Full name of specification
BTEC Tech Award in Health and Social Care
Exam board specification link
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-nationals/health-and-social-care-2016.html
Name of textbook if used
BTEC Level 3 Nationals In Health and Social Care Student Book, Stretch, B. and Whitehouse, M
What is BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care?
The BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care provide the knowledge and employability skills students need to succeed at a higher level study and in their chosen career. Students who have experience of research, extended writing and meeting deadlines will be well prepared for Higher Education.
Why study this course?
As a student in health & social care you will examine many aspects of life involving health, community and social care. You will be introduced to care practice, equality, rights and laws as well as focussing on topics such as communication, caring for vulnerable people and safeguarding. This course will enable you to develop an empathy with service users in health and social care settings, to understand more about the world around you, the care sector, and people, whilst supporting your personal development of analytical, discussion and communication skills. Work experience is strongly recommended whilst studying for this qualification.
What can you expect from this course?
This course is ideal for students planning on a career within health and social care. The BTEC Level 3 course can be equivalent to one, two or three A levels (completed over 2 years) and students must have a commitment to continued assessment via course work. Work experience will be required of all students regardless of level of study. For each unit there is plenty of content to learn, and for coursework units, there are regular deadlines that need to be met, so students need to be very organised.
How is it assessed?
Assessment is through external examination and internally assessed coursework underpinned by both primary and secondary research.
What are the entry requirements?
Five grade 9-4 at GCSE level including minimum level 4 in English and Maths. You must be genuinely passionate about examining, debating and developing an understanding of health & social care topics.
What can I do after completing this qualification?
There is a growing demand within this sector and there are a diverse range of opportunities where students can make a real difference to the lives of others including adults, young people and children. Studying Health and Social care can take students in a wide range of directions depending on where their interests lie. Future related careers available in the healthcare and education sectors could include Nurse, Midwife, Social Worker, Mental Health Worker, Counsellor, Personal Assistant, Early Years Teacher and Play Therapist. There are opportunities to progress into management of services and continue training with additional qualifications in the workplace. This subject is ideal for progression onto vocational degrees at university and also provides an excellent foundation for anyone going wanting to go directly into an apprenticeship or employment. During your studies, you will develop an awareness of the importance of values and skills for working in this sector that employers will be looking for.
What will I study? (include unit numbers and names)
The topics covered include:
1. Human lifespan development
2. Working in health and social care
3. Meeting individual care and support needs
4. Psychological or sociological perspectives.
In human lifespan development you will explore the key aspects of growth and development, and the experience of health and wellbeing. The working in health and social care unit will help you to understand what it is like to work in the health and social care sector. When working for an organisation in this sector, you will have important responsibilities that you need to understand and carry out. These include maintaining the safety of and safeguarding individuals with health and social care needs, making sure that you properly handle their personal information and preventing discrimination towards them. In the meeting individual care and support needs unit you will learn about the values and principles of meeting care and support needs and look at some of the ethical issues that arise when personalising care. Sociology will lead you to question many of the attitudes you hold and the assumptions you make about society and individuals who have care and support needs. To work effectively in health and social care you need to be familiar with sociologists’ research findings, and be able to apply a sociological understanding to your practice. An important aspect of working in the health and social care sector is to have a good understanding of the ways in which psychological development occurs in order to effectively meet the individual needs of service users. Having knowledge of the key concepts and ideas enables you to understand the ways in which development and behaviours occur.
Additional activities within this subject
Work experience, masterclasses, visits and support from partner The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital Trust
Wider Reading list
Beginning Reflective Practice, Jasper,M
Principles of Caring, McGee, P
Care Practice for S/NVW 3, Miller, K
Cultural Competence in the Caring Profession, O’Hagan, K
Making a Difference, Spector, A
Useful links or Apps
https://www.dh.gov.uk – Department of Health
https://www.eoc.org.uk – Equal Opportunities Commission
https://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk
https://www.skillsforcareanddevelopment.org.uk
You may also enjoy studying
Psychology, Sociology, Biology and Sport, among others
Teachers
Miss Birch, Miss Graham