health and social care
btec
Course Overview
The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in the health and social care sectors. You will learn how to care for individuals depending on their needs and explore how care values and practice can be applied in practical settings. You will explore the factors which affect human development and will be taught how different psychological approaches can help us to care for individuals based on their needs and experiences.
The qualification combines internally assessed coursework units with externally assessed examinations to provide students with a wide range of assessment opportunities.
As well as theoretical content, students will learn how to apply their knowledge to a variety of practical settings, thus preparing them for either further study or employment.
welcome Video
Target Audience
The BTEC National Level 3 Certificate in Health and Social Care is a great choice for any student interested in pursuing a career in nursing, social care or the allied health professions. The nature of the content and delivery mean it is a great springboard for University but is equally helpful to those students wishing to move straight into employment. The Level 2 BTEC Tech Award in Health and Social Care makes excellent prior study but is not an essential prerequisite.
Year 12 Units
Unit 1.
human lifespan development
This unit will develop your knowledge and understanding of patterns of human growth and development. You will explore the key factors that can influence human growth, development and human health. You will learn about a number of theories and models to explain and interpret behaviour through the human lifespan, and study the interaction between the physical and psychological factors of the ageing process.
Unit 5.
meeting individual care and support needs
This unit will explore the principles behind providing quality care and support. It will introduce you to the values and issues that need to be considered when planning care and support that meet the need of an individual in a health and social care environment. You will learn about the ethical issues that arise when personalising care and the challenges that must be overcome in its provision.
Year 13 Units
Unit 2.
working in health and social care
This unit will help you to understand what it is like to work in the health and social care sector. You will explore the roles and responsibilities of different professions within the sector, and understand more about the legislation and regulatory bodies whose duty it is to manage patient wellbeing and the quality of provision. You will learn about the organisations that provide services in this sector and the different settings in which these services are delivered according to the needs of the service user.
Unit 11.
psychological perspectives
An important aspect of working in health and social care is having a good understanding of how psychological development occurs in order to effectively meet the individual needs of the service user. In this unit you will learn about the different psychological perspectives that have been put forward and how these approaches have influenced thinking and practices in meeting and supporting service users needs.
sample lesson
example work
Student testimonials
Health and Social Care is an amazing subject for those who take an interest in working with people who are in need of care. It teaches you about how health care systems work, how to treat and care for different individuals and how different illnesses impact people's lives.
Mackenzie. Year 13 Student.
I have found that in Health and Social Care my teachers are always able to give me support where I need it through helpful feedback and assistance in certain tasks. It's reassuring to know that help is always available, even outside of lessons. I have never found the workload too overwhelming, meaning it's well suited to people who enjoy learning at their own pace and learning about topics that interest them.
Megan. Year 13 Student.
Support sessions
Every Thursday after school, students have the opportunity to attend the BTEC Cafe where staff are on hand to offer support and advice to anyone who has questions about coursework and exam preparation.
There are also regular revision sessions in the lead up to exams which are designed to help you master exam technique as well teaching you the skills needed to retain and recollect what you have learnt.
Coursework elements are delivered using the Google Classroom and therefore support online and from tutors is available daily to all students during the working week.
Higher Education Progression Routes
Bsc(hons) child nursing
Could be ideal for you if you have an interest in providing essential physical, emotional and psychological care to children, young people and their families during a stay in hospital or out in the community. Child specialist nurses provide the help and support needed to improve and extend the health and life choices of young people via education, support, health promotion and advocacy.
BSC(hons) mental health nursing
One quarter of the population will experience a mental health problem at some point, and as a specialist mental health nurse you could help to provide the knowledge, skills and support needed to make a real difference to someones life. If you like the idea of working as part of a team and in a variety of settings, this challenging but rewarding career could be for you.
BSc (hons) midwifery
Midwives are the first and primary point of contact for expectant mothers, providing them with information on health, pregnancy, birth and practical caring skills. You would learn to provide essential care to women and their families during pregnancy, labour and in the post-natal period, helping to share and shape this most personal of experiences.
Future Careers
speech and language therapist
Speech and language therapists provide life-changing treatment, support and care for children and adults who have difficulties with communication, or with eating, drinking and swallowing. You'll help people who, for physical or psychological reasons, have problems speaking and communicating
occupational therapy
An occupational therapists job role is to help people of all ages overcome the effects of disability caused by illness, ageing or accident so that they can carry out everyday tasks or occupations. An occupational therapist will consider all of the patient's needs - physical, psychological, social and environmental.
social work
Child and family social workers protect vulnerable children and support families in need of assistance. Social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives. Clinical social workers also diagnose and treat mental, behavioural, and emotional issues