This practical course will cover all the key areas involved in running a business. You will learn by applying theory to different organisations and scenarios to build your knowledge. Understanding how businesses operate and how to manage these operations is a key skill valued by many employers and opens many future career opportunities.

Students studying three A Levels will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 and three GCSEs at grade 5/4, including English Language and Mathematics at grade 5/4 or above. Or eight GCSEs at a minimum of grade 5. This course may be taken alongside A Level courses and may be more suited to learners with a strong profile of prior attainment in vocational studies.

• Exploring Business

• Developing a Marketing Campaign

• Personal and Business Finance

• Recruitment and Selection

You will study the core disciplines in business through a real “hands-on” approach. Each operational area is linked to a real business case study. Units will have a slightly different focus and some will be based around practical activities. 

The course involves a variety of learning methods including: group work, presentations, industrial visits and guest speakers from industry and interactive activities.

Some of the teachers are senior examiners helping to maximise your skills and grades.

You will be assessed via examination and coursework. Coursework will comprise of reports, presentations and practical tasks. There are five units in total which cover a variety of business topics, enabling you to gain a whole view of the business world.

Exam Board: Edexcel

All Business students will have the opportunity to gain Microsoft qualifications in MS Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Word. These practical skill are highly sought after and valued by employers.

There is an expectation to complete a minimum of one-week work placement in the Summer term. You will be proactive in finding a placement that will enable you to use your skills and to enrich your experience so that any applications for university or employment will show that you have good practical, as well as good academic levels of achievement. There will also be workshops and trips involving leading employers, industry experts and local universities.

The department prides itself on its excellent results and has enjoyed 100% pass rates, with higher grade passes well in excess of the national averages for a number of years. Many of our business teachers have had experience of working in business prior to teaching. Between them, the teaching staff have worked in a wide range of functions including marketing, finance, human resources, manufacturing and retail to list but a few. Their first-hand knowledge helps you to gain an insight into the real world of business at work.

Business qualifications lead into most industries with many students going on to further study or higher apprenticeships in the following areas: business management, accounting, economics, retailing, logistics, international business and law. This course is a useful starting point for those students considering a career in the practical business world.

Students will be required to undertake additional reading to develop an awareness of businesses in the real world. This can be achieved through following business news such as the BBC’s Business Twitter page or business influencers on social media. This course is highly regarded by universities and provides the necessary entry requirements for a wide range of higher education courses.