Health & Social Care
Department
Social Sciences
Type of Qualifcation:
AAQ BTEC Extended Certificate
Exam Board:
Pearson
Requirements:
GCSE Grade 4 in English and Biology
Course Content
The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) BTEC Extended Certificate aims to provide students with an introduction to the health and social care sector. These topics can be applied to real life settings from early years to residential care. This qualification is the equivalent to one A Level.
In the mandatory units students will cover:
Physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development across the human lifespan affecting growth and development. Human body structure and systems, normal physiological functioning and the impact of common disorders.
Core principles, values and legislation influencing the health and social care sector, and the effect of social determinants on an individual health status.
An optional unit will look at Safe Environments in health and social care, and appropriate provision in services relevant to different needs.
Style Of Assessment
50% Exam, 50% Coursework
Mandatory Units:
Unit 1 – Human Lifespan Development – Exam (1.5 hours, 80 marks)
Unit 2 – Human Biology and Health – Exam (1.5 hours, 80 marks)
Unit 3 – Principles of Health and Social Care Practice – Coursework
1 Optional Unit (TBC based on students):
Unit 4 – Health, Policy and Wellbeing- Coursework
Unit 5 – Promoting Health Education – Coursework
Unit 6 – Safe Environments in Health and Social Care – Coursework
Unit 7 – Health Science – Coursework
Whose kind of course?
This course is designed for students who wish to continue post-16
education through applied learning in the health and social care sector, with the aim to progress on to higher education, an apprenticeship or a job role. There are opportunities to develop employability skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, adaptability and self-development. The course suits students who work well independently and enjoy learning about human interactions.
Skills developed:
- Professional values and skills expected of professionals, including communication and listening skills.
- Organisational and critical thinking skills.
- Cultural and social intelligence when working with individuals across the lifespan with different needs. Alongside methods of managing challenging situations.
- Management of own time and learning.
- Academic skills such as research.
Career Prospects
If you have a genuine interest in people and want to make a real difference to people’s lives – whether that be as a social worker, nurse*, midwife*, teacher, paramedic* or nursery practitioner, Health and Social Care BTEC is a great choice for you.
*Please note: some students wanting to go into nursing / midwifery / paramedic science should check university websites to see if they accept this course, as different institutions have different views.
