Course title and type of qualification: Technical Award Health and Social Care

What will I learn?

This course is designed for students who have an interest in health and social care and wish to develop skills and learn the theory that can prepare them for further study and employment within this sector. It will particularly appeal to students who are looking for a course that is practical in nature.

Unit 1: Improving the well-being of an individual

Students will choose a client and carry out a range of testing techniques to measure and evaluate their health and then produce, implement and review a plan that will aim to make lifestyle changes that could improve their health. They will then review and evaluate the impact this plan has had on their chosen client.

Unit 2: Promoting healthy living

Students will research and evaluate existing health promotion campaigns and then plan and deliver their own health promotion campaign. This involves an element of creativity that learners will enjoy, particularly as they will have the freedom to choose the type of materials they produce, from posters or wall displays in schools to promotional videos or radio scripts. At the end, students will review and evaluate the success of their campaign.

Unit 3: Development through the life stages

Students will study the fundamentals of health and social care and acquire the knowledge required to carry out the two practical units. This knowledge will be relevant when considering future career choices and further study options. This unit covers:

• the stages and patterns of human growth and development
• expected development at each life stage
• life events
• sources of support/services for life events
• roles of professionals from the sectors who are involved in supporting life events
• definitions of health and well-being
• factors influencing health and well-being

How will I be assessed?

Unit 1 & Unit 2 are coursework based and are internally assessed; the coursework is worth 60% of the final mark.  

Unit 3 is a written exam and is worth 40% of the final mark.

What could I move onto?

Unit 1 & Unit 2 are coursework based and are internally assessed; the coursework is worth 60% of the final mark.  

Unit 3 is a written exam and is worth 40% of the final mark.

What could I move onto?

Health and Social Care is a subject that enables students to gain the knowledge and understanding that will open up a range of career opportunities including childcare, teaching, midwifery, nursing, occupational health, dietician, paramedic, social work, mental health services, and counselling.

Examination Board: AQA