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 various reasons within different life stages that some people need treatment and support to develop and maintain their independence, dignity and control. 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 careers.

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.

YEAR ONE

Unit 5 – Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs

• You focus on the principles and practicalities that underpin meeting individuals’ care and support needs, which are the foundation of all the care disciplines.

Unit 1 – Human Lifespan Development

• You cover physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan, and the factors affecting development and the effects of ageing.

YEAR TWO

Unit 2 – Working in Health and Social Care

• You explore what it is like to work in the health and social care sector, including the roles and responsibilities of workers and organisations.

Unit 11 – Psychological Perspectives

• You explore key theoretical perspectives that have been put forward on psychological and physical development and how they are applied in different health and social care settings.

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 three different types of assessment: coursework (internally assessed), tasks and written examination (both externally assessed).

YEAR ONE

Unit 5 – Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs

• Assessed through assignments and tasks in coursework

Unit 1 – Human Lifespan Development

• Externally assessed written examination

YEAR TWO

Unit 2 – Working in Health and Social Care

• Externally assessed written examination

Unit 11 – Psychological Perspectives

• Assessed through assignments and tasks in coursework

The BTEC National Extended Certificate 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 be nurses, midwives, social workers, care assistants, teachers and nursery workers.