Course Description
This Course is for S4, 5 and S6 pupils only.
It is designed as an introduction to working in the health sector and the emphasis is on developing the skills and attitudes valued by employers.
Pupils will investigate the wide range of job roles and career opportunities in the health sector as well as developing research and self-evaluation skills.
There are five units:
Working in the Scottish Health Sector
This unit introduces learners to the range of services provided by the health sector locally. Pupils will develop their knowledge and understanding of the world of work, including job interviews, focusing on the skills and attitudes most valued by employers. They will reflect on and evaluate their own employability skills.
Life Sciences Industry and the Health Sector
This unit looks at the contribution of the life sciences industry in the diagnosis and treatment of illness. Pupils will investigate the safety of pharmaceutical products, learn about risk assessment and the responsibilities of employers and employees in the life sciences industry.
Improving Health and Wellbeing
This unit is designed to introduce pupils to the options available to deal with current health and lifestyle issues. It looks at the health and safety risks to workers in the health sector and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Also, through team working, pupils will give advice in relation to the promotion of health.
Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
This unit will look at the structure and function of the cardiovascular system and use this knowledge to investigate the effect of a specific disorder on the cardiovascular system. Pupils will take physiological measurements at different activity levels and learn about current first aid procedures used to provide emergency life support.
Working in Non-Clinical Roles
This unit introduces pupils to the range and diversity of careers in non-clinical roles in the health sector. They will undertake an investigation into the roles and responsibilities of non-clinical roles and look at the career opportunities available. Pupils will also take part in practical activities to demonstrate customer care skills in a non-clinical role.
Recommended Entry
N4 or N5 Biology.
Assessment involves research tasks to produce a variety of oral/written evidence and pupils are recommended to be undertaking or have achieved National 4 English.
Assessment
To gain the Course award pupils must produce a folio of work to demonstrate that they have achieved the required standard across a range of knowledge and skills. This will contain a range of evidence to include research activities, case studies, observed practical skills, posters, group or individual presentations and oral or written reports.
My Learning
What will be different in the senior phase?
In the Skills for Work courses you will study a range of vocational topics and develop the knowledge and skills needed for work in the Health Sector or a Laboratory.
How will I learn?
There is limited direct teaching in this course and a substantial importance on individuals being able to work independently within a given time scale and contributing effectively to group work.
How will I be assessed?
Health Sector is a course that researches a wide range of topics and assesses many different skills. Included in the assessments are open book questions, investigation reports, a mock interview, group presentations and roleplay activities.
How will I know how I am progressing?
You will receive verbal and written feedback on your class and homework as well as tracking and monitoring reports and assessments. These will help you to identify next steps with your teacher.
Progression
How can I take this course forward?
This course gives an excellent basis for a wide range of further study options and career choices. Pupils who are successful in completing this course are those that develop effective research skills, time management and an independent work ethic
It can be used to gain entry to further education courses in related areas or to provide a sound basis for direct entry into science related employment with companies involved in oil and gas exploration, renewable energy development, engineering, technology, pharmaceuticals, food technology and environmental monitoring.