Health and Social Care

Why Choose this course?

Pearson BTEC AAQ Health and Social Care
The BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care (AAQ) is a dynamic, applied qualification designed for students who are interested in understanding how the health, social care and early years sectors work. It combines academic study with real-world application, preparing learners for both higher education and employment in a wide range of health and social care professions.

Through this course, students will explore how people develop throughout their lives, the biological and psychological factors that influence health, and the professional values and legislation that underpin high-quality care. Students also learn how to apply your knowledge to real-life case studies and practical scenarios, developing skills that are essential in today's care settings.

Prospects

This qualification is widely recognised by universities and employers. It provides an excellent foundation for further study or training in areas such as:

- Nursing and Midwifery - Social Work - Public Health - Occupational Therapy - Education and Early Years - Paramedicine and Allied Health Professions

It also supports direct entry into employment or apprenticeships in health and social care settings.

Course Content

The Applied Award/Certificate/Extended Certificate (AAQ) in Health and Social Care is an ideal starting point for students interested in careers that involve caring for and supporting others. The course provides a broad introduction to the health, social care and childcare sectors, combining academic study with the development of practical skills that are highly valued by employers.

Learners will study a range of areas including human growth and development across the life stages, considering physical, intellectual, emotional and social factors. Health, wellbeing and care needs, exploring how different circumstances affect individuals and how support is provided. Working in health and social care settings, including professional roles, values, safeguarding, and communication skills. Assessment is a mixture of external examination and internally assessed coursework, giving students the chance to apply their knowledge in practical contexts as well as demonstrate their understanding through written tasks.

The AAQ is equivalent in size to one A Level (Extended Certificate), and is recognised for progression to Level 3 qualifications, apprenticeships, or employment. It is particularly valuable for student's considering careers in nursing, midwifery, social work, teaching, early years education, or allied health professions.

In year 12 learners will study:
- Unit 1 - Lifespan development (examined unit)
- Unit 3 - Principles of Health & Social Care Practice (NEA)

In year 13 learners will study:
- Unit 2 - Human Biology & Health (examined unit)
- Unit 4 - Health Education (NEA)

Course Opportunities/ Activities

Throughout the 2 year course, Health and Social Care students will have the opportunity to connect with professionals in these fields. Workshops and talks from nurses, social workers, midwives, occupational therapists, youth workers, and care home managers will be offered regularly throughout the course. Students will also learn about how they can volunteer and complete work experience at local hospitals, residential care facilities and other health and social care providers. These experiences are vital for students pursuing a career in health or social care field.

Support and Challenge

All health and social care students are given topic booklets, past papers and access to an online textbook. Additional revision and examination activities are provided throughout the course as well as revision and extra coursework sessions and one-to-one support. Every half term, all students are given a calendar of activities, revision and extensions opportunities for each week. This allows them to organise their time, balance their coursework with their revision, and prioritise their focus.Relevant podcasts, news articles, films, and television programmes are recommended and referred to in every unit. Students have been supported with successful applications to apprenticeships and university courses in nursing, midwifery, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, primary and early years education, sports sciences, and social work.

Student Comment

Health and Social Care really helps me understand the roles of people who work in the health field. I want to become a nurse and this subject is giving me the skills and understanding of what it will be like to work with patients and how I can best help the people in my care.

I really like Health and Social Care because it is really relevant to me. It has given me the knowledge of how we all grow and develop throughout our life and the different events that can affect our health and well being. I have also developed research skills, time management and confidence in taking exams which has helped me in my other subjects.