We currently follow the OCR Level 1/ 2 Cambridge Nationals for Key Stage 4 which will provide students with sound specialist knowledge and skills for everyday use. The coursework units all have a practical element which the students have to complete as well a written element and there is an external exam.
The care sector is a growing and thriving industry with many interesting and rewarding aspects of the job. We have had students going onto university to study areas such as midwifery, speech and language therapy, social work, as well as nursing.
Mrs M Scott
Head of Social Sciences
The students can continue into 6th form and study Health and Social Care. At Key Stage 5 we follow the CACHE Technical Level 3 Certificate in Health and Social Care which is designed to support the progression to a range of job roles within the health and social care sector. Completion of this qualification is achieved through classroom based learning and supported by placement in a real work environment.
Key stage 4
OCR Level 1/ Level 2 Cambridge National in Health and Social Care
Qualification number 603/7116/X
Technical award
The Level 1/Level 2 Cambridge National in Health and Social Care is aimed at students aged 14-16 years and will develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills that would be used in the health and social care sector.
You may be interested in this if you want to use what you learn in practical, real-life situations, such as:
- Recommending support for individuals.
- Creating and delivering a creative activity.
This will help you to develop independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the health and social care sector.
The qualification will also help you to develop learning and skills that can be used in other life and work situations, such as:
- Communicating effectively with individuals or groups. Communication is at the heart of health and social care and is taught or applied in all units.
- Researching topic areas and recording research sources, then using them to interpret findings and present evidence.
- Planning creative activities, this will involve managing time and identifying aims, purpose, resources, methods.
- Creating, presenting/delivering information to a group or an individual. This qualification will complement other learning that you’re completing for GCSEs or vocational qualifications at Key Stage 4 and help to prepare you for further study.
1. The two mandatory units are:
R032: Principles of care in health and social care settings
This unit is assessed by an exam. In this unit you will learn about the key topics that are important when caring for and protecting people in health and social care.
Topics include:
- Topic Area 1 The rights of service users in health and social care settings
- Topic Area 2 Person-centred values
- Topic Area 3 Effective communication in health and social care settings
- Topic Area 4 Protecting service users and service providers in health and social care settings
R033: Supporting individuals through life events
This unit is assessed by a Set Assignment. In this unit you will learn about growth and development through the life stages. You will also learn how to understand the needs of individuals who have been affected by life events and how to recommend support to meet their needs.
Topics include:
- Topic Area 1 Life stages
- Topic Area 2 Impacts of life events
- Topic Area 3 Sources of support
2. Optional unit:
R034: Creative and therapeutic activities
This unit is assessed by a Set Assignment. In this unit you will research therapies and learn about how they can benefit people. You will also learn about the benefits of creative activities and you will plan and deliver a creative activity to a group or individual.
Topics include:
- Topic Area 1 Therapies and their benefits
- Topic Area 2 Creative activities and their benefits
- Topic Area 3 Plan a creative activity for individuals or groups in a health or social care setting
- Topic Area 4 Deliver a creative activity and evaluate your own performance
To work in a health or social care setting, it is essential to understand the rights of individuals, person-centred values and how they can be applied. This qualification will help you to develop this knowledge and to understand the importance of effective communication skills when working in these settings. You will also develop the skills needed to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for those in care.
These skills will help you progress onto further study in the health and social care sector. This may be Level 3 vocational qualifications, such as the Cambridge Technical in Health and Social Care and also A-levels in psychology, biology or sociology and the following apprenticeships:
- Adult care worker
- Allied Health Profession Support
- Health and Social Care
- Healthcare science assistant
- Maternity and Paediatric Support
It is anticipated that this qualification will also enable you to progress onto a T Level, such as Health and Healthcare Science, when they are available.
Key Stage 5
Health and social care Level 3 extended certificate AAQ
Course outline
The extended certificate has been designed to support progression to a range of job roles within the health and social care sector.
Completion of this qualification is achieved through classroom based learning where there are 3 mandatory units - Human lifespan and development which is an exam unit, Human biology and health, which is an exam unit and Principles of health and social care practice. There is also an optional unit which will be chosen by the department.
Exam board
BTEC
Skills required
- A passion to help others
- Communication skills
- Ability to work independently
Entry requirement
Grade 5 or above in English, Maths and Science with a combination of 3 other good passes
or Level 2 Health and social care
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