Health and Social Care is taught as an option at key stage 4.  Students who opt for this qualification will follow the Pearson BTEC Technical Award in this subject.

The Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The main focus is on four areas of equal importance, which cover the:

• development of key skills that prove your aptitude in health and social care such as interpreting data to assess an individual’s health

• process that underpins effective ways of working in health and social care, such as designing a plan to improve an individual’s health and wellbeing

• attitudes that are considered most important in health and social care, including the care values that are vitally important in the sector, and the opportunity to practise applying them

• knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, process and attitudes in the sector such as human growth and development, health and social care services, and factors affecting people’s health and wellbeing.

This Award complements the learning in GCSE programmes such as GCSE English. It will complement the more theoretical aspects covered by GCSE Biology or GCSE Psychology by allowing you to apply your knowledge and skills practically in a vocational context.

The course is taught in 3 components:

1. Human lifespan development
2. Health and social care services and values
3. Health and wellbeing

It is assessed via assignments for component 1 and 2 under supervision in class - each of these account for 30% of the marks.  Component 3 is assess via a 2 hour written exam, which accounts for the remaining 40%.