Broughton Hall Catholic High School - Curriculum / Health and Social Care

Health and Social Care

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Introduction

Health and Social Care The study of Health and Social Care at both Key Stage 4 and 5 allows pupils to learn about a sector that is vital to the health and well-being of our society. Involving both practical and theoretical elements, this course give pupils the opportunity to understand the role doctors, nurses, Allied Health Professionals, social workers, youth workers, and other care workers play in supporting the health and wellbeing of people across the UK.

Pupils not only investigate the structure of the health and social care system, but they also consider the skills and qualities health and social care professionals must embody in order to meet the needs of the service users in their care. From considering the impact of illness, disability, physical environment and stress on an individual's health to developing a number of solutions to empower that individual, students obtain an awareness of the importance of effective professional support for those with specific needs and their families.

Through a mixture of examinations and internally assessed coursework, pupils apply their knowledge of this course to various true-to life case studies: developing health and well-being plans, outlining the role of multi-disciplinary teams and role playing the use of specific equipment for monitoring health (e.g blood pressure monitors), improving mobility (e.g. walking frames), and supporting visual or hearing impairment (e.g. the use of braille), etc.. Throughout, students incorporate skills and theories such as the 6 care values, communication, observation, empathy and ethics to show an understanding of how every service user should be supported in a holistic way.

By taking Health and Social care, pupils will connect to a fast-growing industry that presently employs over 2.2 million specialists. They will discover job opportunities, learn about rewarding career paths, and start to get a sense of the feeling of achievement that comes with improving an individual's quality of life. Pupils often have a personal connection to what they are learning because of their own experiences and those of their families. Pupils are consistently able to apply the skills and knowledge they are learning in this course to understanding how people in their own community are cared for; this is at the heart of the Health and Social Care curriculum.

Extra-curricular Activities

Subject staff endeavour to connect students to the subject through educational visits when possible as well as guest speakers from across the health and social care sector. There will be an emphasis on careers in health and social care, with students given guidance as to the appropriate courses and experience they will need in order to follow a path into job roles within this sector.

There will also be opportunities for students to support local health and social care organisations via raising money and awareness, sending cards and letters, and participating in other local events benefitting these organisation. Tutor2u conferences and support workshops are periodically organised for students to attend in Manchester.

More information about our department

Student feedback for Health and Social Care is very positive. Students have reported feeling satisfied with the level of support they are being given, are happy with the teaching, and are confident that the staff are working well to help them achieve. Staff connect with other teachers of Health and Social Care and BTEC courses across the city and country via regular meetings, trainings, and quality assurance. This allows specialists to share good practice and develop a wide variety of health and social care-related experiences for students to plug into.

Staff work with students to create a welcoming and calm atmosphere where students feel they can achieve. At all levels, learning is individualised to meet the needs of each student. Students are monitored closely on every topic and given consistent feedback as to their progress. We want to share with students the enthusiasm we have for this subject, giving them the opportunity to think about health and social care in terms of their own experiences and what role they may be able to play in this or another related sector in future.

Contact Information

For more information please contact Mrs Sykes on 0151 541 9440.

Programme of Study KS4


Head of Department: Mrs A Sykes
Contact email address: sykesa@broughtonhall.com
Specification: Edexcel
Qualification: EDUCAS Level 1/2 teach award in Health and Social Care

Health and Social Care The Eduqas Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Health and Social Care introduces students to the knowledge, skills, and values needed for future study and employment within the health, care, and early years sectors. This practical, applied qualification helps learners develop an understanding of how individuals grow and develop across the life stages, the different factors that can influence this development, and the roles of professionals who provide care and support.

Students will explore:

  • Human Growth and Development - how people change physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially across their lives.
  • Health and Social Care Services and Values - the wide range of care services available and the importance of the core values that underpin professional practice.
  • Health and Wellbeing - how to assess individual needs and create realistic plans to improve health and lifestyle.

The course is designed to be engaging and accessible, with a mix of written assignments and externally assessed tasks. It provides an excellent foundation for progression to Level 3 courses such as Health and Social Care, Child Development, or Psychology, as well as apprenticeships and future careers in nursing, social work, midwifery, and a variety of health-related professions.

Why choose Health and Social Care?

  • It helps you build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills - all of which are valued by employers.
  • It connects to real life and gives you an insight into the work of health and care professionals.
  • It's a subject that can open the door to exciting future opportunities.

Where could it take you?

