| Overview | The A-Level Accounting course aims to give students an understanding of the importance of effective accounting information systems and an awareness of their limitations in the context of current financial issues and modern business practises. Students will consider the purposes, principles and concepts and learn the techniques of accounting. They will gain an appreciation of the effects of economic, legal, ethical, technological and other factors affecting accounting decisions. |
| Examination board | The Sixth Form Accounting course at Queen Elizabeth’s follows the AQA examination board specification. Full details of the specification and additional support materials can be accessed here. |
Unit 1 - Introduction to Financial Accounting Examination to be taken in January of Year 12 | This unit is designed as a foundation for the course and covers double-entry procedures as applied to the accounting systems of sole traders. Students will learn to record a variety of transactions working from original documents; they will be able to verify the accuracy of accounting records and will prepare the business final accounts – profit & loss account and balance sheet. |
Unit 2 - Financial & Management Accounting Examination to be taken in June of Year 12 | This unit introduces students to some of the ways in which financial accounting can provide valuable information for measuring and monitoring business performance and for planning future business operations. They will gain an understanding of the concepts which underlie the preparation of financial statements.
Students will learn to analyse and report on the performance of sole traders and limited companies and to recommend courses of action. |
Unit 3 - Further Aspects of Financial Accounting Examination to be taken in January of Year 13 | Students will have the opportunity to develop their understanding of financial accounting techniques which can be applied where a business does not maintain a full accounting system. They will gain a greater understanding of published final accounts and extend their knowledge by the study of cash flow statements and accounting standards. |
Unit 4 - Further Aspects of Management Accounting Examination to be taken in June of Year 13 | This unit provides an opportunity to develop further the ways in which accounting techniques can be used to aid the management of a business and contribute to effective decision-making including: manufacturing accounts; costing; investment appraisal and budgeting. |
| Course support & enrichment at QE | AS and A2 level teaching is undertaken by two specialist teachers each sharing a set. There is a European study trip offered by the department in the summer term of Year 12. Students can opt to take part in various competitions such as Proshare, Shares4Schools and the CIMA Essay competition. |
| Progression from A-level Accounting | This course provides a solid foundation for the further study of Accounting and other related subjects such as Accounting & Finance, Business Management and Business & Finance. Graduates of Accounting & Finance degrees go on to work in the areas of professional accountancy, investment banking, investment analysis and management, management consultancy and financial management. |
Recommended wider reading This is particularly relevant for those considering further study beyond A-level | The business and financial pages of a quality newspaper such as The Daily Telegraph, The Times or The Sunday Times. Useful Websites: |