Why Study?
The health and social care sector employs vast numbers of people across the country, within a varied range of job roles. In fact, it’s the biggest employment sector in the UK and includes elements of the NHS, local authority adult and childcare services, and a range of independent providers that provide care in a range of settings. An extensive range of centre assessed units with practical and wider project-based assessment opportunities, as well as examined units are included in the Cambridge Technicals course.
What can I do with it?
The subject enables students to pursue interests across all three pathways: health, social care and childcare. It develops a highly desirable skillset coveted by universities offering degree courses in Midwifery, Nursing, Psychology, Early Years Education, Occupational Therapy, Criminology, Counselling, Social Care and Pharmacy. It also offers opportunities for apprenticeships within the sector, including the NHS.
CTEC Level 3 courses are equivalent to A levels and are recognised by many universities.
Subject combinations
Health and Social Care works well alongside subjects such as Biology, Psychology and Sociology.
Extras
The course allows you to pursue the pathway of your choice through optional units. The sixth form runs a weekly parent and toddler group which enables you to put theory into practice and meet the demands of many of the assignments in a realistic setting. It also allows you to develop life skills such as organisation, time management, working with other people, creativity and leadership skills.
What will I study?
You will study a range of different units, which could include:
- Building Positive Relationships in Health and Social Care
- Equality, Diversity and Rights in Health and Social Care
- Health, Safety and Security in Health and Social Care
- Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
- Infection Control
- Personalisation and a Person-Centred Approach to Care
- Safeguarding
- Creativity and Activity for Children and Young People
- Supporting People with Learning Disabilities
- Nutrition for Health
- Career Planning for Health and Social Care
- Promote Positive Behaviour
- Sexual Health, Reproduction and Early Years Development Stages
- The Impact of Long-Term Physiological Disorders
- Promoting Health and Wellbeing
- Supporting People with Dementia
- Supporting People with Mental Health Conditions
- Caring for Older People
- Creativity and Activity for Adults
- Principles of Youth Work Practice
- Looked-after Children and Young People
- Psychology for Health and Social Care
- Sociology for Health and Social Care
- Public Health
- Research Methods in Health, Social Care and Childcare
Some units are mandatory; there is an opportunity for students to opt for units. Each unit carries 30 / 60 / 90 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). The course is 720 guided learning hours. This means it is the equivalent to two A Levels.
Opportunities beyond the classroom
Visits, interviews and observations are necessary and part-time employment can be used towards assessment, where these are appropriate. Students will get the chance to observe communication skills in settings and produce a health promotion campaign and carry it out to a target audience. There is also the opportunity to run a parent and toddler group.