Studying Health and Social Care at Level 1/2 is a fantastic stepping stone to further learning. You could go on to:
  • Level 3 Health and Social Care
  • Child Development
  • Psychology or Sociology
  • Apprenticeships in health, childcare, or social care

In the long term, this subject is a brilliant foundation for careers such as nursing, midwifery, social work, occupational therapy, teaching, counselling, and many other roles in the health, education, and care sectors.

If you enjoy working with people, want to understand more about how we grow and develop, and like the idea of helping others, then this course could be the start of an exciting future for you.

Programme of Study KS5

Key Information

Level: LEVEL 3
Examination Board: OCR
Subject Leader: Mrs Sykes

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in English and a grade 4 in science.

Why Choose this course?

OCR Cambridge AAQ Level 3 Health and Social Care

Qualification Code: H125 (Extended Certificate - equivalent to one A Level)

Health and Social Care is an ideal subject for students who are interested in working with people, understanding human development, and supporting individuals across a range of health and care settings. The OCR Cambridge AAQ Level 3 Health and Social Care qualification offers a balanced mix of academic study and practical application, making it perfect for learners who want to combine theory with real-world skills.

This course covers key areas such as human anatomy and physiology, person-centred care, mental health, and the principles that underpin effective practice in the health and social care sector. Across two years, students will complete six units, including two externally assessed exams and four internally assessed coursework (non-examined assessment) units. This structure provides opportunities for learners to demonstrate both their academic understanding and their ability to apply knowledge to realistic scenarios.

Key topics include equality and diversity, legislation, effective communication, mental health conditions, and the functioning of body systems. Students will also explore how to provide ethical, respectful, and person-centred care tailored to individual needs. A strong emphasis is placed on developing transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, decision-making, and critical thinking - all of which are essential in both further study and employment within the sector.

The course provides a solid foundation for progression to higher education courses in nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy, social work, psychology, and related disciplines. It also supports entry into vocational careers in healthcare and social care environments, including roles such as care support worker, mental health worker, or health administrator.

Whether you're looking to pursue a professional path in healthcare or simply want to better understand the challenges and responsibilities of caring for others, this course provides the knowledge and skills to make a real difference.

Prospects

This qualification is an ideal first step to careers within health and social care. The course supports access to a range of related apprenticeships and higher education courses and combines well with other sixth form subjects. For example:

A combination of Health and Social Care along with A Levels in psychology and biology can lead to a BSc (Hons) in nursing.
A combination of Health and Social Care along with A Levels in English and history can lead to a BA (Hons) in primary education.

A qualification in health and social care can also lead to degree courses in social work, youth work, sports studies, and police studies.

Course Content

Year 12
Unit 1:Human Lifespan Development
(External Exam)

Unit 14:Physiological Disorders and their Care. (Coursework)

Year 13
Unit 2: Working in Health and Social Care (External Exam)

Unit 5:Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs. (Coursework)

Each unit has specific learning aims that are addressed throughout the course some of which are synoptic.

Course Opportunities/ Activities

Throughout the 2 year course, Health and Social Care students will have the opportunity to connect with professionals in these fields. Workshops and talks from nurses, social workers, midwives, occupational therapists, youth workers, and care home managers will be offered regularly throughout the course. Students will also learn about how they can volunteer and complete work experience at local hospitals, residential care facilities and other health and social care providers. These experiences are vital for students pursuing a career in health or social care field. Future opportunities include collaboration with the Broughton Hall Science department in developing an on-site replica hospital ward. On this ward, students interested in health care can experience what it is like to work in a hospital setting whilst developing their health care skills.

Support and Challenge

All health and social care students are given topic booklets, past papers and access to an online textbook. Additional revision and examination activities are provided throughout the course as well as revision and extra coursework sessions and one-to-one support. Every half term, all students are given a calendar of activities, revision and extensions opportunities for each week. This allows them to organise their time, balance their coursework with their revision, and prioritise their focus.

The extension opportunities give students the chance to investigate the role of health and social care further, including the impact the recent pandemic has had on services and the people who provide them. Relevant podcasts, news articles, films, and television programmes are recommended and referred to in every unit. Students have been supported with successful applications to apprenticeships and university courses in nursing, midwifery, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, primary and early years education, sports sciences, and social work.

Student Comment

Health and Social Care really helps me understand the roles of people who work in the health field. I want to become a nurse and this subject is giving me the skills and understanding of what it will be like to work with patients and how I can best help the people in my care.

I really like Health and Social Care because it is really relevant to me. It has given me the knowledge of how we all grow and develop throughout our life and the different events that can affect our health and well being. I have also developed research skills, time management and confidence in taking exams which has helped me in my other subjects.