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Introduction

The BTEC Level1 / 2 First Award in Health & Social care has been developed to provide an engaging introduction to the health and social care sector. It has been specifically designed for young people aged 14 to 19 who may wish to explore a vocational route through key stage 4. It will give students the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and knowledge of the health and social care sector and to develop  a range of personal and work related skills. Students will achieve a nationally recognised level 1/ 2 health and social care qualification which will support progression into a more specialised level 3 vocational or academic course: please see specification below.

Work Experience

It is essential that students attend a health/social care work placement in year 11.

Assessment

There are three units studied over two years:

Year 10

Unit 1: Human growth development assessed through coursework

Unit 2: Health and social care values assessed through coursework

Year 11

Unit 3: Health and wellbeing which will be assessed through an externally set and marked assignment

Progression:

• Level 3 Vocational qualifications
• A level related qualifications
• Apprenticeships within the health and social care sector

Students who achieve the qualification at Level 1 may progress to the Level 2 Health & Social Care or other vocational Level 2 qualifications.

This qualification is taught over 360 guided learning hours. Learners must complete the two core units, the two mandatory units and a choice of optional specialist units to reach a total of 360 guided learning hours. This qualification includes units that are internally and externally assessed: please see specification below

This qualification has been developed to meet the needs of learners with a range of educational requirements. These include learners who:

• wish to add breath to their knowledge and understanding of the Health and Social Care sector as part of their career progression and development plans
• have had some achievement in their key stage 4 programme and wish to top up their level 2 achievement to progress to employment or other qualifications.
• are working towards achieving level 2 English and/or Mathematics qualifications in a post 16 setting and wish to complement their study programme with a qualification that supports preparation for work or progression.

Core units

• Unit 1: Human lifespan development (external assessment)
• Unit 2: Health and Social Care values (internal assessment)

Mandatory units:

• Unit 3: Effective communication in Health and Social Care (internal assessment)
• Unit 9: Health living (external assessment)

Optional specialist units:

• Unit 4: Social influences on Health and Wellbeing (internal assessment)
• Unit 5: Promoting Health and Wellbeing (internal assessment)
• Unit 6: The impact of nutrition on Health and Wellbeing (internal assessment)
• Unit 7: Equality and diversity in Health and Social Care (internal assessment)
• Unit 10: Human body systems and care disorders
• Unit 12: Creative and therapeutic activities in Health and Social Care

The rationale for choosing a BTEC First in Health and Social Care:

• inspire and enthuse learners to consider a career in the Health and Social Care sector, or in a related sector where knowledge of Health and Social Care will be of use, such as early years.
• give learners the opportunity to gain broad understanding and knowledge of, and skills in, the Health and Social Care sector, e.g. the underpinning care values and an understanding of the different life stages that individuals go through.
• support progression to a more specialised level 3 vocational or academic Health and Social Care course or an apprenticeship or, more broadly, progression to qualifications in other sectors, such as early years.
• give learners the potential opportunity, in due course, to enter employment within a range of junior job roles across the health and social care sector.

BTEC Level 3: Health and Social Care

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care Programme:  courses offer a flexible range of qualifications that can be studied alongside other level 3 qualifications such as A levels or other BTEC Nationals as part of a larger programme of study, or as the main focus of study.

They are designed for post-16 level 3 learners wishing to go on to further or higher level study of the sector or directly to employment.

All sizes attract UCAS points and are widely recognised by universities and employers.