This course is purpose built for students who wish to pursue a career in the health sector, the social care sector, sports sector or child care. We cover a range of topics; understand life, each other, and society.  The mandatory and optional content provides a balance of breadth and depth, while retaining a degree of choice for individual learners to study content relevant to their own interests and progression choices.

Course Content  and assessment criteria

4 units of which 3 are mandatory and 1 optional. 2 units are external, 2 internal.

Mandatory :

· Human Lifespan Development - physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan. Factors affecting human growth and development - nature/nurture, genetic factors, environmental factors, social and economic factors, major life events that affect development. The unit will be assessed through one examination of 90 marks lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes.

· Working in Health and Social Care - The roles and responsibilities of people who work in health and social care settings. The roles and responsibilities of organisations in the health and social care sector. This unit will be assessed through one examination of 80 marks lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes.

· Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs - Examine principles, values and skills which underpin meeting the care and support needs of individuals. Examine the ethical issues involved when providing care and support to meet individual needs. Enabling individuals to overcome challenges. How agencies work together. This unit will be internally assessed in the form of an assignment.

Optional :

· Sociological Perspectives - Concepts and terminology used within sociology. Examine how sociological approaches support understanding of models and concepts of health. Inequalities within society.

· Psychological Perspectives - Examine how psychological perspectives contribute to the understanding of human development and behaviour.  Contribution of psychological perspectives to the management and treatment of behaviours.

· Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs - Diagnosing or determining additional needs. Examine how to overcome the challenges to daily living faced by people with additional needs. Professionals involved in supporting individuals with additional needs.

· Physiological Disorders and their Care – Types and causes of physiological disorders and effects on body systems and functions. Provision of treatment and support. Types of carers and care settings. Care methods and strategies.

Head of Subject: Miss A Edwards

Exam Board: Pearson, 

360 GLH (480 TQT) Equivalent to one A Level

Entry Requirements

5 in Child Development  (if taken). At least 5 GCSE grades 9-4 including grade 5 in English Lit or Lang  

Are you interested in?

Health Sector

Social Care

Child Care

Leading to a career in: Nursing, Midwife, Occupational Therapist, Primary education, Social Work, Sports Studies and Development.

This subject goes well with: Biology, Sociology, Psychology, Applied Science, English, History, Sport, Children’s Play, Learning and Development

Student views

"I enjoy Health and Social Care because it helps me to care about and understand people."