Health & Social Care

Why is H&SC important?

What would the world be like if there was no such thing as Health and Social Care? We need empathic, caring and kind hearted people for those that are vulnerable in our society. Health and Social Care therefore plays an integral role in our local community, allowing young people to embed  in their everyday life: to be compassionate to those around us; to be competent at whatever they decide to do; to demonstrate care to those who are unable to look after themselves; to be committed to provide the best service possible; to be courageous and step out of their comfort zone and finally, to maintain effective communication to all that surround them. Through the study of Health and Social Care, the dedicated members of our team try to instil the caring and respectful nature in our students, preparing them for the dynamic world of health and social care professions. 

 

What is the aim of the H&SC curriculum at Oaklands? 

The H&SC curriculum at Oaklands aims to provide students with a solid foundation to enable them to pursue a future career in the health and social care sector. The course is a fantastic starting point for various types of jobs such as nursing, youth work, social care, teaching, midwifery, physiotherapy, paramedic science and many more. The modules taught throughout the two years, enable students to develop a thorough knowledge of different aspects of H&SC.

The H&SC Tech Award is an introduction to vocational learning. The curriculum is designed to give learners the opportunity to build skills that show an aptitude for further learning, both in the Health and Social Care sector and more widely. Our students can use the knowledge and skills from other GCSEs, especially science, to apply their academic knowledge to everyday and work contexts. 

Throughout the course, we aim to develop students skills of conducting thorough research, how to be reflective and to effectively manage time whilst juggling conflicting deadlines. Through studying this course, we hope for our students to develop into caring, mature and passionate young members of the community. The BTEC Tech Award thereby provides our young learners with a dynamic curriculum that enables a smooth transition and progression to Level 3 H&SC and beyond.

How is the curriculum in H&SC structured? 

In year 10, teaching allows students to gain an in-depth insight into development across six different life stages and provides students with the opportunity to learn about the health and social care services and the importance of care values, whilst working as a health and social care professional. Both the components have been designed to equip students with hands-on experience of the health and social care sector and the skills and confidence to take their next steps. 

In year 11, the curriculum builds on the previous year to include factors that affect health and wellbeing, interpreting health indicators and lastly designing a care plan which will allow them to analyse and improve their own health and wellbeing. Through this component, students are given an opportunity to self-reflect about the choices made and how such choices can affect others around them. 

Topics covered in Year 10

Component 1: Human Lifespan Development

Component 2: Health and Social Care Services and Values

Both components are internally assessed and consist of two assignments each. Students submit work in the format of written reports, role play scripts and witness statements provided by staff and peers. 

Topics covered in Year 11

Component 3: Health and Wellbeing.

This is an externally assessed unit where students undertake a task worth 60 marks within a two hour period. Assessment availability is twice a year; February and May/June.

 

KS4 Qualification title

 Pearson BTEC Level 2 Tech Award 

 

KS5 Qualification title

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care

Practical tips / activities for parents to support learning at home

• Revise BTEC Tech Award Health and Social Care Revision Guide 
• https://quizlet.com/34886995/btec-first-health-and-social-care-unit-1-flash-cards/

Practical tips for parents: 

• Ask your child to explain what they have been working on in school. By doing this, parents can keep up to date with their children’s educational schedule but also, encourage them to work more at home.
• Parents can encourage wider reading among their children, including keeping up to date with current issues within the health and social care sector.