Year 12
Foundation Studies
Year 12 introduces students to the fundamental concepts of business studies through a systematic exploration of core business functions and principles. The academic year begins with What is Business (3.1) and Management & Leadership (3.2), establishing essential understanding of business fundamentals and the principles of effective management and leadership styles. Students explore different organizational structures, business objectives, and the role of leadership in driving business success.
Following the October half-term break, the curriculum progresses to Marketing (3.3), where students examine market research techniques, marketing mix strategies, and consumer behavior analysis. This term concludes with interim tests to assess student understanding and consolidate learning. The marketing module provides students with comprehensive knowledge of how businesses identify, attract, and retain customers in competitive markets.
After the Christmas break, Term 2a focuses on Operations Management (3.4), covering production processes, quality management, supply chain operations, and efficiency optimization. Students learn about different production methods, lean production techniques, and the importance of operational planning in business success. The term builds practical understanding of how businesses transform inputs into outputs effectively.
Term 2b introduces Finance (3.5), arguably one of the most crucial areas of business studies. Students explore financial planning, budgeting, cash flow management, investment appraisal, and financial performance analysis. This module includes understanding profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and ratio analysis. The term concludes with interim tests to ensure solid grasp of financial concepts before progressing to more advanced topics.
The final phase of Year 12 covers Human Resources (3.6), examining recruitment and selection processes, training and development, motivation theories, and employment law. Students analyze different leadership styles, organizational culture, and change management strategies. The year concludes with an introduction to Choosing Strategic Direction (3.8) and mock examinations to prepare students for the increased rigor of Year 13 and final A-level assessments.
Year 13
Advanced Strategic Studies
Year 13 builds upon the foundational knowledge from Year 12 with a focus on strategic business management and advanced analytical skills. The year begins with a comprehensive study of Choosing Strategic Direction (3.8), where students examine how businesses develop long-term strategic plans, analyze strategic options, and make critical decisions about future direction. This includes understanding mission and vision statements, strategic objectives, and the factors that influence strategic choice. Interim tests assess understanding and application of strategic concepts.
Following the October half-term, students delve into Analysing Strategic Position – Internal (3.7a), focusing on internal business analysis techniques. This module covers SWOT analysis, financial ratio analysis, human resource audits, and operational efficiency assessments. Students learn to evaluate a business’s internal strengths and weaknesses, examining core competencies, resource capabilities, and internal constraints that influence strategic options.
After the Christmas break, the curriculum addresses Analysing Strategic Position – External (3.7b), exploring external environmental factors that impact business strategy. Students study PESTLE analysis, Porter’s Five Forces model, market analysis, and competitive positioning. This module helps students understand how economic, political, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors influence business operations and strategic decisions. The term includes mock examinations to prepare students for final A-level papers.
Term 2b focuses on How to Pursue Strategies (3.9), examining different strategic options available to businesses including organic growth, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic alliances. Students analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various growth strategies, considering factors such as risk, resource requirements, and potential returns. This module integrates knowledge from previous terms to understand how businesses implement strategic decisions.
The final teaching period covers Managing Strategic Change (3.10), addressing the challenges businesses face when implementing strategic changes. Students examine change management models, organizational culture considerations, stakeholder management, and the role of leadership in driving successful change. This module emphasizes the practical difficulties of implementing strategy and the importance of effective change management processes.
The academic year concludes with final A-level examinations, where students demonstrate their comprehensive understanding of business principles, strategic analysis, and their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world business scenarios.
A-Level Business
Assessment Framework
Throughout both years, end-of-topic assessments are conducted to monitor student progress and understanding. These assessments align with school-wide assessment windows and provide regular feedback on student performance. The assessment strategy includes interim tests at key points during each year, mock examinations to simulate A-level conditions, and continuous evaluation of student understanding through various formative assessment techniques. This comprehensive assessment approach ensures students are well-prepared for their final A-level Business Studies examinations and have developed the analytical and evaluative skills essential for success in business studies and future business-related careers.
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The Thomas Adams School
Lowe Hill
Wem
Shropshire
SY4 5UB
Tel: +44 1939 237000
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