Health and Social Care

Health and Social Care is a rewarding and relevant subject that enables students to understand how people grow and develop, the factors that influence health and wellbeing, and the role of health and social care services in supporting individuals and communities.

Students develop valuable skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving and empathy, while gaining insight into one of the UK’s largest employment sectors. The course provides an excellent foundation for further study and future careers in health, social care and other people-focused professions.

The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Health and Social Care is an engaging vocational qualification designed for students aged 14-16. Equivalent to one GCSE, the course introduces learners to the health and social care sector and develops knowledge, practical skills, and understanding of the services that support individuals throughout their lives. The qualification is ideal for students interested in healthcare, social care, childcare, nursing, and other people-focused professions.

Key Stage 3

Course Description

Health and Social Care at Key Stage 3 introduces students to the study of health, wellbeing and human development. Students explore how people grow and develop throughout life, the factors that influence health, and the role of health and social care services in supporting individuals and communities.

Through case studies, research, discussion and practical activities, students develop key skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving and evaluation, while gaining an understanding of careers in the health and care sector. The course provides a strong foundation for progression to the Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Health and Social Care at Key Stage 4.

Programme of Study

Year 7

Students develop an understanding of health, growth and wellbeing through the study of:

What is health and social care?
Physical, emotional, social and intellectual development
Healthy lifestyles and healthy choices
Nutrition and healthy eating
Physical activity and wellbeing
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Personal hygiene and self-care
Roles of health professionals within the NHS

Year 8

Students build their understanding of how individuals grow and how care services support people throughout life. Topics may include:

Human growth and development across the life stages
Life events and transitions
Factors affecting development
The importance of relationships and support networks
Disabilities and additional needs
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Introduction to health and social care services
Careers within health and social care

Year 9

Students begin studying content closely linked to the BTEC specification to prepare for KS4. Topics may include:

Human Lifespan Development

Life stages from infancy to older adulthood
Physical, intellectual, emotional and social development
Factors affecting growth and development
Major life events

Health and Social Care Services

Health services
Social care services
Barriers to accessing care
The role of carers and practitioners

Health and Wellbeing

Physical health indicators
Lifestyle choices and health
Mental wellbeing
Planning improvements to health and wellbeing

Assessment

Students complete a baseline assessment at the start of the year, alongside regular retrieval quizzes and knowledge checks to support long-term learning.

Assessment tasks include case studies, research projects, presentations, written evaluations and health and wellbeing investigations, allowing students to apply their learning to real-world scenarios. Students complete a practice assessment before each formal assessment point. Assessments are designed to develop the knowledge, communication, analytical and problem-solving skills needed for progression to the Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Health and Social Care at Key Stage 4.

Home Learning

Where Can Health and Social Care Take You?

The course provides an excellent foundation for further study and careers in health and social care.

Further Study

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
A Levels
T Levels
Other vocational qualifications in health, care, childcare, or public services

Careers

How Can Parents Support Their Child’s Learning?

Encouraging healthy lifestyle choices, including good nutrition, exercise and sleep.
Discussing physical and mental wellbeing and the factors that affect health.
Talking about how people grow and develop through different life stages.
Exploring the role of the NHS and other health and social care services.
Encouraging empathy, communication and respect for others.
Supporting independent research and revision for assessments.

Useful Links

NHS – https://www.nhs.uk
Health for Teens – www.healthforteens.co.uk
BBC Bitesize – https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
The King’s Trust – https://www.kingstrust.org.uk
NHS Health Careers – https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk
Mind – https://www.mind.org.uk
YoungMinds – https://www.youngminds.org.uk

Key Stage 4

Course Details

Qualification: Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Health and Social Care
Level: 1/2
Equivalent to: 1 GCSE
Guided Learning Hours: 120

Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Health and Social Care Specification
https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/btec-tec-awards/health-and-social-care/2022/specification-and-sample-assessments/btec-tech-award-health-and-social-care-spec.pdf

Course Description

The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Health and Social Care builds on the knowledge and skills developed at Key Stage 3. Students explore human development, health and wellbeing, and the role of health and social care services in supporting individuals throughout their lives.

Through case studies and vocational scenarios, students develop valuable skills in communication, teamwork, research and problem-solving while gaining an insight into careers within the health and social care sector. The course provides an excellent foundation for further study and future careers in healthcare, social care and other people-focused professions.

Programme of Study

Year 10

Component 1: Human Lifespan Development

Students explore:

Physical, intellectual, emotional and social development (PIES)
Life stages from infancy to older adulthood
Factors affecting growth and development
Significant life events and how individuals adapt to change

Students complete an internally assessed project based on human growth and development.

Component 2: Health and Social Care Services and Values

Students study:

Health and social care services
Barriers to accessing services
Skills, attributes and values required by care professionals
Person-centred care
Effective communication in care settings

Students complete an internally assessed project exploring care services and professional values.

Year 11

Component 3: Health and Wellbeing

Students learn about:

Physical and lifestyle factors affecting health and wellbeing
Interpreting health indicators
Assessing an individual’s health and wellbeing
Creating health and wellbeing improvement plans
Recommending support and strategies to meet individual needs

Students complete a synoptic external assessment in which they apply their knowledge and skills to a vocational scenario.

Assessment

The qualification is assessed through a combination of coursework (60%) and external assessment (40%).

Internal Assessment (60%)

Component 1: Human Lifespan Development
Component 2: Health and Social Care Services and Values

These components are assessed through assignments completed during the course and marked by teachers before external moderation by Pearson.

External Assessment (40%)

Component 3: Health and Wellbeing

Students complete a synoptic assessment in which they apply their knowledge and understanding to a vocational scenario and develop a health and wellbeing improvement plan.

Throughout the course, students complete regular knowledge checks, coursework tasks and practice assessments to support their progress and prepare them for final assessment.