We understand that true success in business is not solely measured by financial achievements but by the impact we have on society. That’s why our A Level business course integrates character education principles, empowering our pupils to become ethically responsible leaders who make a positive difference in their communities.
We offer numerous opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. Pupils can participate in extracurricular activities and business competitions, where they can apply their business acumen while demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility.
Pupils study businesses in a variety of contexts, from small start-ups to large multinational organisations. They consider the behaviour of businesses not only in the UK, but also in a global context, looking at both manufacturing and service-based firms.
Pupils are expected to keep up to date with current affairs by reading both newspapers and online business resources. We look at case studies of businesses that have succeeded and those that have failed and try to get a deeper understanding of how businesses adapt to the changing world. From marketing through to finance, a full range of business functions are investigated. If you are a fan of The Apprentice or Dragon’s Den, you’re halfway there!
The course rewards those who are analytical and flexible in their thinking: there are no set answers in business. You need to weigh up a situation. You need to assess the data and identify the key issues before making a decision.
A Level business provides a good grounding in many subject areas and provides a breadth which enables pupils to go on to a range of degree courses including marketing, public relations, finance and law. Many of our pupils enjoy the subject so much that they want to read it at university.
Exam board: AQA
Subject: A Level Business
Beyond the curriculum
Business pupils can participate in the Exeter School enterprise programme, where they are given the opportunity to set up a business. They are also given the opportunity to take part in the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales) “Base Accountancy Competition”.
Pupils can also participate in the school’s fantasy share competition, whereby students invest £200,000 virtual cash in stocks and shares to gain a deeper understanding of the operation of the stock market.
Trips to local businesses such as Southwest Coastal Recycling are also organised to see how the theory taught in the class can be applied to practical business situations. Pupils also attend talks organised by the Innovation Centre at Exeter University to help understand business incubation and local business leaders are invited to the school to talk to students about their business adventures.
