Health and Social Care
At Key Stage 5 we offer BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care
- National Diploma in Health & Social Care (eqivalent to 2 A levels).
- The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) BTEC National in Health & Social Care (Extended Certificate - equivalent to 1 A level).
Who is the course for?
The National Diploma in Health and Social Care and the Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) BTEC National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate) is designed for post-16 students with an interest in health and social care and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. Equivalent to either one or two A Levels in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in health and social care.
What can it lead to?
Students will develop knowledge and skills throughout this qualification that are key to health and social care related degrees. Students have the potential to develop transferable and study skills becoming well-rounded individuals, better prepared for the demands of Higher Education. This qualification can lead to progression into degrees such as:
• BSc Nursing
• BSc Social Work
• BSc Subjects Allied to Health (e.g. Paramedic Science, Occupational Therapy)
Students are also able to enter directly into employment within the health and social care services.
The qualification has been developed in consultation with higher education representatives to ensure students have the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to progress to, and thrive in higher education. The qualifications will cover topics such as:
• Human Lifespan and Development – PIES and factors affecting growth and development, interventions and the different professionals providing care and treatment
• Human Biology and Health – Human body structure and systems, normal physiological functioning and the impact of common disorders
• Health and Social Care Practice – Core principles, values and legislation that underpin and influence health and social care, and the effect of social determinants on an individual’s health status.
Work experience in Health and Social Care – skills and attributes, codes of practice and legislation and analysing future career goals.
Through the qualifications, student's will develop knowledge and skills such as;
• Professional values and skills expected of professionals, including communication and listening skills
• Organisational and critical thinking skills
• Cultural and social intelligence when working with individuals across the lifespan with different needs, alongside methods of managing challenging situations.
• Responsibilities of professionals to be adaptable and innovative in delivering care
• Management of own time and learning
• Academic skills such as research
What will I study?
National Diploma in Health & Social Care (eqivalent to 2 A levels).
8 units to be studied over the course of the 2 years. Three external exam units and five internally assessed units.
Students will complete 2 internal assessments and 2 external assessments.
Internally assessed units are assessed by a Pearson Set Assignment Brief (PSAB), which is set by Pearson, marked by the teacher and subject to external standards' verification.
Externally assessed units are taken under specified conditions, then marked by Pearson and a grade awarded.