Questions will be drawn from local, national and global contexts.
The paper comprises three sections:
- Students answer all questions from all sections.
- Sections A and B each comprise one data response question broken down into a number of parts.
- Section C comprises one extended, open-response question.
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
- 80 marks available. (50%)
AS Level Business (2015 Specification) Paper 2 – Managing Business Activities (Code: 8BSO/02)
Paper 2 will assess business finance and operations, and external influences of business.
The questions in Sections A and B will be drawn from Theme 2 content.
The question in Section C will also be drawn from Theme 1 content requiring students to make connections between managing business activities (Theme 2) and marketing and people (Theme 1).
Questions will be drawn from local, national and global contexts.
The paper comprises three sections:
- Students answer all questions from all sections.
- Sections A and B each comprise one data response question broken down into a number of parts.
- Section C comprises one extended, open-response question.
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
- 80 marks available. (50%)
Progression
Our AS Level Business (2015 Specification) 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.
AS 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 = 20
B = 16
C = 12
D = 10
E = 6
