Health and Social Care (Double Award)

This is one of the vocational GCSEs, which we have been running. Because it is a vocational course we will be visiting health and social care providers and listening to outside speakers to find out about what jobs they do. If you are interested in finding out about health issues, why and how people grow and develop as they do, about the importance of giving children a good start in life or wondered what the National Health Service (NHS) is all about, then this is the course for you, but be prepared; expect to discuss, research, discover and be challenged! A qualification in Health and Social Care will enable you to apply for Advanced vocational courses like the GNVQ (Higher) or AVCE in Health and Social Care, Child Development etc. You could also go on to study A level Psychology, Sociology or Biology, though you would be required to also study Additional Science. With these qualifications, you could then access course, jobs or training in Health, Social Work or Education.

What will I learn?

The course is divided into three units, these are:

Health, Social Care and Early Years Provision – in this unit you will learn about the major client groups (e.g. Under 5s, the elderly), how you qualify to work with them and what skills and qualities are needed.
Promoting Health and Well-being – in this unit you find out about how we explain what health is, how different cultures define health, how we can measure health and the factors which effect health. You will also look at ways of promoting health and well-being.
Understanding Personal Development and Relationships – in this unit you will learn about human growth and development, self-concept and the importance of supportive relationships throughout life.

What sort of homework will I be set?

Because this is a double award, your will do two homework tasks a week. These may include research, reading or watching relevant materials and contributing to discussions, preparing materials for coursework, or doing tasks to build on classwork.

What coursework will I need to do?

Units 1 and 2 are assessed by coursework. For Unit 1 you will prepare a portfolio on two client groups and how two service providers in their local area are meeting their needs. For Unit 2 you will prepare a health improvement plan for a client whose health and well-being is at risk in some way.

How will my work be assessed?

Units 1 and 2 assessed by coursework (as described above)	66% of final mark
Unit 3 by a written examination.	33% of final mark.

You will be expected to carry out you Year 10 Work Experience placement in a relevant setting.

What qualification will I gain?

GCSE: Health and Social Care Double Award - Exam Board AQA 3821

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION–ASK MRS HORNER (OF SCIENCE)