The BTEC Tech Award in Health & Social Care is an optional subject at Key Stage 4. During the course, students gain an insight into the core values, services and career opportunities in this important sector.
There are 3 components in the course which build on each other, enabling students to gain in confidence and competence throughout years 10 and 11:
Component 1: Human Lifespan Development
Explore: students learn the stages we go through from birth to old age, typical development across the life stages and how different life experiences can impact on development.
Component 2: Health and Social Care Values
Develop: students study the different types of health and social care services and barriers to accessing them, and identify and demonstrate key care values.
Components 1 and 2 are internally assessed through coursework (60%)
Component 3: Health and Wellbeing
Apply: students apply their understanding to assess an individual’s health and wellbeing based on a case study. They design a health and wellbeing plan for that individual.
Component 3 is assessed through an externally assessed task (40%) .
The award is graded at level 1 (pass, merit and distinction) and level 2 (pass, merit, distinction and distinction *).
The large coursework element of the BTEC tech award suits students who are motivated, organised and enjoy project work.
The health and social care sector is one of the fastest growing areas in terms of job opportunities in the UK. There are excellent progression routes from the KS4 qualification to higher level courses at 16+ and future employment in the sector, for example in physiotherapy, midwifery, nursing, early years settings, teaching, social work and care work.
Although the qualification is particularly relevant for anyone considering working with people in a caring or health role, we believe that the health and social care course is a valuable area of study for any pupil. It offers the opportunity to master a variety of transferable skills that support progress in other subjects, as well as being highly valued by employers, further education centres and the wider community. These include collaboration, communication, carrying out research, handling data, practising empathy and showing concern for the welfare of others.
Wider Reading Lists Health and Social Care Reading List