Business Studies is a subject that introduces students to a wide range of issues that they encounter on a day-to-day basis or may hear about on news bulletins.

At Abbey College, we have teachers who not only are very well qualified in subject terms, but also have worked in managerial positions in businesses and so bring real world examples to their teaching.

Subject Overview

Students study BUSS1 and BUSS2 Units at AS and BUSS3 and BUSS4 at A2 for an overall A level.

BUSS1 deals with Planning and Financing a Business, BUSS2 with Managing a Business, with a focus on Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship. BUSS4 is entitled Strategies for Success and BUSS4 is entitled The Business Environment and Managing Change.

The focus in A2 is on very large businesses, looking at issues such as Globalisation, Mergers and Takeovers and Corporate Culture.

The BUSS4 exam is based on a pre released theme, against which students research real world companies and how they relate to the subject matter. The theme this year was the effects of the recession.

Teaching Approaches

A very interactive approach is involved particularly at A2. Teaching is supported by case studies and past questions. Students are assessed regularly, often using exam practice questions with close feedback, and are encouraged to research independently as well as keep abreast of business news.

Higher Education Opportunities

The subject is well recognised and is suitable for entry into good Universities for relevant subjects, such as Economics, Accountancy, Business Management, Law, Journalism, Media and more.

Supportive material

Anyone wishing to explore the subject content before deciding on studying can look on the AQA website, www.aqa.org.uk; this being the exam board we use. They give access to past papers as well as subject profiles. Many good text books are available; again AQA endorse certain authors.

Teacher staff: Andrew Britton (Head of Department), Emma Carter, Shahzad Hussain (Head of Upper Sixth).