BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care
What will I be learning?
In today’s society many people are in need of care and support, and there are a number of different career opportunities at all levels and in a variety of fields including Residential Care, Social Work, Professions Allied to Medicine and Community Care.
Health and Social Care is one of the largest employment sectors in the UK and opportunities are buoyant.
You should choose the course if you are interested in exploring these areas as potential career options, or you just have an interest in health and social care and want to combine it with other subjects for a broad and balanced curriculum in the sixth form.
The units are as follows:
- Human Lifespan development (assessed via exam)
- Working in health and social care (assessed via exam)
- Meeting individual care and support needs (coursework)
- Supporting Individuals with additional needs (coursework)
How will I be assessed?
Exams make up 58% of the assessment. 42% of the course is assessed via coursework.
There are two exams, one in Year 12 and one Year 13.
You will write two reports, one for each coursework unit. You will receive a Distinction*, Distinction, Merit or Pass level in each unit. These grades convert into UCAS points for entry into University.
Other important information
The Highfield teaching team in Health and Social Care is very experienced, with a long success record of achieving outstanding results. All Health and Social Care teachers are specialists and we have strong links with the sector. We draw upon these links for visit opportunities and careers talks. For example, several of our students have taken part in the Lister Hospital Work Experience Programme and our current Year 12 students will visit a local Hospice this year as part of their studies.
What careers could this lead on to?
The BTEC Health and Social Care, alongside A Levels is well regarded for entry into university. Alternatively, students are well-placed to secure higher apprenticeships or gain employment upon leaving the Sixth Form.
Examples of relevant careers:
Social work; Paramedical science; Nursing; Midwifery; Occupational Therapy; Residential care home management; Youth, care or support work; Teaching; Art therapy; Counselling; Management and many, many others!
What grades do I need for this course?
An Average Point Score of a grade 4 at GCSE