Health & Social Care (CTEC Level 3)

Life matters

Head of Health & Social Care: Ms G Rinzivillo

This is an interesting and challenging course which will help you develop the skills, knowledge and understanding you need for Higher Education or employment.

The AAQ Advanced National Level 3 Extended Certificate is the equivalent of studying one A Level subject and students will generally study two other A Levels alongside it. The course is ideal for students who are interested in going onto further study or wish to work in a health and social care related sector such as nursing, midwifery, social work, youth work, counselling, physiotherapy, etc. on leaving school or university. On completion of this two-year course, you will achieve an AAQ Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care.

CURRICULUM INFORMATION (Health & Social Care)

Entry Criteria for A Level Study:
You should have minimum 5 GCSE's at grade 5 and above.
You should have 5-4 in GCSE double science or a grade 5 in biology and one other individual science.
You should have at least a grade 5 in GCSE English language.

WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?

During the course you must complete 2 mandatory external units, 2 mandatory NEA (coursework) units and 2 optional (coursework) units :

Principles of health and social care (Mandatory external examination 80 GLH)
Anatomy & Physiology for health and social care (Mandatory external examination 80 GLH)
Person-centred approach to care (Mandatory internal NEA assessment 50 GLH)
Supporting people with mental health conditions (Mandatory internal NEA assessment 50 GLH)
Supporting healthy nutrition and lifestyles (Optional internal NEA assessment 50 GLH)
Supporting people in relation to sexual health, pregnancy and postnatal health (Optional internal NEA assessment 50 GLH)

There are external examinations and assessed pieces of coursework which are set by the exam board. These units will develop your understanding of the application of health and social care practice, biological sciences and equality and diversity legislation used within the services.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?

Coursework will take a variety of forms including interviews, developing and undertaking research, discussing and problem solving, presenting, reporting, group work and using information technology.

You will have teachers who will guide you through the course and help you manage your workload. The emphasis will be on personal research and problem solving through the assessed tasks, which will focus on the world of health and social care.

Students will be taught through a variety of methods and will be given opportunities, for example within coursework tasks, to write up the findings of their own research, use case studies to explore more complex or unfamiliar situations, carry out projects for which they have some choice over the direction and outcomes and demonstrate practical and technical skills using appropriate workplace values and practices. The AAQ course is designed to have a more ‘hands-on’ approach to study and as such lessons will require students to take on a variety of approaches to their learning.

HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?

40% of your units will be external assessments (exams), the other 60% will be set by the exam board but marked internally by your teachers and externally verified by the exam board.

The external assessment involves written examinations sat across two years where students will need to apply their knowledge and understanding of Units FO90 & FO91. (There are also exam re-sit opportunities which offer students the chance to improve grades further within this two-year period, allowing you to reach your full potential).

Internal Assessments (FO92, 93, 96 & 97) are in the form of assignment briefs and completed in a set period of time under supervised conditions. These assignments allow students to demonstrate their understanding through completion of a tasks often in a vocational scenario.

WHICH OTHER SUBJECTS could i study?

Health and social care combines well with most other social science subjects such as sociology and psychology, also courses such as biology, English language and law link well. If you are thinking of going on to a career in the health or medical sector, we would advise taking a medical science or a social sciences subject.

AND AFTER THE COURSE?

You could enter employment. You could combine employment with job related training and gain further accreditation for your skills and experience through an apprenticeship training programme.

You could continue your studies in Higher Education on a degree course or HND in related subject areas such as Health Studies, Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Primary Teaching.

WHICH EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS WILL I LEARN?

The subject content will help develop key knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the

Health and Social care environment.
The course will help you think creatively, innovatively, logically and critically.
You will develop valuable communication skills that are important in all aspects of further study and life in general.
The subject helps you develop transferable skills such as evaluation and planning, presentation and research skills as well as developing your independence and confidence.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT Health & Social Care

Q: How do the grades convert to UCAS points?
A: The grades are pass, merit, distinction and distinction* and these grades have a UCAS Tariff.

Q: Which subjects go well together with health and social care?
A: The following subjects go well with health and social care: sociology, psychology, criminology, law, business studies, biology and medical science.

Q: How many exams are there for this subject?
A: There are two examinations (usually sat in year 1 with resit opportunities if required in year 2).

Q: How much coursework is there for this subject?
A: You will complete one whole unit of coursework in the first year, and three units in the second year.

Q: What career pathways does the subject lead to?
A: The subject often leads to a wide variety of vocational career pathways such as primary teaching, nursing and midwifery, social work, counselling and physiotherapy.

CAREERS AND LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION

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