The health and social care sector is a growing area of national importance and career opportunities. Do you want to make a difference to peoples’ lives? This course will enable you to develop the knowledge and the practical skills required for a range of careers within the health or social care sector including: cognitive and problem-solving, critical thinking, intrapersonal skills, self-management, adaptability and resilience.

Students studying three A Levels will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 and three GCSEs at grade 5/4, including English Language and Mathematics at grade 5/4 or above. Or eight GCSEs at a minimum of grade 5. This course may be taken alongside A Level courses and may be more suited to learners with a strong profile of prior attainment in vocational studies.

Topics you will study include:

Human lifespan development: 
Human growth and development through the life stages 
Factors affecting human growth and development 
Effects of ageing 

Working in health and social care: 
The roles of organisations in the health and social care sector 
Working with people with specific needs in the health and social care sector 
The roles and responsibilities of people who work in the health and social care sector 

Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs:
Principles, values and skills which underpin meeting the care and support needs of individuals 
Ethical issues involved when providing care and support to meet individual needs 
The principles behind enabling individuals with care and support needs to overcome challenges 
The roles of professionals and how they work together to provide the care and support necessary to meet individual needs 

This course is for students who are interested in learning about health and social care and provides an introduction to this sector. The content of the qualification incorporates topics relevant across the health and social care sector including:

• Human lifespan development

• Working in health and social care

• Meeting individual care and support needs

• Physiological disorders and their care

Each unit is applied to working in a range of care settings, ensuring you have a broad skill set to underpin work in health care. As a result the course will prepare you well for studies in health or social care. You will work both as an individual and in groups, and will develop confidence in your own ability to communicate in a variety of situations, preparing you for your future career.

Assessment consists of two internally assessed units (coursework) and two externally assessed units (examination and synoptic assessment). 

Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel 

There is an expectation for students to complete a one-week work placement in a health or social care environment. As part of enrichment, you will have the opportunity to participate with Medical Mavericks, visit a range of universities and have guest speakers that work in the health and social care sector.

Students benefit from a wide range of classroom activities and an engaging curriculum. Your teacher will guide you through your assessments and will provide thorough feedback to help you improve your work. You will also have the opportunity to develop experience as a student mentor and complete additional qualifications such as first aid.

This course provides a broad educational base to move onto higher education or employment within the health and social care sector including: nursing, social work, counselling, teaching, midwifery, mental health care, radiography and podiatry.

Essential additional costs for the course:

A visit to Edge Hill University as part of the enrichment programme to gain an insight to the campus and attend subject specific presentations - approximately £10. 
First Aid Certificate - approximately £30.