Accounting / Finance
Chichester College Group - West Sussex
01243786321
Westgate Fields, Chichester, PO19 1SB
Course summary

A qualification in accounting will always be helpful – whether it's used professionally or personally. This course helps students to understand the responsibilities of the accountant 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. The specification emphasises both financial accounting and the recording of past events, and management accounting as a means of planning and decision-making. Students should appreciate that these are not totally distinct areas of study and that there is an interrelationship between financial accounting and aspects of management accounting. Students will develop an understanding of the principles of ethical behaviour which inform the actions of all those working within an accounting environment. Students must demonstrate a good understanding of the double entry model and accounting principles and concepts as these form the foundation of all financial accounting techniques. They will also need to demonstrate quantitative skills that are relevant to the subject. Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the formulae used for computations, carrying out computations and using the results of computations to inform judgements, solve problems and make decisions. Students must focus on developing their ability to write effectively so that they can report to stakeholders, make logical arguments and provide sound judgements based on analysis of available evidence taking account of financial and non-financial factors. Students should be encouraged to keep up to date with financial news including announcements concerning the performance of leading UK businesses, and be given the opportunity to investigate their published accounts. Students applying for A level Accounting are expected to: - Understand the role and develop the skills of the accountant in developing and evaluating accounting information systems and in preparing financial and management accounting information - Apply the principles and techniques of accounting in the preparation of financial and management accounting information including using the double entry model to: record transactions; prepare financial statements for different types of organisations; and prepare management accounting information to enable management to plan, control and make decisions - Analyse and evaluate a range of financial and management information and communicate the outcomes numerically and verbally - Evaluate the impact of ethical considerations on the accountant and the duty to be truthful and accurately represent the facts when preparing and presenting accounting information, undertaking financial decision making and addressing the concerns of stakeholders - Develop the ability to solve problems logically, analyse data methodically, make reasoned and justified decisions and use different reporting methods to communicate these to stakeholders.

Entry requirements

Students applying for A Level Accounting should meet the minimum requirements set out below: 5 GCSEs at grade 9/A*- 4/C including Mathematics and English Language. The role of the accountant is as much an advisory role as it is a technical role and there will be two 25-mark report writing questions per exam paper to reflect the importance of written communication skills required for the profession and to study accounting at a higher level. You will also be required to complete a GCSE to A Level Transition Project, prior to enrolment, to prepare you for A Level Accounting.

How you'll be assessed

The qualification is a 2-year qualification. There will be two 3-hour exams at the end of the second year. To enable students to show their breadth of knowledge and understanding, AQA uses a mixture of question types including multiple-choice, short-answer, and scenario-based questions. Assessment remains 100% exam-based. The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives. AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of accounting principles, concepts, and techniques. AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of accounting principles, concepts, and techniques. AO3: Analyse and evaluate accounting data to present information, make judgments, and draw conclusions.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth East
Local AuthorityWest Sussex
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressWestgate Fields, Chichester, PO19 1SB