Oxford AQA IGCSE Business specification (9225)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Oxford AQA IGCSE Business exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Oxford AQA IGCSE Business specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Oxford AQA IGCSE Business (9225) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Oxford AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OxfordAQA International GCSE in Business enables students to explore the world of business through real-world contexts, fostering skills in enterprise, decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking. It encourages learners to consider business operations at local, national and global scales, applying concepts to familiar and unfamiliar situations. With a focus on the interdependent nature of business functions—operations, marketing, finance and human resources—the course helps students understand how organisations respond to external influences, behave in dynamic markets, and operate ethically and sustainably in a competitive environment:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
3.1 Business in the real world
- Understand purpose, types, sectors and functions of businesses.
- Study business enterprise, entrepreneurship, stakeholders and business planning.
- Explore ownership types: sole traders, partnerships, limited companies.
- Analyse business aims, objectives and factors influencing location.
- Evaluate stakeholder interests and conflicts, and reasons for business failure.
- Study business growth methods, economies/diseconomies of scale, business plans and costs.
3.2 Influences on business
- Investigate impact of technology: e-commerce, digital communication.
- Consider ethical behaviour, environmental sustainability and social expectations.
- Understand effects of economic changes: interest rates, employment levels, consumer spending.
- Analyse globalisation, exchange rate influences, and legal frameworks.
- Understand competitive markets, risks and uncertainties faced by businesses.
3.3 Business operations
- Study production methods (job, batch, flow, cell) and stock control (JIT).
- Analyse supplier choice factors and procurement considerations.
- Understand quality assurance: TQM and impact on customer satisfaction.
- Evaluate customer service methods and ICT's role in service provision.
3.4 Human resources
- Explore organisational structures and their impact on communication.
- Analyse recruitment processes: internal vs external.
- Understand workforce motivation: financial/non-financial methods.
- Study staff training types and their costs/benefits to businesses.
3.5 Marketing
- Learn market segmentation and methods of market research.
- Apply the marketing mix (4Ps): product, price, place, promotion.
- Study pricing strategies, product lifecycle, promotion channels, distribution methods.
- Analyse the role of e-commerce and integrated marketing decisions.
3.6 Finance
- Understand sources of finance: internal/external, short/long term.
- Interpret cash flow forecasts, identify and resolve liquidity issues.
- Perform basic financial calculations: break-even, payback period.
- Interpret financial statements (income and financial position) and assess business performance using gross/net profit margins:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Influences of operations and human resources on business activity
- 2 hours; 90 marks; 50% of qualification.
- Topics: Business in the real world, Influences on business, Business operations, Human resources.
- Section A: 15 marks (MCQs and short answers).
- Section B: 40 marks (case study/data response).
- Section C: 35 marks (case study/data response).
Paper 2: Influences of marketing and finance on business activity
- 2 hours; 90 marks; 50% of qualification.
- Topics: Business in the real world, Influences on business, Marketing, Finance.
- Same format as Paper 1: three sections (MCQs, data response, extended response).
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 25–30%
- AO2: Application – 35–40%
- AO3: Analysis and evaluation – 35–40%
Grading and Format
- Total scaled mark: 180.
- 9–1 grading scale; all exams taken at end of course (linear).
- Exam series available May/June and November:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Oxford AQA IGCSE Business isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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