Head of Department
Mr S Collins
Why choose the subject?
Business enables students to engage with, explore and understand business behaviour and develop a critical understanding of the subject. The course provides an excellent grounding in the principles of Business.
Who is eligible?
The syllabus assumes no previous study of Business Studies but a grade 6 in an English GCSE and maths GCSE is required.
Qualification Type: A Level only (2 year)
Specification: Year 2026/2028 Advanced Level Award Examination Board: AQA
The new AQA Business specification for first teaching in September 2026 has been updated and assessment has been simplified into three examinations, each covering a specific area of the specification.
The three main areas focussed on are:
Paper 1 – What is Business, managing marketing and finance
2 hour written exam – 90 marks in total – 33.3% of A level
Two case studies. Each case study is followed by five compulsory questions worth 45 marks per case study.
Paper 2 – Managing operations and people
2 hour written exam – 90 marks in total – 33.3% of A level
Two case studies. Each case study is followed by five compulsory questions worth 45 marks per case study.
Paper 3 – Business and society, business and the external environment and business strategy
2 hour written exam – 90 marks in total – 33.3% of A level
Two case studies. Each case study is followed by five compulsory questions worth 45 marks per case study.
The simplification of assessment and the new focus for each exam paper will make it a much more accessible course of study.
Business is worth pursuing for its own sake, but it is a useful qualification for those hoping to go directly into employment or aiming to go on to higher education. Employers like students who have studied Business as it makes them more immediately employable. Many students progress on to Business related degree courses. In addition, many degree subjects have a business module, so studying this subject can be extremely useful whatever path students might eventually follow. Students develop skills and knowledge very relevant to the modern world.
This course is commonly studied with:
As an A-Level subject, Business complements several other A-Level courses, including Economics, Maths, Design Technology and Computer Science.
Future Careers:
Bank manager, Business analyst, Business development manager, Business project manager, Customer services manager, Digital marketer, Estate agent, Financial adviser, Human resources officer, Investment analyst, Management consultant, Market researcher, Pensions adviser, Public relations officer, Retail buyer, Retail merchandiser, Road transport manager, Sales manager.
