Every day you will come into contact with the business world, for example, when buying your lunch or working part-time. Business Studies will help you understand this world by looking at how businesses are created, develop, grow, survive crises and perhaps eventually decline. It focuses on people whose skills affect this process and uses theory to analyse the cause and effects of different management approaches.

This course will appeal to students wishing to study how business works in depth and provides the opportunity to gain understanding of key strategies which enable companies to succeed. Through taught topics and submitted assignments, learners gain an insight into marketing, finance, human resources and entrepreneurial skills and are encouraged to apply their knowledge when examining a wide range of current case studies.

The Extended Certificate is equivalent to 1 A level, worth a maximum of 56 UCAS points.

5 GCSE passes including Maths & English at grade 4 and above.

The course allows access to a range of Business based university courses and is appropriate preparation for Level 4 Apprenticeships.

40% coursework assignments assessed by the class tutor and subject to external validation. 60% examination.

• Exploring Business
• Developing a Marketing Campaign
• Personal & Business Finance
• Investigating Customer Service

You will need a file to keep notes and a memory stick to keep copies of your work electronically. You are advised to bring a lap-top to lessons which may be stored in a locker when not in use. Smart clothing will also be required for presentations and business events you may attend.