Business Studies

At Lingfield, all Business staff have enjoyed successful careers in a commercial setting, so are able to offer real-world expertise in areas such as law and tourism. We offer both Business and Economics at A Level as well as Business at BTEC.

A Level Business provides students with a relevant and useful understanding of how businesses operate, develop and expand in the modern and ever-changing industry landscape. It is very much an applied subject, giving students the chance to learn through real-life business contexts and case studies covering both small and large firms, looking at how businesses are structured, financed and run, and the attributes of successful entrepreneurship and leadership. Students develop a wide range of transferable skills and commercial awareness valued by universities and employers.

Courses offered

Course content

The course is structured around four themes. Theme 1, Marketing and People, covers meeting customer needs, the market, the marketing mix and strategy, managing people, and entrepreneurs and leaders. Theme 2, Managing Business, covers raising finance, financial planning, managing finance, resource management and external influences. Theme 3, Business Decisions and Strategy, covers business objectives and strategy, business growth, decision-making techniques, analysing competitiveness and managing change. Theme 4, Global Business, covers globalisation, global markets and business expansion, global marketing, and global industries and companies.

Entry requirements and skills

Some maths is involved, but not above GCSE level. Good writing skills are essential, as students appraise different options for businesses through essays. A willingness to follow business news and curiosity about the economy and the wider world are important.

Assessment

All content is examined at the end of the two-year course. Paper 1, Marketing, People and Global Business, covers Themes 1 and 4 (2 hours, 35%). Paper 2, Business Activities, Decisions and Strategy, covers Themes 2 and 3 (2 hours, 35%). Paper 3, Investigating Business in a Competitive Environment, tests topics across all four themes and is based on a case study released in November before the exam (2 hours, 30%).

Enrichment

• Year 12 students are given the opportunity to enter the annual IEA Budget Challenge run by the IEA and the University of Buckingham. 
• Staff-run clinics help students develop their essay writing skills in Micro and Macro Economics.
• Our Sixth Form students edit an economics and business magazine.
• Students are invited to attend lectures and talks in London such as Polecon.

Future pathways

Students are well placed to study a variety of degree courses or join an apprenticeship or apprenticeship degree. Business combines well with social science, humanities and mathematics subjects, leading to university courses in Management, Marketing, Human Resources, Law and Accountancy.

 

A Level Business FAQs