We can't wait to welcome you to Andover College in September!
We have created this interactive page to give you a sense of what studying Business at Andover College is like. Scroll down to have a go at the Operational Performance Calculator activity and watch the accompanying videos investigating discount supermarket Aldi!
We would love to see your ideas and results so please send them back to andoverapplicantwelcome@sparsholt.ac.uk with 'Business Studies' as the email heading!
Check out the pictures of all the trips and extra-curriculum activities our students get to experience along with all the help and support we can provide through our experienced Careers and Health & Wellbeing teams.
Inside Aldi
Documentary exploring how the German supermarket has swept the UK. Former staff reveal how Aldi cuts costs and how own brand goods taste like their big-name counterparts.
Student work
Previous Business Studies students Krishna, Lucy, Derron and Prishne examine the impact of communications technology on businesses as part of their course.
Business Studies Trips!
At Andover we encourage our students to get out into the 'real-world' to understand the wider application of their chosen subject. Previous cohorts of Business Studies students have had the opportunity to go to London, New York City and Washington DC as part of their course. Check out the pictures below!
New York: February 2019:
Business Students had the opportunity to have a personalised tour of the Law courts while watching a case in action followed by a sing song at Ellen’s Stardust Diner! Students also visited the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty!
Washington DC!
February 2020: Business students got the chance to see the White House, Capitol Hill, the Supreme Court, Library of Congress and Mount Vernon! Not forgetting letting off some steam at the Wizards Vs Chicago Bulls Basketball game!
London!
Students had the opportunity to visit the capital exploring the famous shop and visual merchandising displays on Bond Street, Mayfair, Regent Street and Dover Street. Insightful day topped off with a trip on the London Eye!
Additional Resources
Interested in learning more? One of the best ways you can prepare for college in September is to keep up-to-date with current business developments - try watching the news daily and reading newspapers/business articles. You could also watch the BBC programme Inside the Factory, or Netflix's Rotten Bitter Chocolate.
Prefer reading a book? Why not try Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou or the Autobiography of Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson.
Additional Tasks;
- Research an entrepreneur that you admire - why do you admire this person
- Be aware of the economic environment in the UK and how this is affecting the population, business and economy
- Use online maths classrooms to practice your quantitative skills in Percentages, Fractions, Data Manipulation such as Mode, Median
- Get ready for the year - have a folder set up with dividers, planner or diary to log homework/activities, exercise book/paper, calculator and stationery
The Open University have a wealth of online courses available for free online. Take a look - we recommend the course on 'Money and Business' here.
Student wellbeing and support
At Andover College we understand that starting college in these uncertain times can be daunting and we aim to make this process as simple as possible.
We have a dedicated team that provide our students with any additional support they need including;
- Counselling
- Carer support
- Childcare support
- Confidential one-to-one services
We have also recently introduced two new members to the wellbeing team ... Arlo and Romeo the Therapy Dogs!
Arlo and Romeo are part of the continued effort from Andover College to consistently improve on and add to provisions for students. They are based on campus with their owners throughout term.
Research has shown that students are significantly less stressed and anxious, and even have increased happiness and energy, immediately following spending time in a drop-in session with a dog present. What good boys!
Not already applied?
Got this link but not yet applied? – Click below so you can join us in September!
Our Courses:
A-Level (2 Years) in Business
Student Experience
Former Andover College student Lauren explains her decision to take Law, English Literature & Language, Psychology and Business Studies, her experience at College, the support available and what she is up to now!
New Activity!
Take a look at this presentation introducing you to various topics you will study during your time at college. You should download the PowerPoint and view it as a presentation answering the questions as the appear on the screen.
Business Studies Additional Activities
Operational Performance Calculator
Careers Guidance
Our careers guidance aims to expand the horizons of all students enabling you to make informed career decisions in order to progress both during and after college.
Carol is our dedicated Careers Advisor for Andover College!
We also have our Sun Progression Mentor Anna!
Anna works alongside the Southern Universities Network (SUN) to help students recognise the routes of progression available to them, and to continue their journey in education!
We recently launched the new Careers Hub located in the College library so come and say hello to Carol and Anna!
Social Media
We love to post about all our students on our platforms including their achievements, trips and excellent work - take a look at some of the highlights below and make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!