Health & Social Care
Courses offered in this curriculum area are designed to help students gain an understanding of the key components of the health and social care sectors and how they operate and interact to meet the needs of today’s society. The subject is relevant to the world in which we live, it focuses on the care sector and outlines career opportunities and possible future pathways.
We rely heavily on a student centred approach to learning with the opportunity to apply knowledge of health and social care in a practical way. It is very much a life experience course and students are actively encouraged to participate in a work experience programme which is full, varied and demanding. Students can choose to specialise, focusing on Health Care; Early Years and Child Development; Care of the Elderly and Care of Clients with Special Needs.
Key Stage 4
Students are introduced to the world of Health & Social Care. Students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning. They learn how to work effectively as part of a team; develop interpersonal skills using communication strategies and problem solving exercises and they become more aware of the views, needs and rights of people of all ages.
They learn the main principles of a healthy lifestyle and how to cope with changing relationships and understand how these affect health and well-being. Students are expected to take an active part in the work experience programme.
Courses offered at this level include BTEC Health and Social Care at Certificate and Diploma levels and the CACHE Award/Certificate/Diploma in Childcare.
Post 16
Students use the knowledge and understanding from earlier key stages and their own experience to develop their skills and technical knowledge. Courses in this area provide a broad base of understanding as well as allowing students to focus on the four specialist areas: - Health; Early Years Care and Education; Care of Older People and Individuals with Specific Needs. Students are encouraged to design their own course content, with staff guidance, and to work autonomously and effectively towards achieving their award. Work experience forms an important part of all courses at this level.
Courses offered at this level include BTEC Nationals at levels 1, 2 and 3 and the CACHE Award/Certificate/Diploma at Levels 2 and 3.