Business
Our approach to teaching Business at Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School is rooted in curiosity, relevance, and real-world application. We believe that every student can develop a strong understanding of how organisations operate and thrive in today’s dynamic environment. From Year 12 through to Year 13, our curriculum is designed to build analytical thinking, strategic awareness, and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Lessons are engaging and interactive; our specialist teachers use contemporary case studies, guided examples, and digital resources to bring theory to life. Students are encouraged to question assumptions, explore innovative ideas, and apply their knowledge to real-world business scenarios. We place a strong emphasis on current affairs, ensuring learners understand the impact of global trends, technology, and ethical considerations on business decision-making.
At Key Stage 5, we follow the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Business (9BS0) specification. This A Level course offers a stimulating and practical approach, covering everything from start-up enterprises to the complexities of global commerce. Topics include marketing, operations, finance, human resources, and strategic decision-making, providing a holistic view of business in today’s interconnected world.
Key Stage 5 (A Level)
Specification:
Course Overview
Business Studies is essentially a problem-solving course, centering on how businesses operate in the real world. The subject can be applied to any organisation, and it will also offer an insight into the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in any career. The A level specifications for Business Studies are both stimulating and practical for the real world. There is significant emphasis on how to start up a new business, moving into the development of these new enterprises, through to the dynamic and challenging nature of global commerce.
Students are expected to be aware of, and up to date with, current affairs.
Course Content & Assessment
Business is a popular subject at LGGS and many of our students go on to study business-related degrees or apprenticeships at post 18. The new updated AQA specification at A level is dynamic and engaging, taking a holistic approach to the subject and investigating and analysing a wide range of contemporary business issues.
It includes relevant topics in today’s society such as digital technology and e-commerce, business ethics, international business and globalisation. A Level Business at LGGS provides a worthwhile and interesting course, the material studied will be valuable for candidates intending to pursue careers in any area of business or commerce.
Course structure as of 2024/2025
| Year 12 | Year 13 |
|---|---|
| 3.1 What is business? | 3.7 Strategic position |
| 3.2 Managers, Leadership and decision makers | 3.8 Choosing a strategic position |
| 3.3 Marketing | 3.9 Strategic methods |
| 3.4 Operations | 3.10 Managing strategic change |
| 3.5 Finance | |
| 3.6 Human Resources |
How will students be assessed?
Paper 1: Business 1
· All content is assessed in a written exam 2 hours in length.
· 100 marks in total
· 33.3% of A level
· Three compulsory sections:
· Section A has 15 multiple choice questions (MCQs) worth 15 marks.
· Section B has short answer questions worth 35 marks.
· Sections C and D have two essay questions (choice of one from two and one from two) worth 25 marks each.
Paper 2: Business 2
All content is assessed in a written exam 2 hours in length.
100 marks in total
33.3% of A level
Questions
Three data response compulsory questions worth approximately 33 marks each and made up of three or four part questions.
Paper 3: Business 3
All content is assessed in a written exam 2 hours in length.
100 marks in total
33.3% of A level
Questions
One compulsory case study followed by approximately six questions.
Enrichment Opportunities
We aim to enrich Business Studies students at LGGS with industrial visits, outside speakers, and other in-house and public competitions.