Overview of the course

Suitable for students who want to acquire sector-specific applied knowledge through vocational contexts by studying...

Human lifespan development

Health and social care services and values

Health and well-being

...as part of their Key Stage 4 learning.

The qualification recognises the value of learning skills, knowledge and vocational attributes to complement GCSEs.

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What will you study?

This course gives you the opportunity to study how people grow and develop over the course of their lives, from infancy to old age.  You will explore the factors that may affect this, such as major life changing events like marriage or parenthood.  You will learn how people adapt to these changes as well as the types of support available to help them.

You will also learn about the different health and social care services and how they can meet the specific needs of individuals.  You will explore the relevant skills, attributes and values required to work successfully in health or social care.

You will also learn about how various factors and lifestyle choices can affect an individual’s current health and well-being, and how physiological indicators can inform health care professionals to set realistic targets.

You will explore actions to improve health and well-being, the barriers or obstacles individuals may face when following recommendations, and the support available to overcome them.

Component 1	Component 2
Human Lifespan Development	Services and Values

Component 3

Health and Well-being

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Assessment

This qualification is graded with Pass, Merit or Distinction.

Components 1 and 2 will be internally assessed and moderated through a Pearson Set Assignment (PSA) completed in a computer room in controlled conditions.  Students will have one resubmission opportunity for each PSA allowing them to make improvements to their work based on teacher feedback.

Students are allowed to have their own notes in front of them while completing each PSA and will have approximately six hours across eight lessons.

Component 3 will be assessed with an external examination in the summer of Year 11. This is a synoptic assessment meaning that it covers knowledge gained from all three components.

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Possible career path

About 3 million people in the UK work in health and social care.  In healthcare, this includes jobs such as...

Doctors	Pharmacists	Nurses
Midwives	Healthcare assistants	Administrators

...while social care roles include...

Care Assistants	Social Workers
Occupational Therapists	Childcare Workers

Demand for both health and social care is likely to continue to rise, so it is sure to continue to play a key role in UK society, and the demand for people to fill these vital jobs will increase.

When you have completed this qualification, you will have developed a practical understanding of the health and social care sector.  Because you will be building useful skills, you will have a better understanding of whether this is an area you want to continue to study.  This course will also help you develop transferable skills and knowledge, such as self-evaluation and research skills, which will benefit you regardless of your chosen path.

After you have finished this course, you may wish to go on to further study, for example, the Level 3 BTEC, then onto a Higher Education degree in subjects such as...

Nursing

Midwifery

Childcare

Social Work

Alternatively, you might want to find work in the health and social care sector as a trainee or apprentice.

Overview of the Course

A modular specification designed to introduce you to a wide range of health related topics.  BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate is equivalent to one GCE A Level.

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What kind of student is this course suitable for?

This course is suitable for you if you are interested in working in related fields in the future.  You will need to have achieved the College’s entry requirements for Sixth Form education.

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The course will appeal to those students who:

Enjoy interaction with others

Are keen to build on their communication skills

Enjoy studying a subject that is relevant to their own lives and experiences

Have good interpersonal skills

Want to keep their options open for higher education and careers

Have an interest in working in the Health or Social Care sectors at any level

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Why consider taking Health and Social Care?

This interesting and varied course will provide you with a wide range of options either for Higher Education or full-time employment in the related sectors.

The qualification provides learners with a range of knowledge, understanding and skills which are highly regarded by employers, with the potential for further professional development.

This course can provide an excellent vocational skill set, making you highly employable in an increasingly competitive job market.  Alternatively you will be equally prepared to pursue Higher Education with this qualification.

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What will you study?

The Core Units studies are...

Human life span and development	Working in Health and Social Care
Meeting individual care and support needs	Psychological Perspectives

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Assessment

Two units are assessed through external examinations.  The remaining two units are assessed through extended written assignments, which are marked and moderated internally.  You will have the opportunity to act on teacher feedback to improve your work before your final submission.

Possible career path

Students may go on to pursue Higher Education in related courses including...

Teacher Training	Nursing
Midwifery	Early Years Education
Social Work	Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy	Speech and Language Therapy

Employment opportunities exist in...

	Health Care		Social Care
Education		Childcare		Prison Service
	Emergency Services		Police Force

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Entry requirements

Five GCSEs Grade 9 - 5, including English and Mathematics