A Level Business Studies

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - 31st March 2026

Entry Requirements: - Our Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the 'A' Level Pathway (in addition to some individual subject entry requirements) and 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the Vocational (BTEC) Pathway. The course information gives specific details of course content and entry requirements. Please also refer to the Sixth Form Prospectus for the specific entry requirements for the chosen subjects.

Students need to select the equivalent of 3 A Levels or more. (Triple BTEC counts as 3, Double BTEC counts as 2). Subjects are grouped into option blocks, please be aware that not all combinations are possible.

In addition to academic requirements stated above a place will be dependent on the receipt of a satisfactory school reference.

How to Apply: - Please apply via Kent Choices if you area a student from another school.

Please visit our website www.stanselmscanterbury.org.uk for more information.

This course encourages candidates to develop a critical understanding of business organisations, the context in which they operate, the markets they serve and the process of adding value through a problem solving approach to study.

Across 2 years candidates will study 4 units based around marketing, people management, global business and business strategy. As we now move to linear teaching, candidates will sit 3 exams at the end of year 13.

Year 1 Candidates study two themes:

Theme 1: Marketing and people

Theme 2: Managing business activities

Year 2 Candidates will cover a further two themes:

Theme 3: Business decisions and strategy -

Theme 4: Global business

Activities

We aim to make the lessons as interesting as possible and relate to real life businesses including organised trips for students. Previous trips have included Paris and New York.

Paper 1 (2 hours, 100 marks, 35% of A Level)

Examination on Themes 1 & 4 - Marketing, people and global business. Data response questions and two extended open response questions.

Paper 2 (2 hours, 100 marks, 35% of A Level )

Examination on Themes 2 & 3 - Business activities, decisions and strategy. Data response questions and two extended open response questions.

Paper 3 (2 hours, 100 marks, 30% of A Level)

Examinations on Themes 1- 4 (synoptic paper), based on pre-released case study—Investigating business in a competitive environment. Data response questions and two extended open response questions

The problem solving nature of the course would certainly assist candidates who wish to go onto higher education, but the course would be equally suitable for candidates seeking work in the business sector, or even those wishing to start their own business.