Students must meet the minimum entry requirements for the Vocational or Combination study pathway. In addition, students must have GCSE Grade 4-4 in Combined Science OR Grade 4 in Biology, Chemistry or Physics (or equivalent at BTEC Level 2).

This Health and Social Care course will offer you the opportunity to explore a wide variety of topics that underpin the skills and qualities needed for a multitude of future careers in the Health and Social Care sector.

You will look in depth at the different life stages that some people need treatment and support to develop and maintain their independence, dignity and control. This course will also look into the importance of health education as well as the workings of the human body and its effect on an individuals development (P.I.E.S.). Studying Health and Social Care will teach you to provide physical, emotional and social support to help people at all stages of their lives. You will be academically challenged through the broadness of this curriculum and will face a wide range of real life scenarios that will help to prepare you for your future career.

Guidance and opportunities for work placements in a variety of Health and Social Care setting will be available over the duration of the course.

It is an advantage if the subject has been studied in KS4 at GCSE/ BTEC Level 2 but not essential. ICT is an important part of the course, as well as a good standard of English Language and an interest in Human Biology.

YEAR ONE

Unit 5 – Promoting Health Education

• This unit teaches you how health education helps people stay healthy and avoid illness. You’ll learn how organisations promote health, encourage behaviour change, and support public wellbeing. You’ll explore different ways to educate people, plan a small health event, and see how health education affects the nation’s health. It’s great preparation for health and social care careers.

Unit 1 – Human Lifespan Development

• This unit helps you understand how people grow and develop physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually throughout life. You’ll explore how health is affected by things like genetics, lifestyle, and environment. You’ll also learn how health and social care professionals support people through different life stages and health conditions, preparing you for a future career in health and social care.

YEAR TWO

Unit 2 – Human Biology and Health

• This unit helps you understand how the human body works and what happens when things go wrong. You’ll learn about cells, tissues, organs, and body systems like the heart and lungs. You’ll also explore common health problems like diabetes and heart disease, and how they affect the body. It’s great preparation for careers in health and social care.

Unit 3 – Principles of Health and Social Care Practice

• This unit teaches you how to support people’s care needs in health and social care. You’ll learn about the values, skills, and principles professionals use to give personalised, effective care. You’ll explore challenges, laws, and social factors that affect health, and how professionals respond. It’s ideal preparation for careers like nursing, social work, or care management.

Students will work to a brief and be given clear assessment criteria so they can be confident on what is expected to achieve a Distinction* / Distinction / Merit / Pass. Your final grade will be calculated from a culmination of the points collected across all units. Throughout the course, students will be well supported by teachers who will give feedback on progress against the key assessment criteria.

Across the course students will complete units that are assessed in a variety of ways. There are two main types of formal assessment; coursework, (internally assessed & moderated) and examination units (externally assessed).

YEAR ONE

Unit 5 – Promoting Health Education

• Assessed through a Pearson Set Assignment Brief (PSAB) with a range of tasks completed as coursework.

Unit 1 – Human Lifespan Development

• Externally assessed written exam

YEAR TWO

Unit 2 – Human Biology and Health

• Externally assessed written exam

Unit 3 – Principles of Health and Social Care Practice

• Assessed through a Pearson Set Assignment Brief (PSAB) with a range of tasks completed as coursework.

The BTEC National Extended Certificate (AAQ) in Health and Social Care is a Level 3 qualification which is the equivalent to one A-level and widely recognised by universities and employers.

Completion of this course will enable students to access employment or move on to study an aspect of Health and Social care at a centre of higher education. This course is very popular with students aspiring to work in any aspect of the Health and Social Care industry.