Accounting
WHY SHOULD I STUDY A LEVEL ACCOUNTING?
Achieving a qualification in Accounting will always be helpful for your future – whether it is used professionally or personally. The A Level course helps students to understand the responsibilities of the accountant and financial decision makers and the impacts of their recommendations on the business and the wider environment.
Students will build knowledge and understanding of key concepts, principles and techniques that they can apply to real-life scenarios, developing the ability to solve problems logically, analyse data methodically, make reasoned choices and communicate effectively.
YEAR 1 OF AQA ACCOUNTING
The first year of the course covers the foundations of both financial and management/cost accounting.
Topics covered include:
- Role of the accountant in business
- Business organisation types
- Double entry model and accounting records
- Verification of accounting records
- Accounting concepts
- Preparation of financial statements of sole traders
- Budgeting
- Marginal costing
Progression to the second year of this A Level course will be dependent on having made satisfactory progress in the first year of the course, including achieving at least an E grade in a formal late spring assessment, as well as the maintenance of a good level of attendance and commitment throughout the year.
YEAR 2 OF AQA ACCOUNTING
The second year of the course covers more advanced techniques, building on prior knowledge and understanding of both financial and management/cost accounting.
Topics covered include:
- Standard costing and variance analysis
- Absorption and activity-based costing
- Capital investment appraisal
- Incomplete records
- Partnership accounts
- Limited company accounts
- Interpretation, analysis and communication of accounting information
- Impact of ethical considerations
FINAL ASSESSMENT AT END OF YEAR 2
Two 3 hour exams worth 50% each. Both papers contain multiple choice, short answer, structured and extended answer questions. There is no coursework.
MINIMUM ENTRY CRITERIA
Standard College entry requirements and a minimum of:
| Grade required | Subject required |
|---|---|
|
Grade 5 |
GCSE Mathematics |
|
and |
|
|
Grade 5 |
In one GCSE in a logical/ systematic subject from one of: Biology or Chemistry or Physics, or both 1st and 2nd grade Combined Science or Computing or Statistics or Further Mathematics |
| and | |
| Grade 5 | GCSE English Language or English Literature |
| or | |
| Grade 4 in both GCSE English courses and a grade 5 GCSE from one predominantly written based GCSE subject (from History, Religious Studies or Sociology) |
Core Mathematics (Mathematical Studies) is a very useful complementary course for this subject and is recommended as a further (4th) course choice for students who are not taking A Level Mathematics or A Level Statistics options.
Financial Certificate is an alternative ‘4th academic course option’ which will interest and be of value to a number of A Level Accounting students. It offers a practical look at the financial products we use on an everyday basis and how we can make the most of our personal finances.
WHAT CAN I DO AFTER STUDYING ACCOUNTING?
A high proportion of Accounting students go on to study Accounting or finance related degree courses in Higher Education. Many others are successful in securing employment/apprenticeships in accounting both in the local area and with international firms based in London.
FURTHER INFORMATION
The course can be combined with either Economics or Business A Level.