Health & Social Care
Health and Social Care provides an excellent introduction to a wide range of careers in areas such as education, healthcare, childcare and social work, as you develop knowledge of the different roles within Health and Social Care and understand the skills required to support people in health, social care and child care settings.
As a student, you will study topics such as communication, legislation, human health and disease and caring skills that provide a solid foundation for further education and employment. This vocational course contains units that are designed to make you think about the wider context of how Health and Social Care works in real world situations.
The Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate has been designed in collaboration with experts spanning the breadth of the Health and Social Care sector focussing on the skills, knowledge and understanding that today’s universities and employers demand. Each unit awards grades (Pass, Merit, Distinction) which when combined award UCAS point that are equivalent to one A level.
To get started
In order to study the Level 3 Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care you must have a genuine interest in caring for people and at least one grade 4 in your GCSE science award. To get the most out of this course you will also need to undertake independent study alongside your classwork.
Exam and Assessment Information
OCR Cambridge Technicals
This course comprises both external exams and internally marked coursework, which are then moderated by the exam board. The assessment is spread over both years of the course. Units 1 to 4 are compulsory and the school studies two additional units, 10 and 13.
Year 12
Unit 1: Building Positive Relationships in Health and Social Care – Coursework unit
Unit 2: Equality, Diversity and Rights in Health and Social Care – External exam in the summer of Year 12.
Unit 3: Health, Safety and Security in Health and Social Care – External exam in the summer of Year 12.
Year 13
Unit 4: Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care – External exam in January of Year 13.
Unit 10: Nutrition for Health – Coursework unit
Unit 13: Sexual Health, Reproduction and Early Development Stages – Coursework unit
What Next?
The qualification in Health and Social Care provides valuable experience and knowledge to successfully prepare you for higher education, apprenticeships or employment. There are many related career pathways including midwifery, childcare, occupational therapy, primary school teaching, paramedics, counselling and nursing. The skills gained are universal and transferrable and some candidates choose alternative career pathways, away from the subject area.
Year 12
Unit 1: Building Positive Relationships in Health and Social Care – Coursework unit
Unit 2: Equality, Diversity and Rights in Health and Social Care – External exam in the summer of Year 12.
Unit 3: Health, Safety and Security in Health and Social Care – External exam in the summer of Year 12.
Year 13
Unit 4: Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care – External exam in January of Year 13.
Unit 10: Nutrition for Health – Coursework unit
Unit 13: Sexual Health, Reproduction and Early Development Stages – Coursework unit
