Course Overview
This course helps students to progress onto degree courses, apprenticeships or employment.
It is suitable for students considering a career as: a nurse, midwife, social worker, teacher, health visitor, paramedic, counsellor and many more health related professions.
Single A Level: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate
Students have the opportunity to take the BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care which is the equivalent in size to one A level. It is for students interested in learning about the health and social care sector alongside other fields of study, probably with a view to progression to a wide range of degree courses, not necessarily the health or social care sector.
Students studying this qualification will study four mandatory units over the two years covering the following content areas:
- Human Life Span Development (these units are exam based)
- Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs (this unit is coursework based).
- Working in Health and Social Care
- Meeting Individual Needs
Double A Level: BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
Students who want to progress directly into a career in the Health Care Sector should consider the double A level course. Students will study the same units required in the single A level, but will undertake four additional units:
- Promoting Public Health (this unit is coursework based)
- Work Experience in Health and Social (this unit is coursework based)
- Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care (learners will be assessed through a written task which will be assessed in supervised conditions)
- Principle of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care
Students will also be given the opportunity to experience a vocational placement and undertake a unit called Work experience in Health and Social Care. Work experience provides a foundation for the development of professional skills and personal attributes which are essential for working in the health and social care sector and many more professions.
Both courses are assessed by 60% coursework and 40% examination and students are required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure Application excepted under the Exceptions Orders to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The course is extremely popular with students and has excellent results.
Entry Requirements
It is not essential that students have studied Health and Social Care previously but students must have five or more GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
A grade 4 in English Language is crucial.
Curriculum Overviews
Students completing the Single Course will study the Units 1 & Unit 5 in Year 12 followed by Unit 2 and Unit 12 in Year 13.
Students completing the Double Course will study all eight units mentioned above.
