Business
9625| AS/A-Level
Overview
OxfordAQA International AS and A-Level Business is designed to engage students through topics and issues that are relevant in today’s society. Students will study key contemporary developments, such as, digital technology and business ethics, and globalisation. Wherever possible, we use real-life case studies to make it easier for students to relate to and apply their knowledge and skills developed throughout the course.
Offering clear progression from International GCSE, these courses allow students to build on the skills and knowledge already gained and prepare for their next steps. The variety of assessment styles used, including multiple choice, short answer, data response, essay and case studies allows students to develop a wide range of skills such as the ability to analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions, which are valuable for both further study and future employment.
Course Content
The titles of the qualifications are:
• OxfordAQA International Advanced Subsidiary Business.
• OxfordAQA International Advanced Level Business.
These qualifications are modular. The full International A-level is intended to be taken over two years. The specification content for the International AS is half that of an International A-level. The International AS can be taken as a stand-alone qualification or can be used to count towards the International A-level. Students can take the International AS in the first year and then take the International A2 in the second year to complete the International A-level.
1 Business and markets
2 Managing operations, human resources and finance
3 Business strategy and business decision making
Assessment
The International AS content will be 50% of the International A-level content. International AS assessments contribute 40% of the total marks for the full International A-level qualification. The remaining 60% comes from the International A2 assessments.
The specification provides an opportunity for students to produce extended responses either in words or using open-ended calculations. The specification content will be split across units and will include some synoptic assessment. This allows students to draw together different areas of knowledge from across the full course of study.
Unit 1: Business and markets
Any content from section 3.1 Business and markets.
Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
80 marks
50% of International AS
20% of International A-level
Unit 2: Managing operations, human resources and finance
Any content from section 3.2 Managing operations, human resources and finance.
Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
80 marks
50% of International AS
20% of International A-level
Unit 3: Business strategy
Any content from section 3.3 Business strategy and business decision making.
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
80 marks
30% of International A-level
Unit 4: Business decision making
Any content from section 3.3 Business strategy and business decision making.
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
80 marks
30% of International A-level
Progression
Oxford AQA International AS and A-level Business specification has been developed to inspire, challenge and motivate all students regardless of their academic ability. It provides students with opportunities to explore theories and concepts within a framework that reflects the different business cultures and structures that operate throughout the world. The International AS and A-level often uses real businesses and provides real business contexts in the examinations to reinforce the relevance of the subject. Students will have an opportunity to develop a range of skills which will enable them not only to have a good grounding in business theory, but which will also allow them to develop their problem solving, analytical and decision making skills.
This qualification provides a good foundation for further study of business and is ideal for students who may want to continue and explore business either at degree level or in their career.