The Aims of the Health, Social Care Course

In Health and Social Care students grow to understand the complexity of being human and in learning about the difficulties and challenges faced by others they discover more about themselves and the role they might play in making a difference. Our aim is to prepare students for the challenges they will meet in Higher Education and Employment and to consider the real impacts of people living with conditions or illnesses. The course is broad, covering Health environments, such as nursing and physiotherapy; Social Care, such as counselling and therapies and Childcare, such as early years teaching and safeguarding. We want our students to learn to work with other people in a caring and intelligent manner, building knowledge and professional skills and attitudes that will underpin their future careers in the sector. Developing the ability to communicate effectively with service users on a one-to-one basis as well as with colleagues in a group setting is an important part of the course and we aim to take our students on a journey, where they will experience the highs and lows of being human. Many students do not know what they want to do when they begin the course and others change their mind about the focus of their interest. The beauty of this vocational course is that it helps students to gain experience in the Health, Social and Child care sectors and to decide where they see themselves in two to five years time.

Course Outline

The department offers the highly successful level 3 Cambridge technical diploma in health and social care as part of the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme, which is studied over two years. The course offers a wide range of centre assessed units, as well as examined units on equality, diversity and rights in health and social care; health, safety and security; anatomy and physiology; personalisation and a person centred approach to care, and safeguarding. Students will develop professional and personal skills through interaction with people who either work in the sector or require care or support, as well as theoretical knowledge and understanding to underpin their skills.

Students will consider the real impacts to people living with conditions or illnesses such as the social, financial and psychological impacts, not just the signs, symptoms and treatment of conditions or illnesses. They will also learn about the legislation and guidance supporting health and social care, so that they can ensure the people they are working with are not only able to access all the care and support they are entitled to, but are also able to protect themselves from any harm or abuse whilst at work. There is the opportunity to undertake a work experience. Students have worked in nursery schools, reception classes as well as residential care homes.

Assessment

The majority of the course is internally assessed through compulsory and optional Units (coursework). Five Units will be assessed through examination in January and June. The course is graded Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction Star. This is a double award, equivalent to two A Levels / Two DP subjects at Higher Level. The majority of our students gain Distinctions.

Career Links and Apprenticeship Opportunities

Early childhood studies; Primary teaching; Teaching Support Assistant; Policing; Nursing; Midwifery; Paramedics; Dispensing Chemist; Dental Hygienist; Psychology; Criminology; Social Care; Therapists; Radiography, Residential or Community Care; Registered Charities.

Methods of study, trips and experiences

A work placement in a H&SC setting; Visits to Yoakley Homes; Visit to a playgroup; Speakers, including a Care Home Manager, Equality Lawyer, Midwife; Group work; One-to-one interactions with service users.