BUSINESS
A Level Business starts by teaching students the practical steps of starting up a small business. It finishes by discussing the detailed issues involved in running a large corporation like Dell Computer Plc.
WHY CHOOSE BUSINESS?
Business is a field that is undeniably important to society. Businesses and business leaders have been key architects of the digital age and the globalised world we inhabit. The challenge of managing finite resources in a way that satisfies a network of stakeholders is perhaps greater and more exciting than ever. The ability to critically engage with businesses and the commercial world equips young people with the tools to excel in their careers and make a meaningful contribution to the progression of society. For many students, A Level Business will lay the groundwork for an exciting and lucrative career.
WHAT IS BUSINESS AT DLD?
A Level Business at DLD College allows learners to develop a holistic understanding of organisations in various business sectors and environments, drawing on local, national and global contexts. We embrace creativity and work to inculcate a measured approach to tackling questions that ultimately lead to justified judgments that avoid the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.
Learners will apply a number of analytical techniques such as break-even analysis, investment appraisal tools and ratio analysis in order to investigate business opportunities and problems. They will be equipped to determine appropriate business strategy in a range of contexts. Business Teachers at DLD aim to create an atmosphere that is dynamic in terms of its delivery of subject material, stimulating and one that nurtures an awareness of events and issues within the global commercial environment.
HOW IS BUSINESS AT DLD ASSESSED?
| Weighting | Format | ||
| Component 1: | Business Opportunities and Functions | 33.3% | 2 hours 15 minute exam |
| Component 2: | Business Analysis and Strategy | 33% | 2 hours 15 minute exam |
| Component 3: | Business in a Changing World | 33.3% | 2 hours 15 minute exam |
Exam Board:EDUQAS
WHAT DO I NEED BEFORE BUSINESS AT DLD?
The best students of Business have a rounded set of academic strengths. Students should be confident essay writers as their ability to write will be analytically tested. At the same time, the course requires learners to have a confident grasp of numeracy and the ability to manipulate data to support rational judgements. Finally a genuine enthusiasm and interest in the commercial world is invaluable and will help students to accelerate their progression.
GOOD SUBJECT COMBINATIONS
The broad nature of A Level Business means that it is an excellent complement to most other A Level courses offered at the College. There are significant overlaps with other Social Sciences such as Economics, Geography, Sociology, Government and Politics but also with other subjects such as Psychology, Media Studies, Drama and even Art. The importance of critical thinking skills is shared with English and the need for quantitative analysis makes A Level Mathematics a valuable combination.
WHAT DO I DO AFTER DLD?
The theory taught in A Level Business is useful in all walks of life as most of us work as employees rather than becoming entrepreneurs. A working knowledge of the way businesses operate will always be helpfu in assessing the prospects of particular firms and therefore in career planning. However, there are a wide range of Business related higher education qualifications; many of which are joint honours degrees involving another subject. These are particularly valuable in the modern business world as are business degrees involving an international dimension in the form of an internship abroad. Business related ‘Sandwich courses’ (where students complete a work placement as part of their degree course) are also very popular.
While most DLD students follow the path of higher education, a sizeable minority go straight into the workplace as trainees in family businesses or in certain aspects of the financial services and property industries.
All this indicates that A Level Business can be a staging post for both university and the working world.
QUESTIONS ON BUSINESS COURSES
Q Can the course be done in one year?
A The first year of the course offers students an AS qualification. If students have already completed AS study elsewhere, it may be possible to complete the A Level in one year.
Q Which exam board do you follow?
A From September 2015, new students will be following the Eduqas A Level Business specification. Students who have already studied AQA AS Business may be able to complete the legacy papers for BUSS1, BUSS2, BUSS3 and BUSS4.
Q Are there a lot of calculations to do in A Level Business?
A The assessment of quantitative skills will form 15% of the overall marks. The subject is primarily assessed through extended writing.
Q Can I use the A Level to apply for a gap year internship?
A Yes.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ON BUSINESS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To study A Levels, your current or pending exam results should be equivalent to or higher than GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) in at least 5 subjects and a minimum level of English equivalent to IELTS 5.5.
At the start of each academic year of study students following an A Level course without a pass at Level 5/Grade C in GCSE or IGCSE English Language or with an Academic English score below 6.5 overall must join an Academic English training course for the duration of the academic year which will be timetabled alongside A Level lessons.
If your level of English is not sufficient to meet the entry criteria for the A Level programme you will normally be offered a place on the one year Academic Preparation Course (pre A Level) in order to bring your English skills up to the required level.
