Curriculum Area: Business and ICT
Accounting AS/A Level
Who is the course for?
This challenging course is for anyone who enjoys mental maths, figures and business. It is an academic course that suits those with an organised, numerical and logical mind. You will need to take further exams/courses at university or with employers to qualify as an accountant.
Advanced Subsidiary (AS)
The Advanced Subsidiary is studied in the first year. The course is divided into separate modules. These are:
| Unit One | Introduction to financial accounting |
| Unit Two | Financial and management accounting |
Advanced Level (A2)
| Unit Three | Further aspects of financial accounting |
| Unit Four | Further aspects of management accounting |
The first year modules are revisited during the second year of the course and the concepts covered in Year One are built upon in further detail.
Summary of Benefits
- An understanding of the importance of effective accounting information systems and an awareness of their limitations.
- An understanding of the purposes, principles, concepts and techniques of accounting
- The transferable skills of numeracy, communication, application, presentation, interpretation, analysis and evaluation in an accounting context.
- A capacity for methodical and critical thought.
Methods of Teaching and Learning
- qualified staff
- teacher-led input
- teacher support and guidance
- close links with accountancy firms
- use of well-structured workbooks
Methods of Assessment
The course is wholly exam-based and there is no coursework. Each unit consists of an examination involving four compulsory questions and is worth 25% of the total A level mark.
Resources
Students will receive a text book together with workbooks to be completed in class.
Enrichment/Links with Employers
Students will have the opportunity to take part in a competition run by a major financial organisation.
Progression
Advanced Level Accounting courses provide a sound basis for students wishing to go into Higher Education or into a career in the professional and business environment, especially those wishing to pursue a career in finance or accounts.
Entry Requirements
Students are required to have five GCSE passes at grade C or above or the equivalent from 4 subject areas including GCSE English. Mathematics at grade B or above is also necessary to join this course.
Additional Costs
During the course various types of accounting stationary will be required to be purchased (available from our resources shop). Students are charged for printing and there are also costs incurred when privately buying reliable storage devices to back up their electronic files. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to purchase workbooks.
NB: The College may be offering an AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians qualification from September 2012)