Subject Intent: 

Health and Social Care is the study of a wide area of provision and includes statutory, private and third sector settings.  Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to care for others in a broad range of settings, it also covers the science behind treatments and care options. This course offers a range of transferable skills which can be used in many disciplines and occupations.

With the population living longer in the UK the health and social care sector is experiencing huge growth and is one of the biggest industries in East Anglia. Our Key Stage 4 course will set the foundations for preparing to work in the sector or progress into Sixth Form to study Level 3 courses. The Health and Social Care level 3 courses are open to all students as we offer additional help for those who have not studied the subject before.  Level 3 courses will lead to work, further study in the sector or to university.

Curriculum: 

Vocational qualification 

Examination Board: OCR Cambridge Nationals

Assessment Method: 25% External examination 

  75% Coursework 

There are four units to study. Three units involve centre assessed coursework tasks and there is a one written external exam of 1-hour duration.  

Level 3 Examination Board: OCR Cambridge Technical (2016 suite)

Level 3 Assessment Method: External examination and coursework

Cambridge Technicals Extended Certificate (1 A level) 

Students will study six units: 50% examination and 50% internally assessed coursework units. 

Cambridge Technicals Diploma (2 A levels) 

Students will study at five examination units (42%) and seven internally assessed units (58%).There are a wide variety of units on offer depending which course is chosen.  Some are mandatory such as learning about building relationships through good communication and infection control.  The other units are selected to give the opportunity to study a wide range of topics such as mental health, public health, nutrition and supporting those with learning disabilities.  A range of teaching methods are utilised including role plays, visiting speakers, case studies based on real people and resources designed to train practitioners. 

Where health and social care can take you: 

Progression is varied with many of our students going to university, studying for example Paramedic science, adult nursing, early childhood studies, SEN and disability studies or to read Psychology and Criminology.  Alternatively, some students have successfully progressed to gain dispensary qualifications or have chosen to work in local care homes and nurseries. Others have used this qualification to study unrelated subjects such as journalism, English and history.