This course is equivalent to 2 A levels (carrying UCAS points in the same way) and for students interested in careers in nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy, social work and other health, social and early years related degrees. The qualification is designed to equip you with skills, knowledge and understanding in the areas of health, social care and working with children and young people.
This course can be studied alongside 1 other A level and contributes a sound basis to many other subject degrees. It is studied over 2 years.
The course has both an academic and vocational context so you will study both in the classroom and experience placements where you will gain insight into vocational careers and be able to apply the theory you learn in college.
12 units are studied that are either examined or presented as coursework:
5 further units are also studied in the form of coursework to give you overall understanding of issues within health, social care and early years environments and settings. Study of these units will equip you with transferable skills such as communication skills, research, planning and organisational skills valuable to you in the future either at university or in the work place.
The units include a combination of study approaches including classroom teaching, investigative and practical work done independently and in peer groups. Course work will be in the style of reports, extended pieces of writing, research projects, presentations and other practical activities.
Over the two years you will have 5 examinations that will be externally assessed and 7 pieces of coursework which will be internally marked and externally moderated. You will have the opportunity to resit the exams if required. All units are awarded distinction, merit or pass. Successful achievement of each unit will be combined leading to a final grade for the whole qualification equalling UCAS points for 2 A levels.
As mentioned above this course will enable you to apply for university degrees in subjects such as nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy, radiography, paramedic science, to name a few. Also degrees in social work, primary teaching or youth studies. It will make you employable in the areas of health, social and early years care or give you access to higher apprenticeships.
You are advised to purchase an e textbook currently £16 or a hard copy for approximately £24. An additional photocopying charge will be required to cover the cost of providing booklets of support material for your studies. The college has a Student Support Fund for some students who have difficulties meeting these costs.
You will have a range of work experiences that will help give you greater insight into key health and social care issues. You will find yourself applying theory to practice and developing professional and personal skills through interaction with people who work in the various sectors or are requiring support and care. Work experience will help you make an informed career choice and will support your university application. The college will fund the required enhanced DBS check to enable you to do the work experience.
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Mathematics and English.
Below is a summary of the most recent set of results for this subject:
| Grade: | D*D* | D*D | DD | DM | MM | MP | PP | R | U | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total: | 2 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Percentage | 10.0 | 15.0 | 10.0 | 30.0 | 15.0 | 20.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |