CURRICULUM OUTLINE 2007-08
Applied Business GCE (AQA)
This course is offered both as a Single Option (=1 A-Level) or a Double Option (=2 A-Levels) and runs for two years.
As with traditional A-Levels, the students will have the opportunity to attain grades A-E, with the same points value for university entrance. Those taking the double option will receive two A Level grades.
The aim of the applied A-Level is to give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of business in a ‘hands on’ way and prepare them either for further study of Business at university or, for the work place. The course takes a more practical approach than traditional A-levels with students developing a range of relevant skills. The majority of the work is project based with students investigating ‘real’ businesses. This is achieved through visits to business organisations, business speakers coming into school, reading newspaper articles, watching business programmes and attending Education Business Partnership activity days. The use of ICT is also an important feature of the course, and all students are expected to use the Internet for research and a range packages to aid the presentation of their work.
The Single Option qualification comprises Six Units:
1, Investigating Business (Portfolio)
2, People in Business (Portfolio)
3, Financial Planning and Monitoring (Examination)
4, Business Planning (Portfolio)
5, Marketing Strategy (Portfolio)
6, Financial Accounting for Managers (Examination)
Four of the units are assessed on portfolio evidence and two units are externally assessed.
The Double Option qualification comprises Twelve Units:
Six of the units are as for the Single Option, the other six are:
7, Meeting Customer Needs (Examination)
8, Developing a Product (Portfolio)
9, Career Planning (Portfolio)
10, Promotional Activities (Portfolio)
11, Managing People (Examination)
12, Managing Change (Portfolio)
Four of these units are assessed on portfolio evidence and two units are externally assessed.
BTEC First Diploma in Business
The BTEC First Diploma is equivalent to four GCSEs grades A*– C.
The BTEC First Diploma is a practical, work-related course. Students learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.
This level 2 course is especially suitable for anyone interested in a career in the business world e.g. accountancy, administration, financial services, marketing or sales. It provides a broad background in a range of business related topics and trains you in the basic knowledge and skills for a career in the business or commercial world.
It introduces learners to particular areas of employment area and provides a good basis to go on to either further academic study or a career in industry.
Course Structure
The course is made up of six units; three core units provide a general foundation and three specialist units introduce learners to particular topics in more depth.
The course is designed to provide you with a good insight into the operation of business. You will cover the following six modules;
• Investigating how a business works
• How businesses develop
• Finance in business
• Customer Service
• Administrative systems
• People & organisations