Health & Social Care
Intent
The intention of BTEC Health and Social Care is to ensure that each student can understand the wide range of opportunities within the field, as well as preparing students for future employment. The Health and Social Care course is a vocational qualification which takes an engaging, practical, and inspiring approach to learning and assessment. The subject helps students gain an understanding of how best to help and support those who need it the most.
The subject content covers how people grow and develop throughout various life stages and the support that can be put into place if anything becomes a barrier to development. Students learn about the varying needs of individuals throughout their lives and the roles of the various organisations available to support such needs, such as the National Health Service (NHS). We study people of all ages and abilities, ranging from infants through to the elderly, identifying the changes they go through and what they need to develop holistically.
Students learn about the varying needs of individuals throughout their lives and the roles of the various organisations available to support such needs, for example, the National Health Service. This is done through the study of individuals known by the students themselves and/or the study of people in the media. The study of celebrities makes this interesting and engaging and comparisons, assessment and evaluation can be made using a range of written media and documentaries. We constantly adapt and update examples to reflect current affairs, carefully selecting suitable content for the age, ability and maturity of the students.
Impact
The BTEC Health and Social Care curriculum has a positive impact on the outcomes of every student.
It gives all students a sound understanding of the skills required to work in the Health and Social Care sector and demonstrate the care values through regular role-play, collaboration and regular formative assessment. It allows students to develop their confidence when interacting with a variety of people from different age groups and abilities.
It raises awareness of different needs and the range of services available and it promotes good health which will provide life-long benefits on themselves and their families.
It has a high success rate in terms of academic results and destinations of students with a consistently high number of students exceeding expectations. Formal assessments demonstrate detailed knowledge, skills and understanding in a health and social care context.
Students will develop transferable life skills which can be used successfully in any job sector. By the end of Year 13, students will be able to make more informed choices for their future career path.
Finally, students express their enjoyment within the subject and consistently engage and participate in all activities given.
Implementation
The implementation of BTEC Health and Social Care will provide a wide range of learning experiences which are accessible to students of all abilities. This involves group work opportunities, clearly differentiated tasks, report writing through internal assessments and examination technique for external assessments and controlled assessments. We encourage students to complete tasks above target grade and emphasise the importance of real world experiences through trips and visitors.
At Level 3, units range from analysing human growth and development, working in health and social care, and meeting individual care and support needs. The course equips students with a sound, specialist, and realistic understanding of how to meet the needs of individuals using services and specialist equipment, whilst challenging stereotypes and discrimination. The study of care values is at the heart of Health and Social Care which develops skills such as empathy, compassion, commitment, tolerance, and empowerment. This enables our students to become educated citizens and contributes to society in a positive way.
The curriculum within Health and Social Care supports the ethos within the school as the subject is broad, balanced, and relevant to the needs of students and employers. The curriculum challenges students to think abstractly, work collaboratively and problem solve to develop curiosity and the desire for knowledge.
We use a variety of teaching strategies, as well as utilising the online curriculum and online textbook to support learning. The range of techniques allow for knowledge to become embedded within the long-term memory. Assessments are regular and frequent with recall tests at the beginning of lessons, end of topic tests and mock examinations to prepare students for formal assessment.
KS5 (Years 12 & 13)
BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED CERTIFICATE
This course covers the range of knowledge and skills that you will need to be successful in a career within the care sector.
It will allow you to progress on to further study within this sector or seek employment within the health or care sector.
The mandatory content of the qualification incorporates topics relevant across the health and social care sector.
The topics covered are:
- Human Lifespan Development
- Working in Health and Social Care
- Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs.
Learners also cover an optional unit that covers the topic Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs.
The qualification is assessed using internally assessed assignments and written exams which are set and marked by Pearson.
This qualification is generally taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two year programme of learning. This will enable learners to progress to a degree programme chosen from a range of programmes in the health and social care sector.
The qualification is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by higher education institutions as contributing to meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses.
It can be taken alongside, for example:
- A-Levels in Biology and Psychology, which could lead to a BSc (Hons) in Nursing
- A-Levels in English and History, which could lead to a BA (Hons) in Primary Education
- a BTEC National Diploma in Children’s Play, Learning and Development, which could lead to a BSc (Hons) in Social Work
- a BTEC National Extended Certificate in Sport, which could lead to a Foundation Degree in Sports Studies and Development.
Careers in Social Care
