Health and social care

Health and social care allows students to consider how people grow and develop, the different types of care available to meet their needs and how they can access these successfully.

The broad range of information covered means that, in every lesson, students will gain new insight. Undertaking a qualification in health and social care opens many doors, both for university or college courses and within many future careers. Students with a passion for the subject who go on to further studies in this subject can look towards jobs in the clinical, care and wellbeing sectors as well as many more.

Why study health and social care?

Health and social care will give students an introduction to the biggest employment sector in the UK. The course covers a range of traditional and contemporary issues that influence the way we develop and the care we receive to meet our needs. There are very good opportunities to develop critical thinking, analytical and evaluative skills whilst studying the course.

Qualification	Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) BTEC National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate)
Awarding body	Pearson
Year 12	Students examine physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan, the interaction between biological and social factors in health and well-being and how health care professionals provide effective care. They will also investigate the principles that underpin meeting the care and support needs of individuals, which are the foundation of all services within health and social care.
Year 13	Students explore the organisation, structure and normal physiological functioning of the human body, and the effect on health of common disorders of the body systems. They will also explore the purpose of health education, models and approaches to educating the public and encouraging behaviour change in the population.
Assessment	This qualification is assessed by a range of examinations (externally assessed) and set tasks (internally assessed).

Studying health and social care has taught me about different skills and how they can be applied in a professional care setting. I have also enjoyed the coursework and freedom it gives me to research and make links between different topics.

Year 13 student