Year 12
Understanding Business
and Management
In Year 12, students are introduced to the fundamental principles of business and begin developing their understanding of how organisations function. The year begins with the core question, What is a business?, before moving into the roles and responsibilities of managers and leaders, and how decisions are made across departments. Students explore how businesses improve performance in key areas including marketing, operations, finance and human resources, and examine how these departments contribute to overall business success.
Throughout the year, learners develop analytical and problem-solving skills. They learn how to interpret and assess business strategies using data, models and real-world examples. Key concepts such as market structures, business objectives and operational efficiency are examined in detail. Case studies of well-known companies such as Apple, BMW, Tesco and Amazon are used to bring topics to life and help students apply their learning to current and relevant contexts.
Financial understanding is also developed through an introduction to income statements, balance sheets and basic financial ratios. These skills form the foundation for the more strategic and evaluative work tackled in the second year of the course.
Year 13
Strategy, Analysis and Change
Year 13 focuses on strategic decision-making and the long-term planning needed to sustain and grow a successful business. Students explore how companies assess their strategic position in the market, choose their direction and manage change effectively. Topics include competitive strategies, strategic methods for growth, and managing transformation in response to internal and external pressures.
This year places greater emphasis on critical thinking and evaluation. Students are expected to analyse complex case studies, interpret financial and non-financial data, and make informed judgements about business success and risk. More advanced financial tools are introduced to help assess investment opportunities and long-term planning. Understanding the interdependence between departments and how decisions in one area impact another becomes a key focus, especially when evaluating organisational performance.
Throughout both years, students prepare for three final written examinations which assess their ability to apply knowledge, interpret data, write extended responses and evaluate strategic decisions. By the end of the course, pupils will have developed a well-rounded understanding of how modern businesses operate, preparing them for further study or careers in business, marketing, management and finance.
Contact
The Thomas Adams School
Lowe Hill
Wem
Shropshire
SY4 5UB
Tel: +44 1939 237000
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