--- title: "Business Studies" url: "https://www.st-wilfrids.org/courses/a-level-or-btec/business-studies" school: "St. Wilfrid's R.C. College, South Shields" --- # Business Studies A-Level # Business Studies The Business Studies A Level course gives you a powerful start for becoming an entrepreneur or working within the dynamic business environment. It covers all the key aspects of starting and running a business while helping you develop the fundamental skills needed to succeed. ![Business Studies A-Level](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/images/sixthcourses/3.png) ## Themes 1 & 2: Year 12 Themes 1 and 2 focus on the activities involved in managing a business, including how to start up and promote a new business idea, how much stock a business needs, the staffing required and how much finance will be needed. Students also explore how businesses source finance to start up and grow, and how entrepreneurs develop into effective leaders. Students who complete this course can progress to a wide range of business-related degrees including accountancy, marketing, media and economics. Business provides a strong foundation for careers in almost any sector, from banking to fashion, as every company needs skilled business-minded individuals. Students will also have opportunities to take part in enterprise competitions, educational visits and hear from guest speakers. ## Themes 3 & 4: Year 13 Themes 3 and 4 introduce students to the considerations involved when trading internationally such as which countries to sell products in and why some companies operate worldwide. Students assess business competitiveness using key indicators and explore the causes and effects of change on a business, including risk management and strategies for success. This course is assessed at the end of the qualification through three written examination papers, each lasting two hours. ## Assessment Components ### Paper 1 Duration 2 hours Marks 100 (35%) ### Paper 2 Duration 2 hours Marks 100 (35%) ### Paper 3 Duration 2 hours Marks 100 (30%) Assessment is through three externally set written examinations, testing business knowledge, understanding, application, analysis and evaluation across all themes. ## Opportunities Students who complete Business Studies can progress to a wide range of university pathways including business degrees, accountancy, marketing, media and economics. Career routes span almost every industry, as all organisations require commercially aware individuals. Students will also gain valuable experience through enterprise competitions, visits and guest speaker programmes. ## Entrance Requirements Essential Grade 4 in Maths. Desirable Grade 5 in Maths. [← Back to Courses ](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/sixth-form/6thformcourses) 🖨 Print as PDF # Business Studies (A-Level) Business Studies covers the key aspects of starting and running a business, developing the skills needed for entrepreneurial and commercial success. ## Year 12 Themes 1 and 2 explore starting and managing a business, including promotion, stock decisions, staffing, finance and leadership development. ## Year 13 Themes 3 and 4 explore international business considerations, competitiveness, change, risk management and business strategy. ## Assessment Components **Paper 1:** 2 hours, 100 marks (35%). **Paper 2:** 2 hours, 100 marks (35%). **Paper 3:** 2 hours, 100 marks (30%). ## Opportunities Students can progress to degrees in business, accountancy, marketing, media and economics, entering careers across many industries. ## Entrance Requirements **Essential:** Grade 4 in Maths. **Desirable:** Grade 5 in Maths. ## What will I study? Grade 5 in Maths ### Sixth Form - [Sixth Form](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/sixth-form) - [Pastoral Care](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/sixth-form/Pastoral-Care) - [Curriculum](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/sixth-form/Curriculum) - [Apply Now](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/sixth-form/apply-now) - [Courses](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/sixth-form/6thformcourses) ![St. Wilfrid's R.C. College, South Shields](https://files.schudio.com/st-wilfrid-s-rc-college-south-shields/images/logo/logo-footer-with-diocese-02(2).png) ### St. Wilfrid's R.C. College, South Shields Temple Park Road South Shields Tyne & Wear NE34 0QA 0191 456 9121 ### Useful Links - [Term Dates](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/term-dates) - [Policies](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/policies) - [SEND Information](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/send) - [Sixth Form](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/sixth-form) - [Website Terms](https://bccet.org.uk/website-terms/) - [Accessibility Statement](https://bccet.org.uk/accessibility-statement/) - [Privacy Notice](https://bccet.org.uk/privacy-policy/) ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/stwilfridsrccollege) © Copyright 2025–2026 St. Wilfrid's R.C. College, South Shields School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)