Examinations
Useful Downloads
Examiner Reports 2009 May/June Series
(PDF)
Examiner Reports 2008 May/June Series
(PDF)
Examiner Reports 2007 May/June Series
(PDF)
Both Foundation and Higher Tier students must complete two externally set examinations: Paper 1 and Paper 2. These are offered only in the summer.
The table below offers some information on each paper:
| Paper 1 | Exam Duration | Assessment Weighting (%) |
|---|---|---|
This paper is based on a pre-released case study. Students receive the case study in March. They can review the material and investigate issues arising from the information both in the classroom and at home. Students may not take their original copy of the case study into the exam. Instead they are provided with a fresh copy for use during the examination. Students must answer a number of compulsory questions, which are based on the case study. The questions relate to one or more of the five content areas. |
1 hr 30 min |
30% |
| Paper 2 | Exam Duration | Assessment Weighting (%) |
|---|---|---|
Students receive stimulus material during the exam and must answer four compulsory, multi-part questions based on this material The stimulus material may take a variety of forms. The four questions relate to all five content areas. |
2 hours |
50% |
For guidance on how students can improve their performance in the examinations, see the Chief Examiner's Report for GCSE Business Studies
More information on examinations is also available in the full specification.