Sixth Form: Applied Business Studies

Subject Overview

Applied A Levels are designed to employ an investigative and problem-solving approach to the study of the subject. 

This qualification provides a more vocational perspective, allowing students to interact with the business environment and experience real authentic business practices. Students can choose different pathways including Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Production, ICT in Business and Business Environment. Prior knowledge of the subject is not essential.

Benefits

  • Introduces the processes, attractions and risks of setting up an enterprise
  • Develops knowledge of social and ethical issues in business
  • Applies numerical and written business techniques to a variety of business contexts
  • Explores business problems and enables students to identify possible solutions

Syllabuses (Course Outline and Structure)

The AS course consists of 3 units:

Unit 1: Creating a Marketing Proposal

In this unit, students explore the marketing process through an investigation into a medium to large-sized business.  They produce a marketing proposal to launch a new product or service within the context of the chosen business.  This proposal will be presented to an informed audience in the form of an oral presentation.

Unit 2: Recruitment in the Workplace

In this unit, students produce a report showing how they have set about recruiting and selecting an individual for a particular job role, as well as producing an induction and motivational programme for the chosen job role and successful applicant.

The report will be informed by research into current human-resource practices, used by a range of different businesses, and subsequent analysis of gathered data.

Unit 3: Understanding the Business Environment

The structure and focus of this unit are designed to enable candidates to investigate the business environment, and analyse its impact on the decision-making process, by considering the external and internal factors that come to the fore when any kind of business decision is made.

The internal element of this unit requires an understanding of the internal factors involved in any decision-making process in business.  The focus is primarily on the financial elements within an organisation, but other internal factors, such as the type of business ownership, internal stakeholders and the impact of technology on business decision-making are also considered.

The external element of this unit requires an understanding of a selection of economic, social, legal, environmental, political, and technological issues and of external stakeholders which make up the macro-environment in which any business operates.

Units 1 and 2 are assessed through coursework and Unit 3 through examination.

At A2, topics covered are Strategic Decision-Making (examined), a Business Plan for the Entrepreneur and Promotion in Action (both coursework).

Entry Requirements and Prohibited Options

Five GCSEs at grade C or above.  (A GCSE in a Business subject is not required).

Two-thirds of this course is assessed through portfolio work, so it is vital that students taking this qualification are well-organised, self-motivated and capable of acting on guidance independently.

Activities and Trips

Students will have the opportunity to visit local business organisations and to take part in business challenges, competitions and Gifted and Talented events.

Complementary Subject Combinations and Enrichment Activities

Business Studies combines well with most subjects and particularly well with Humanities based subjects, the Social Sciences and Information Technology.

Subject Resources

All of these websites provide useful information that can be used to complement study in school.

Schemes of Work

AS Resources and Schemes

  • L:\Business\KS5\AS Applied Business [This resource may only be available inside school]

A2 Resources and Schemes

  • L:\Business\KS5\A2 APPLIED BUSINESS [This resource may only be available inside school]

Past Papers

The OCR site has past papers from 2007 onwards.  This is a very useful place to support your revision.

Course References

The most useful source is the library drive where you will find a wealth of material to support your study.
A range of assessment materials are also available on the OCR site.  This includes useful exemplar material.

Other Information

2012 A2 Applied Business Studies Examination Data – 100% AB

For further information please contact Miss L FergusonEmail icon