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 Unit 1 at Year 10 and Unit 2 at Year 11, they will sit a written examination for each.  GCSE students will also complete Unit 3, which as Controlled Assessment for an overall GCSE.

Unit 1 - Setting Up a Business

It introduces students to the role of entrepreneurs - people who set up new businesses.  It explains where new business ideas can come from.  The section covers and explains all of the major decisions that new business owners have to take before setting up and serving their first customer.  Unit 1 is worth 40% of the overall examination.

Unit 2 - Growing as a Business

This section considers the issues faced by larger and expanding business.  Most new business owners hope that they will be successful enough to be able to manage a growing business.  Marketing, finance, managing people and effective production techniques are things that will appear within this section.  Unit 2 is worth 35% of the overall examination.

Unit 3 - Controlled Assessment

Students undertake projects under supervision in the classroom.  Controlled Assessment is an important new government requirement designed to make sure students produce work on their own.  It has replaced coursework.  It is expected that a student will spend between 5 and 8 hours researching their task outside classroom time and around 3 hours writing up the finding while being monitored.  Unit 3 is worth 25% of the overall examination.

Teaching approach (description of types of activities, assessment, teaching styles)

A very interactive approach is involved.  Teaching is supported by case studies and past questions.  Students are assessed regularly and often using exam practice questions with close feedback and are encouraged to research independently.

Higher Education Opportunities

The subject is well recognised and is suitable for entry into all good quality universities for relevant subjects as Economics, Accountancy, Law Journalism, and Media, many require a C Grade.  Also Business Studies is now one of the most popular subjects studied at university.

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.

Teaching Staff involved: Shahzad Hussain (Head of Upper Sixth).