BUSINESS A/AS Level 3

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - We would, ideally, like applications to be submitted by Thursday 8th January 2026, when planning for the timetable will begin, but applications will be accepted after this date

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Minimum Entry Requirements

The admissions criteria for the Sixth Form are as follows:

- A minimum of 6 separately identifiable GCSE subjects (or equivalent) at an average grade of 5.5 or above

- These 6 subjects must include at least a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and at least a grade 4 in Mathematics

- You will require a grade 6 or above in most subjects you wish to study at A Level

- To study Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages or a Science subject you will require a grade 7

- To study Economics a grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required and a 6+ or above in Business or a related subject

- Students may be able to study a Science subject with a 6 grade but their 4th option choice must be STEM Access forming part of your Personal Enrichment Pathway

- For Further Mathematics you will need an 8 or 9

- Short Courses count as half a GCSE

- A positive attitude in your chosen subjects and a respect for school aims, objectives and ethos

- Commitment to the expectations of the Sixth Form and the school community

- Students will not be admitted if they have not completed the appropriate paperwork

The philosophy of the course calls for concepts to be taught in context. The diversity of the topics, including marketing, human resources, operations, finance, strategy and globalisation, allow for a wide variety of teaching and learning methods to be used.

Student are introduced to business through building knowledge of core business concepts and applying them to business contexts to develop understanding of how businesses work. Breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, with applications to a wider range of contexts and more complex business information, are developed in the second year of study, requiring students to take a more strategic view of business opportunities and issues.

Main Themes

• Marketing and people
  
• Managing business activities
• Business decisions and strategy
• Global business

The philosophy of the course calls for concepts to be taught in context. The diversity of the topics, including marketing, human resources, operations, finance, strategy and globalisation, allow for a wide variety of teaching and learning methods to be used. Presentations, leaflets, debates and discussions will be used alongside past examination questions for assessment purposes.

Assessment is based on four assessment objectives:

• Knowledge – understanding theory and relevant terminology

• Application – linking the knowledge to relevant case studies and examples

• Analysis – developing ideas and explaining issues, using theory and evidence to support the argument

• Evaluation – weighing up costs and benefits and drawing conclusions

Three 2 hour examinations will be taken at the end of the two year course.

Minimum Entry Requirements

This course offers students the opportunity to learn about the economic and business issues in the world today and to explore relevant topics within current affairs. It has cross-curricular links with subjects such as Geography, Mathematics, Media Studies, Sociology and DT. Biannually, there is a business residential visit and Economics Society is available to Upper Sixth students. These opportunities will heighten the use of theoretical approaches taught in the classroom and give more understanding as to how they are incorporated in the real world.