A Level Business

Studying A Level Business at Haberdashers' Hatcham College Sixth Form offers students a dynamic and engaging insight into the world of enterprise, decision-making, and strategic thinking. The course is designed to develop students’ understanding of how businesses operate in local, national, and global contexts, preparing them for both higher education and the workplace.

The curriculum explores a wide range of topics including marketing, finance, operations, and human resource management. Students learn how businesses respond to external influences such as economic change, technological innovation, and competitive pressures. Through case studies and real-world examples, they gain the ability to analyse business behaviour and evaluate strategic choices.

Creativity and critical thinking are at the heart of the course. Students are encouraged to think like entrepreneurs, developing business ideas and assessing risk and reward. They explore how innovation drives success and how leadership and culture shape business performance. This approach helps build transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

Assessment is through a combination of written exams and applied case study analysis, aligned with the Edexcel specification. Students are supported with structured lessons, independent study resources, and opportunities to engage with business professionals and enterprise activities. The course also includes exam technique workshops and revision support to help students achieve their full potential.

A Level Business is an excellent foundation for careers in marketing, finance, management, law, and entrepreneurship. Whether students aim to run their own business or work within a large organisation, the course equips them with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in a fast-changing business world.

Edexcel A Level Business – Subject Content Summary

The Edexcel A Level Business course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how businesses operate, make decisions, and respond to external environments. It is structured into four themes, each building on the last to develop analytical, evaluative, and strategic thinking skills.

Theme 1: Marketing and People

Students explore how businesses identify and meet customer needs through effective marketing strategies. Key topics include:

• The role of entrepreneurship and enterprise
• Market research and segmentation
• The marketing mix (product, price, place, promotion)
• Human resource management
• Leadership styles and motivation theories

Theme 2: Managing Business Activities

This theme focuses on the internal functions of a business and how they contribute to overall performance. Topics include:

• Business finance and sources of funding
• Break-even analysis and cash flow forecasting
• Economic influences such as inflation and interest rates
• Legal and ethical considerations
• Resource management and operational efficiency

Theme 3: Business Decisions and Strategy

Students develop a strategic perspective, analysing how businesses make long-term decisions. This includes:

• Corporate objectives and growth strategies
• Decision-making models and investment appraisal
• Competitive advantage and innovation
• Globalisation and international trade
• Change management and organisational culture

Theme 4: Global Business

The final theme explores the global context in which businesses operate. Students examine:

• Global markets and multinational corporations
• Cultural and social factors affecting international business
• Global marketing strategies
• The impact of protectionism and trade blocs
• Ethical and environmental considerations in global business

Throughout the course, students apply their knowledge to real-world case studies, developing skills in data interpretation, argument construction, and strategic evaluation. The course is assessed through three externally examined papers, each testing a combination of themes and business contexts.

How is this qualification assessed?

The Edexcel A Level Business qualification is assessed through three externally examined papers, each designed to test students’ understanding of business concepts, their ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios, and their analytical and evaluative skills.

Paper 1: Marketing, People and Global Businesses

• Content Covered: Themes 1 and 4
• Format: 2 hours, 100 marks
• Structure:
• Section A: Data response questions based on a business context
• Section B: Extended open-response questions
• Focus: This paper assesses students’ understanding of marketing and people in a global business environment, including topics such as branding, market segmentation, leadership, and globalisation.

Paper 2: Business Activities, Decisions and Strategy

• Content Covered: Themes 2 and 3
• Format: 2 hours, 100 marks
• Structure:
• Section A: Data response questions based on a business context
• Section B: Extended open-response questions
• Focus: This paper examines internal business functions and strategic decision-making, including finance, operations, investment appraisal, and corporate objectives.

Paper 3: Investigating Business in a Competitive Environment

• Content Covered: Synoptic assessment across all four themes
• Format: 2 hours, 100 marks
• Structure:
• Pre-release research theme provided in advance
• Questions based on unseen case studies related to the theme
• Focus: This paper requires students to apply their knowledge holistically, analysing and evaluating business strategies in response to a specific industry or market context.

Grading and Skills Assessed

• Students are assessed on their ability to:
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of business concepts
• Apply knowledge to unfamiliar contexts
• Analyse business information and data
• Evaluate strategies and make justified recommendations
• The qualification is graded from A to E*, with a strong emphasis on written communication, structured argument, and use of quantitative and qualitative evidence.