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Health & Social Care

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The Team 

curriculum leader Miss North

What is Health & Social Care and why is it important? 

Health & Social Care helps students understand how services and care providers support people’s health, wellbeing and quality of life. The subject develops students' knowledge of the different care sectors while placing strong emphasis on maintaining individual's rights and recognising individuality. 

Through a mix of practical and written learning, students build on valuable transferable skills such as communication, partnership and adaptability, helping to prepare them for further study, training or future careers in health and social care. 

What do students learn in Health & Social Care?  

To work in a health or social care setting, it is essential to understand the rights of individuals, person-centred values and how they can be applied. This qualification will help you to develop this knowledge and to understand the importance of effective communication skills when working in these settings. 

Summary of curriculum content 

You will study the different aspects of health and social care and have the opportunity to apply what you learn through a number of practical experiences. This will involve the completion to two mandatory units and one optional unit. 

The two mandatory units are: 

R032: Principles of care in health and social care settings 

This unit is assessed by an exam. In this unit you will learn about the key topics that are important when caring for and protecting people in health and social care. 

RO33: Supporting individuals through life events 

This unit is assessed by a set assignment. In this unit you will learn about growth and development through the life stages. You will also learn how to understand the needs of individuals who have been affected by life events and how to recommend support to meet their needs. 

The one optional unit is: 

R035: Health promotion campaigns 

This unit is assessed by a set assignment. In this unit you will research health promotion campaigns and learn about their benefits to society. You will also plan and deliver your own health promotion campaign. 

Challenge and support in Health & Social Care 

In Health & Social Care, challenge and support are both embedded through a variety of learning activities designed to develop both subject knowledge and essential skills. Students are often provided with real-life health and social care scenarios to enable the application of their knowledge to realistic situations and to develop higher-level skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and reflective practice. 

Learning takes place within a supportive classroom environment, with clear guidance and regular feedback to reinforce progression, engagement and success for all learners. 

How is Health & Social Care assessed?  

We follow the OCR Level 1/Level 2 Cambridge National curriculum. All grades in Health & Social Care are determined by student’s progress in two NEA components, equating to 30% each, and one final written exam paper, equating to 40% of the overall grade.  

All results are awarded on the following scale: 

  • Distinction* at Level 2 (*2) 
  • Distinction at Level 2 (D2) 
  • Merit at Level 2 (M2) 
  • Pass at Level 2 (P2) 
  • Distinction at Level 1 (D1) 
  • Merit at Level 1 (M1) 
  • Pass at Level 1 (P1) 

Learning beyond the classroom 

We aspire to enhance students’ experiences through engagement with practicing professionals, including guest speakers from a range of relevant disciplines, with the aim to provide insight into real-world applications of their learning and offer insights into the available careers. 

Additionally, we are exploring opportunities to visit relevant settings, which would allow students to contextualise their knowledge and make connections beyond the classroom. 

Where can Health & Social Care lead? 

The essential skills developed in this subject will support progression into further relevant studies. This may include Level 3 vocational qualifications, such as Health and Social Care, as well as A Levels in subjects such as Psychology, Biology, or Sociology. Students can also pursue Level 3 apprenticeships in areas including: 

  • Adult Care Worker 
  • Peer Worker 
  • Clinical Healthcare Support 
  • Healthcare Science Assistant 
  • Dental Nursing 
  • Ambulance and Emergency Support 
  • Public Health 
  • Youth Support Worker  
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