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Entry Requirements

  • Minimum of 5x 9-4 grades in GCSE examinations including 4 in English Language, 4 in Maths and 4-4 in Combined Science (or two sciences).

Students cannot take this qualification if they receive a grade 3 or lower in GCSE Business (or vocational equivalent).

Contact

Sonny Simpson
Director of Learning – Humanities

sonny.simpson@sgla.latrust.org.uk

Qualification Aims and Objectives

The course develops students’ understanding of health and social care principles, human biology, and service-user support while fostering investigative thinking, practical skills and real-world application. You’ll study human development, anatomy and physiology, health and social care practice, and explore how services operate to meet needs across the life span.

Objectives

  • Develop knowledge and understanding of health and social care services, human biology and social determinants of health.
  • Apply theory to real-life health or care settings through practical tasks and case studies.
  • Build analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills relevant to health and social care.
  • Develop communication, teamwork and research skills for professional and academic contexts.
  • Prepare for further study and careers in nursing, midwifery, social work, allied health professions, health promotion, and adult or child care.

Course Outline

The qualification consists of core units and optional specialist units, combining external examinations and internal coursework. Typical study units include:

  • Human Lifespan & Development (external) – covering physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across life stages.
  • Human Biology & Health (external) – examining body systems, physiology and the impact of disorders.
  • Principles of Health & Social Care Practice (internal) – focused on values, legislation, roles and service provision.
  • Safe Environments in Health & Social Care (internal) – exploring safe working practices, quality assurance and service user protection.
  • Learning is delivered through classroom theory, service-based contexts or placements, practical tasks and project-based assignments.

Assessment

  • External Assessment (approx. 50%) – formal examinations testing core units such as human development and biology.
  • Internal Assessment (approx. 50%) – assignments, practical investigations and care-based projects marked by teachers and externally verified.

Future courses and possible careers

Nursing • Midwifery • Social Work • Occupational Therapy • Paramedicine • Healthcare Science • Child & Family Care • Mental Health Support • Health Promotion • Public Health • Allied Health Professions • Higher Education in Health or Social Care

Vocational Pathway: combine with two other BTECs to create a versatile pathway that suits your interests. We recommend BTEC Business and Sport or AAQ Applied Science.
IBCP: combine with IB Psychology and IB Biology.