Health and Social Care
Health and Social Care is a dynamic and engaging subject that explores how people grow, develop and experience change throughout their lives. With around 3 million people working in health and social care across the UK, the sector plays a vital role in society and continues to grow as the population ages. Our curriculum provides students with a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding alongside opportunities to develop transferable skills such as research, communication, self-evaluation and problem-solving. Students are encouraged to apply their learning to real-life situations and develop empathy and an understanding of the experiences and needs of others.
Health and Social Care through Key Stages
Our Health and Social Care curriculum is designed to provide clear progression from Key Stage 4 into Key Stage 5 and beyond. Students build their knowledge progressively, exploring human growth and development, health and wellbeing, health and social care services, barriers to accessing services and the skills, attributes and values required to provide effective care. Throughout the course, students apply their learning to case studies and real-life scenarios, developing their ability to research, analyse and evaluate. There are also opportunities to engage with professionals, experience different health and social care settings and explore future education and career pathways.
Key Stage 4 - BTEC Tech Award
At KS4, students study the BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Health and Social Care. The course provides students with an understanding of human development and the factors that can affect individuals throughout their lives. Students explore different life stages, the impact of significant life events and how individuals can be supported to manage change. They also investigate health and social care services, including the barriers that people may face when accessing them, and develop an understanding of the skills, attributes and values needed when providing care. Students also explore health and wellbeing, developing their ability to interpret information and consider how different factors can affect an individual's health. The qualification combines coursework and assessment with examination elements, allowing students to demonstrate both their knowledge and their ability to apply it.
Key Stage 5
At KS5, students progress to the BTEC National in Health and Social Care, building on the knowledge and skills developed at KS4. In Year 12, students study Human Lifespan Development, exploring physical, intellectual, emotional and social development, the factors that can affect development, and theories and models of human growth. Students also undertake the Promoting Health Education coursework component, applying their knowledge to health promotion. In Year 13, students develop their understanding further through Principles of Health and Social Care Practice, exploring effective practice within the sector, alongside Human Biology and Health, which develops their understanding of the biological aspects of health. The KS5 curriculum prepares students for further study, higher education and a wide range of careers within health, social care and related sectors.
Enrichment
Students are given opportunities to enrich their learning through experiences beyond the classroom. This includes guest speakers from the local community and wider health and social care sector, helping students to connect their classroom learning with real-world experiences and career pathways. In Year 12, students may also have the opportunity to undertake work experience in a range of settings, including SEN schools, medical facilities and nursing homes. These opportunities allow students to develop their confidence and interpersonal skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the opportunities available within health and social care.
Curriculum Map