Master the Oxford AQA International AS Level Business (9625) exams with this student-focused guide. Learn to manage your 90 minutes per paper, master the precise application of business models, lock in quantitative marks with step-by-step calculations, and structure high-scoring contextual analysis and balanced judgments.
A scientific or graphical calculator is permitted. Graphical calculators must be in exam mode with all stored programs and data cleared before the exam; the calculator must not be able to retrieve stored text or formulae.
AO1: AO1: Demonstrate knowledge of terms, concepts, theories, methods and models (28.75%)
AO2: AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding to various business contexts (30%)
AO3: AO3: Analyse issues within business, showing the impact of external and internal influences (22.5%)
AO4: AO4: Evaluate quantitative and qualitative information to make informed judgements (18.75%)
過去問と採点基準にもとづいて作成（2023–2025）。
電卓プログラム
Graph: zeros, intersections & turning points
Graphical calculator / GDC (exam mode)
目的: Plot a function to read its roots (zeros), points of intersection, and maxima/minima.
使う場面: Checking solutions, sketching, or solving where an analytic method is hard.
手順
Graph the function(s) and use the built-in zero, intersect and maximum/minimum tools.
試験での注意: Allowed, but clear stored programs/data (graphical calculators in exam mode) and show the required working — unsupported calculator answers score no method marks.
Numerical equation solver
Graphical calculator / GDC (exam mode)
目的: Solve an equation or find a variable numerically when an algebraic route is long or implicit.
使う場面: Iterative or implicit equations, or to confirm an algebraic solution.
手順
Use the equation/zero solver, entering the equation and a sensible starting estimate.
試験での注意: Allowed, but clear stored programs/data (graphical calculators in exam mode) and show the required working — unsupported calculator answers score no method marks.
Numerical integration & differentiation
Graphical calculator / GDC (exam mode)
目的: Evaluate a definite integral \(\int_a^b f(x)\,dx\) or a gradient \(f'(x)\) at a point.
使う場面: Checking calculus answers, or where only a numerical value is needed.
手順
Use the GDC's numeric integral / derivative function with the limits or the point.
試験での注意: Allowed, but clear stored programs/data (graphical calculators in exam mode) and show the required working — unsupported calculator answers score no method marks.
Statistics & probability distributions
Graphical calculator / GDC (exam mode)
目的: 1-var/2-var statistics, linear regression, and cumulative binomial / normal / Poisson probabilities without tables.
使う場面: Statistics questions and hypothesis tests.
手順
Enter data in the statistics editor, or use the distribution menu (binomial cdf, normal cdf, …).
試験での注意: Allowed, but clear stored programs/data (graphical calculators in exam mode) and show the required working — unsupported calculator answers score no method marks.
よくあるミス
1high影響する配点: 3Financial data
Omitting intermediate calculation steps and writing down only the final answer.
回避方法: Always show every step of your working. If you write down the correct formula and list your intermediate steps, you can still gain 'Own Figure Rule' (OFR) marks even if you make a minor arithmetic error at the end.
2high影響する配点: 5Mission, objectives and strategy
Writing generic, textbook essays in Section C that do not relate directly to the specific business context.
回避方法: Weave case-specific details (such as whether the firm is a cinema, an ethical clothing business, or a restaurant) into every paragraph. Explain how the strategic choices directly impact their unique product profile, cost structure, or target demographic.
3high影響する配点: 5Choosing strategic direction
Presenting points for and against in isolation, without forming a substantiated final judgment.
回避方法: Your final paragraph must resolve the debate. Make a clear recommendation that directly answers the question prompt, explaining why one factor outweighs the other using an 'it depends' approach.
4medium影響する配点: 9Inventory and supply chain management
Conflating Just-in-Case (JIC) with Just-in-Time (JIT) benefits.
回避方法: Remember that JIC involves holding buffer stock to protect against unexpected spikes in demand or supply chain disruptions, which increases storage and opportunity costs. JIT reduces holding costs but leaves the business vulnerable to stock-outs.
5high影響する配点: 3The external environment
Skipping logical links in exchange rate analytical essays.
回避方法: Avoid jumping from 'a stronger dollar reduces profit' to a final conclusion without outlining the steps in between. Explain how a stronger currency makes exports more expensive for Chinese buyers, decreasing demand, reducing export volumes, and thereby lowering overall revenue and profits.
6medium影響する配点: 4Operations and competitiveness
Treating continuous improvement (Kaizen) as an instant, cost-free solution to falling productivity.
回避方法: Acknowledge that Kaizen requires a long-term cultural shift, significant training costs, and high staff motivation to be effective, rather than yielding immediate and zero-cost improvements.