Health and social care

We  aim to ensure our students  are able to acquire technical knowledge and skills through vocational contexts as part of their Key Stage 4 learning. This qualification will broaden students’ experience and understanding of the varied progression options available  to them. In lessons  students are able to build their confidence through role play scenarios which are part of their assignments. Students are able to develop and demonstrate their competence in writing as assignments  facilitate and encourage report  and essay as part of its delivery. The focus is on building skills to show aptitude and improving understanding of progression options so that students who achieve one or more of the qualifications are equipped to go on to become work ready for an occupation post-16

The Award gives students the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills  in a practical learning environment. They are given the opportunity  to be creative in an environment which facilitates their learning; builds on their skills to  ensure they  are able to pursue future studies in the health and social  care  or other relevant sector of their interests.  

Students are expected  to complete 3 components of work over 2 years. The three components in the qualification give learners the opportunity to develop broad knowledge and understanding of health and social care at Levels 1 and 2. 

During the 2 years  students are expected to explore 3 topic areas across the 3 components:

• Component 1 – Human Lifespan Development 
• Component 2 – Health and Social Care Services  and Values 
• Component 3 – Health and Wellbeing

Internal assessment Components 1 and 2 are assessed through internal assessment. Internal assessment for  these components has been designed to relate to achievement of application and understanding of the HSC  sector through realistic tasks and activities. This style of assessment promotes deep learning through ensuring the connection between knowledge and practice. The components will focus on the various  aspects and topics.

An assignment is issued to students as an assignment brief with a defined start date, a completion date and clear requirements for the evidence that they need to provide.

Internal assessment is through assignments that are subject to external standards verification.  These assignments can adapt materials to our local contexts and assess assignments. Students are taught  the content then given the opportunity  to complete  the coursework ( Internal assessment) These  are then marked and moderated  by class teachers.(Assessor  and Internal Verifier) These  are also moderated  by Pearson Standard Verifier.

Students  are prepared  for this course by  starting with their coursework units,  this is to ensure coursework for components 1 and 2  are completed during the first year. There is one external assessment, Component 3, it provides the main synoptic assessment for the qualification. Component 3 builds directly on Components 1 and 2, and enables learning to be brought together and related to a real-life situation. 

Exam practice is introduced early in preparing students  for the Component 3 exam. This is to ensure students’ competence in answering questions such as relating to  analyse, evaluate and application. Students are permitted to resit the external assessment once during their programme by taking a new assessment. This will give students the best opportunity to achieve their very best grade e.g. Level 2 Distinction/ Level 2 Merit for their final qualification in this subject.