Text Box: GCE AS/’A’ LEVEL BUSINESS Text Box: Entry Requirements - 4 grade A-C at GCSE. Students do not have to have studied GCSE Business Studies or Business and Communication, to study this course. Business is one of the most important subjects that a student can study because it provides an insight into the future working environment that all students will experience, whether it be through self-employment or paid employment. The AS and Advanced GCE in Applied Business have been designed to form qualifications which provide knowledge and understanding of this vocational area. They are ideal qualifications for those students who want a broad background in Applied Business which will allow them to progress to further or higher education, training or employment. Assessment is designed to give credit for what students can do as well as what they know and understand. It is based both on portfolio coursework and examinations. To facilitate the writing of assignments, students will be taken on a range of trips/visits. AS and Advanced GCE Applied Business provides an invaluable course for candidates of various ages and from diverse backgrounds in terms of general education and lifelong learning. Students do not need to have studied Business at GCSE to study the subject in the Sixth Form. Candidates will be encouraged to acquire the following range of skills through the study of realistic business contexts: practical skills: personal organisation and time management; ICT skills. presentational skills: producing a business report; making an oral presentation. personal skills: initiative; creativity; perseverance; willingness to learn and progress . interpersonal skills: working in teams; discussing problems or issues; leading a team. cognitive skills: investigative and research skills; problem solving; decision making; using theory to analyse a real organisation; planning a project. The study of Applied Business encourages candidates to develop knowledge and understanding of: the practices and techniques used within marketing, finance, operations management, human resource management and the links between them. the processes, attractions and risks of setting up an enterprise. the relationship between the business and the changing external environment social and ethical issues in business. The course also encourages candidates to: contribute to the development of the skills required for success as an entrepreneur, manager or employee. apply numerical and written business techniques to a variety of business contexts. explore business problems and learn to identify possible solutions. Applied Business is intriguing and constantly evolving, whilst providing a range of opportunities beyond the Sixth Form, both in terms of further study or employment.