Course Introduction

The qualification has three mandatory units covering the following topics:  

• Unit 1 - Human Lifespan and Development – PIES and factors affecting growth and development, interventions and the different professionals providing care and treatment 

• Unit 2 - Human Biology and Health – Human body structure and systems, normal physiological functioning and the impact of common disorders 

• Unit 3 - Health and Social Care Practice – Core principles, values and legislation that underpin and influence health and social care, and the effect of social determinants on an individual's health status 

Students will be offered one of the four optional units covering the following topics, based on the needs of the cohort:  

•Unit 4 - Health, Social Policy and Wellbeing – Public health policy and its influences, including health-related organisations/groups and a range of strategic factors 

• Unit 5 - Promoting Health Education – Health education, its purpose and use of different approaches and models to achieve positive health outcomes  

• Unit 6 - Safe Environments in Health and Social Care – Appropriate provisions in services relevant to different needs; governance relating to safe environments

• Unit 7 – Health Science – Types of infections and their potential impact on a local,  national and international scale.

What are the entry requirements?

Five or more GCSEs Grade 9-4 or equivalent, including English. Minimum of a Grade 4 or equivalent if you have previously studied Health and Social Care.

Future Opportunities?

 This qualification can lead to progression to a degree course, including: 

• BSC Nursing 

• BSC Social Work 

• BSC Subjects Allied to Health.

How will it be delivered, and how will I be assessed?

Units 1 and 2 are externally assessed (1.5 hour exams) 

Unit 3 plus the selected optional unit are internally assessed through a timed-controlled assessment. Pearson will set the brief for this assessment.

Delivered through classroom teaching and learning activities, guest speakers, visits. Students may sit each externally assessed unit a maximum of 3 times. Internally assessed units can be granted a resubmission if specific requirements are met and, additionally, one retake if minimum criteria are not met.

 Approximately 15 students, although this varies from year to year.

Within the department, we have teachers in a variety of subjects which supports the breadth of the curriculum in Health and Social Care. Teachers have expertise in Psychology, Sociology, Anatomy and Physiology as well as years of experience working in the subject. Our staff have worked with universities, teaching hospitals and other local providers to ensure that the vocational knowledge shared with the students is accurate and up-to-date. 

Our course has had a superb success rate both in terms of grades and where students have used the qualification to move on to the next stage of their learning journey.  

We have had students achieve the highest possible grade, which is usually achieved by a very small percentage of those students taking the qualification nationally.  

We have a 100% pass rate – we have never had a student fail the course. 

Most definitely! We have had students leave us to go on to secure places at a range of universities, studying a broad range of courses. From Operating department practice, Midwifery, Paramedic Science and Nursing, to Teaching, Childhood Studies, as well as Sociology, Criminology and Social work. Our students have secured places at high-ranking universities such as UEA, Nottingham and Leeds.

BTEC subjects are not graded A-E like A-Levels. Instead we use a Distinction*, Distinction, Merit, Pass system. 

A clinical role such as a Nurse, Midwife, Paramedic, Occupational Therapist or a Physiotherapist to name a few. Teaching either Early years, Primary, Secondary or FE. Social work or work within social care such as a support worker. Public services such as Policing or the Fire Service.  

This is just a sample of roles and really, we will be working on a range of transferable skills/employability skills throughout the course that will support you into a range of career pathways.