Introduction
The GCE AS and A level in Health and Social Care, and Childcare equips learners with thorough and in-depth knowledge, understanding and skills related to the development and care of individuals throughout the life span from conception to later adulthood. Learners have the opportunity to develop their understanding of influences on human growth, development, behaviour and well-being. They will also gain a detailed understanding of the social, physical, emotional, and cultural needs of people who use care and support services and recognise that each individual has a unique blend of abilities and needs.
Learners will gain a thorough understanding of how service provision in Wales supports the development and well-being of individuals, to be able to make informed decisions now and in later life.
This specification includes contemporary issues in relation to the provision of an ethical and sustainable health and social care, and childcare system in Wales, and to create independent learners that can make informed decisions about further learning opportunities or continuing into related career choices.
Course Content
Advanced Subsidiary (AS)
Year 12
AS Unit 1
Promoting health and well-being
Written examination: 2 hours
20% of qualification 80 marks
A written paper comprising of a range of question types to assess specific content related to promoting health, well-being and resilience.
AS Unit 2
Supporting health, well-being and resilience in Wales
Non-exam assessment: approximately 30 hours
20% of qualification 100 marks
This task assesses the learner's knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to how the health, well-being and resilience of individuals in Wales are supported through outcome focused care.
The task requires learners to:
produce a report on how practitioners from the health and social care, and childcare sectors work together within legislative guidelines to promote outcome focused care
provide information which would be of relevance to learners planning a future career in the health, social care, and/or childcare sectors. The work can be submitted as a presentation, a blog, or an infographic.
Advanced Level (A2)
Year 13
A2 Unit 3
Theoretical perspectives of children and young people's development
Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes
30% of qualification 100 marks
A written paper comprising of a range of question types to assess specific content related to psychological and sociological perspectives of children's behaviour.
A2 Unit 4
Supporting the development, health, well-being and resilience of children and young people
Non-exam assessment: approximately 40 hours
30% of qualification 100 marks
Information resource
This task assesses the learner's knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to the development, health, well-being and resilience of children and young people in Wales.
The task requires learners to produce an information resource for someone planning a future career in the childcare sector. The resource must include information on:
contemporary issues and safeguarding
the care and support needs of children or young people and how these needs may be met in a setting of the learner's choice.
Career Prospects
This course has been updated to enable students to transition smoothly into three possible pathways: health, education/early years and social care which can lead to professions such as nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work
There is a variety of ways of learning including work experience, links with local employers and organisations, case studies and research.
Entry Requirements
Although each student will be considered on an individual basis for entry onto the course, it would be beneficial to have 5 GCSE grades A*-C.
Examination Board
School Contact
Mrs Rhian Rudall