This subject combines elements of a range of interesting topics that
explore both health and social care in private and public sectors.
The course includes modules that will prepare students to meet the
needs of clients in a holistic way, accounting for their physical,
intellectual, emotional and social needs.

You will study a range of topics and modules. Some of these units
are assessed through coursework, with some units being assessed
by written examination.
Below are examples of some of the units we study -
1) Human lifespan development
2) Working in health and social care
3) Anatomy and physiology
4) Research methods.
5) Meeting individual needs
6) Work experience in health and social care
7) Principles of safe practice in health and social care
8) Promoting public health
9) Sociological Perspectives
10) Psychological Perspective
11) Nutritional Health
For a full list, please refer to our website and look at the specific
courses.

Course: BTEC Level 3 Extended certificate (Equivalent to 1 A’ Level) 50 % coursework 50% exam.

Name / Exam Board: Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care Level 3 RQF

Entry Requirement: Five GCSEs between 9-4 (or A*- C), one or two at B/6 with two of
English, Maths or Science
OR
Five GCSEs between 9-4 (or A*-C) together with Distinctions in BTEC Level 2 qualifications
OR
Seven or eight GCSEs at grade 4 (or C)


Course: BTEC National Extended diploma (old spec.) (Equivalent to 3 A’ level programme) 52 % coursework. 48 % Examined.

Name/Exam Board: Pearson BTEC National Extended diploma in Health and Social Care
level 3 RQF

Entry Requirement: Minimum of five GCSE grades 9-4 (or A*-C) including either English or Maths


Course: Level 2 BTEC First extended certificate. (Equivalent to 3 GCSE course) Exam
12.5% coursework 87.5%

Name/Exam Board: Pearson BTEC First Diploma level 1/2 in Health and Social Care
NQF

Entry Requirement: Minimum of four GCSEs at grade 3 (or D) or better

Health and Social Care is a social science and therefore goes well
with numerous other subjects. Many of our students choose to do
Health and Social Care alongside a social science subject such as
Psychology, Law, Criminology, Sociology and Business Studies. A
number of Health-related degree courses often require a science A’
level so some students choose to study Biology A’ Level alongside
this. Health and Social Care also combines well with English A’
Level, as this is a useful subject to have for entry into professions
such as Speech Therapy. As Health and Social Care has a broad
range of topics, it combines well with a number of A’ Levels.

This is a very popular subject and the class sizes usually range from
20 – 24 students. This is a large department in the college with 17
classes taught by 12 teachers. Class sizes for the level 2 course are
normally smaller, approximately 15 students.

This subject provides an excellent opportunity to apply for a
number of different courses or apprenticeships. There are a broad
range of rewarding careers you can progress onto after studying
Health and Social Care. The most popular degree programmes that
students go on to study at university are - Nursing, Midwifery,
Social Work, Primary teaching, Paramedic, Occupational therapy,
Dietician and Speech therapy. Many students also study
Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Law, Youth and Community
work degree’s and many more. For more information on careers in
the NHS please visit Health Careers.

Each yearthe department normally arranges several university
trips offering specific health taster days. We also undertake unit
specific trips in the local area. We have previously taken Health and
Social Care students to Euro Disney in Paris for a Healthcare
conference. We are looking to run more trips in Europe in the
future, but this will be dependent on developments with COVID. In
addition, we have a range of visiting speakers from various
professions in the NHS who come to talk about their role.

The subject is taught by an outstanding team of teachers, many of
whom have a previous background working in the health and social
care sector, and bring a wealth of experience with them to the
classroom. A range of different resources are provided to students
to help support their learning. Students are regularly assessed and
monitored; this ensures they do not fall behind and that they
receive the right support and guidance. Teachers in the department
are approachable and make themselves available to offer drop in
sessions to help support students with any areas of difficulty. The department offers an extra support session for upper sixth students
and an ‘independent study package’ is offered to students to help
them improve their grades. Revision and ‘skillstargeted’support
sessions are offered throughout the year to help with the written
exams.

In normal circumstances, there is a requirement to complete some
placement hours. For the full BTEC (3 A Level equivalent) you
normally complete 3 block weeks (totalling 100 hours). However,
due to COVID restrictions, students will replace this with an
assignment on ‘Health Promotion’ instead. Our other courses have
no compulsory requirement to complete a placement, however we
normally arrange at least one placement for students as it helps
support learning, through witnessing the practical application of
what is learnt in the classroom.

We have a designated placement officer who will interview you at
the beginning of the course to see what your career aims are. We
then try to find a suitable placement for you, related to your future
career plans. We use a range of placements including –
- Hospitals
- GP practices
- Secondary schools
- Residential Care Homes
- Primary Schools
- Pupil Referral Units
- Nurseries
- Midwifery Placements
- Nursing Homes
Should placement not be an option due to COVID restrictions, we
will aim to introduce a range of events in college to supplement
students’ experiences. The exam board is currently developing an adapted assignment for students to complete as an alternative to
attending placement.