AAQ (New BTEC) Health & Social Care

Work experience is a great way of making you aware of the demands and benefits of working in health and social care and we recommend that all students engage in at least one work placement over the duration of the course. Where possible, we offer trips to university nursing departments or other care settings. The department also welcomes visiting guest speakers from variety of health and social care professions.

The AAQ (new BTEC) Health and Social Care course, when combined with A levels, offers an excellent route to university for a variety of degrees. Students have progressed to higher education or employment within nursing, midwifery, primary education, social work as well as many other areas where interaction with the public is a large part of the job. For further information about nursing, please click the following link: Nursing Information

*subject to confirmation of examination board

Unit 1 Human Lifespan Development

Students examine physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan, the interaction between biological and social factors in health and wellbeing and how health care professionals provide effective care.

Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of patterns of human growth and development across different life stages and the concept of holistic development. Students will study factors that may influence human growth, development and health; some of these are innate; some are impacted by lifestyle, environmental, socioeconomic factors and many are a combination of all factors. This unit provides a comprehensive platform for understanding human growth and development and the professional responsibilities of a broad variety of health and social care professionals that is relevant for all students aiming to progress to a career in health and social care

Unit 2 Human Biology and Health

Students will explore the organisation, structure and normal physiological functioning of the human body, and the effect on health of common disorders of the body systems.

Students will learn how the body is organised into cells, tissues, organs and organ systems and how healthy bodily function is achieved. Students will explore respiration and energy metabolism in the human body and the homeostatic mechanisms that work to maintain the internal environment of the body. Students will develop a more detailed knowledge of the structure and function of key body systems, such as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and how the endocrine system controls and regulates processes throughout the body. This unit will provide foundational knowledge required in further study and careers in healthcare, for example nursing, midwifery and allied health professions, as well as social care roles, such as social work and care workers

Unit 3 Principles of Health and Social Care Practice

Students focus on the principles that underpin meeting the care and support needs of individuals, which are the foundation of all services within health and social care.

This unit introduces students to the core values expected of NHS and social care professionals which underpin professional standards, skills and attributes and how these should be applied in practice to meet the needs of individuals in health and social care environments

Unit 6 Safe Environments in Health and Social Care

Students will explore the importance of safe working practices, professional responsibilities and record keeping in maintaining safe environments and quality care in line with national standards in health and social care settings.

In this unit, students will learn about your local health and social care services that provide care and support for service users across the life stages. Students will consider a range of factors and challenges faced by health and social care services to ensure quality care is provided. Students will explore the legal duty of care and the importance of national legislation, regulations, policies and procedures in maintaining the safety and wellbeing of individuals within health and social care settings.

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care (AAQ) is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in the Health and Social Care sector and aiming to progress to higher education or a related apprenticeship or employment opportunity. Equivalent to one A level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in Health and Social Care as part of a study programme alongside A levels.

We don’t expect you to do any preparation as such for September, but you could gain some invaluable experience by volunteering in a care setting over the summer break so that you can apply your knowledge gained to aspects of the course.