This is a Level 3 BTEC Course

What will students study in Health and Social Care this year?

We offer the BTEC Extended Certificate, equivalent to one A-Level and the BTEC National Diploma, equivalent to two A-Levels. 

Extended Certificate

The units studied are:

• Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development
• Unit 2: Working in Health and Social Care
• Unit 5: Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs
• Unit 14: Physiological Disorders and their Care

Extended Diploma 

The units studied are: 

• Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development  
• Unit 2: Working in Health and Social Care  
• Unit 4: Enquiries int Current Research in HSC  
• Unit 5: Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs  
• Unit 7: Principles of Safe Practice  
• Unit 8: Promoting Public Health  
• Unit 11: Psychological Perspectives  
• Unit 14: Physiological Disorders and their Care 

What are the major assessments this year?

The work covered in Health and Social Care is a combination of internal assessments and exam-based assessments. All students will take two external examinations in May of Year 12 (Unit 1 and Unit 2) and complete internal assessments in Year 13. National Diploma students will take a further external assessment in January of Year 13 (Unit 4). 

All units receive a grade of either Distinction, Merit or Pass. These grades convert into UCAS points for entry into university. BTEC Health and Social Care is well regarded for entry into university for a wide range of degree courses, and particularly for the allied health professions. The courses are also excellent pathways into apprenticeships.

What do the assessments test?

Internal assessment are tests of students’ ability to apply their knowledge and understanding of key health and social care concepts to scenario-based tasks, which are presented as assignment briefs with a range of assessment criteria covering differing levels of difficulty. Examinations are traditional, paper-based examinations with both short and long response questions, applied to scenario material.

What are the expectations of my child in Health and Social Care?

Students will study specific case studies and be expected to be able to work independently. They will need to familiarise themselves with key terminology related to specific topics. Students will need to be organised, manage their time effectively and meet deadlines. Students will be set regular practice of tasks to develop their written technique and prepare them for their controlled internal assessment.

What should students do if they feel they are struggling in Health and Social Care?

The first course of action is for students to speak with their class teacher to determine why they are struggling. Students should make use of revision materials provided, such as knowledge organisers, key case study materials and revision guides. There is a Health and Social Care interventions session weekly after school.

How can I best support my child in Health and Social Care?

Access to IT facilities, including the internet, will be essential for assignment completion and support with revision testing would be highly beneficial.

Whom should I contact for further advice or information?

Curriculum Leader of Health & Social Care, Miss Kenny: nkenny@carshaltongirls.org.uk