BTEC Health and Social Care (Y10-13)

This course is the equivalent of 1 A level and is studied as part of the Career-Related Programme. This course is studies alongside 2 or 3 IB Diploma Courses and the CP Core.

What will I Study?

This vocational course offers a broad basis of study for the health and social care sector. It is a highly successful course which stretches students and gives then a varied insight into the world of health and social care and the importance of thought when dealing with vulnerable individuals. The course is composed of both internally assessed units (coursework) and externally assessed units (examination) in both Year 12 and Year 13.

Candidates will study the following:

• Unit 1 – Human Lifespan development You will cover physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan, including the factors affecting development and the effects of ageing.
• Unit 2 – Working in Health and Social Care You will learn the skills needed to succeed in a health and social care setting. This will include applying care values and discussing when there may be barriers to professional practice.
• Unit 5 – Meeting individual care and support needs You will focus on the principles and practicalities that underpin meeting individuals’ care and support needs, which are the foundation of all care.
• Unit 10 – Sociological Perspectives You will explore how sociological perspectives can be applied to the practical nature of health and social care, including the impact of social class and gender on health and wellbeing.

What opportunities will I have?

Students will enjoy a wide range of activities undertaken during the course, including:

• One week work experience placement
• Visit and activities in a local retirement home
• Visiting and activities in local Primary schools
• Carrying out individual research for case studies
• Interviewing professional visiting speakers

Work Experience

Learners will be able to take advantage of short term and longer-term placements so they can ‘learn on the job’. A mandatory one-week work placement will also be arranged to gain an insight into health, social and early years care issues. This essential part of the course has also proved to be of great benefit when applying for further education courses or paid employment. Many students have also found that it has broadened their horizons in terms of what they would like to do for their career after Sixth Form.

Progression

Often learners will select 2 or 3 of the following diploma courses to complement this option: IB Psychology, IB Biology, IB Sport and Health, IB English, IB Environmental Science.

Learners may wish to go on to study a wide range of degree courses at University including nursing, midwifery, radiography, occupational therapy, social work, physiotherapy and teaching. Those taking Health and Social Care also benefit from the transferable skills focused on within the course, such as research methods and communication skills.

Learners would be supported to apply directly for employment or an apprenticeship following the successful completion of this course.