Why choose this subject?

This is an exciting subject area looking at three different mandatory units and one optional unit. It is for students who are interested in learning about the health and social care sector as part of a balanced study programme.

The course will support you to look at different aspects of life and human development as well as essential skills and competencies required to work in the vast area of health and social care.  There are over 350 career opportunities in the NHS alone. Social care is a fast developing industry area. Many students continue onto further study at university – past degree courses include occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, midwifery, social work and teaching.

How will this subject be delivered?

There are three mandatory units:
• Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development
• Unit 2: Working in Health and Social Care
• Unit 5: Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs

Optional units
An optional unit will be selected from those listed below, including: • Sociological Perspectives
• Psychological Perspectives
• Physiological Disorders and their Care

How is it assessed?

There are a number of different types of assessment throughout the course:
Examinations – all learners take the same assessment at the same time, normally with a written outcome.
Set tasks – learners take the assessment during a defined window and demonstrate understanding through completion of a vocational task.

Some external assessments include a period of preparation using set information. There are four units in total over the course of two years, of which three are mandatory (two of these are externally assessed) and one optional unit. Assignment content (50%). External assessment (50%).

Subject specific entry requirements

Students should have a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 4-9 including maths and English.

Progression

The qualification supports access to a range of higher education courses possibly, but not exclusively, in Health and Social Care, if taken alongside further Level 3 qualifications. The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education institutions as contributing to meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses. It may lead to careers such as social work, nursing, physiotherapy, midwifery, probation work, and teaching to name but a few.

Additional costs relating to this course

• DBS checks essential for work placement (administration costs paid by the school)
• Stationery
• Occasionally students may also be required to contribute towards the cost of a trip.

Level: BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED CERTIFICATE

Board: PEARSON