Welcome to the Health and Social Care Department

Health & Social Care is a subject which places emphasis on developing transferable skills, such as research, analysis and evaluation, as well as academic achievement.  With the demographics in the UK changing rapidly and the population living longer, the health and social care sectors will experience huge growth over the next few years.

Health and Social Care lends itself to many different career paths, including, nursing, midwifery, early years, teaching, psychology, social work, occupational therapy, care of individuals with specific needs, health promotion and many others.

Our department aims are:

  • To provide our students with knowledge and skills to help them investigate and understand the range of all health and social care sectors
  • To develop learners' ability to contribute positively to good practice in a health and social care environment through effective use and combination of the knowledge and skills gained in different parts of the course
  • To motivate individuals to progress onto further or higher education courses associated within a related health and social care sector

Key Stage 4

Unit 1 Human growth, development and well being

In this unit learners will gain knowledge and understanding of human development across the life cycle and the ways in which this may be affected; how individuals can take control of their care and health and well-being; and how early intervention and prevention can support growth and development of individuals.

This is an externally assessed unit and will count towards 40% of the overall grade (A* - U) achieved at the end of year 11. The exam is one hour and 30 minutes long and is not tiered.

The key areas of study are:

  • Human development

  • Physical, intellectual, emotional and social development

  • The importance of active participation on our development

  • Early interventions to promote positive growth and development

Unit 2 Promoting and maintaining health and well being

In this unit learners will gain knowledge and understanding of the range of health and social care, and childcare services provided in Wales and how these services promote and maintain the health and well-being of the nation.

The key areas of study are:

  • The different sectors of health, social and childcare provision in Wales

  • Public health and health promotion across the life cycle

  • Factors that affect health and well-being across the life cycle

The coursework is internally assessed and externally moderated. The course work is controlled throughout. It is worth 60% of overall grade (graded A* - U) achieved at the end of year 11. Students will be given a total write up time of 25 hours – this doesn’t include research time. A good standard of literacy and facilities to conduct and complete research is required. The will be one attempt in completing the course work.

Key Stage 5

At Key Stage 5 this double award subject (equivalent of 2 A Levels) will give students the knowledge and skills that will prepare them for university or employment.  The course is assessed via internally assessed pieces of coursework which are externally moderated and will allow students to access the full range of grading criteria from Distinction* to a Pass.  The exam board and units listed below may be subject to change.

Year 12

Students will study a range of units totalling 120 credits over Year 12 and Year 13.  The following units will be completed over the course of year:

Unit 1 - Developing Effective Communication in Health and Social Care

Unit 2 - Equality, Diversity and Rights in Health and Social Care

Unit 3 - Health, Safety and Security in Health and Social Care

Unit 4 - Development Through the Lfe Stages

Unit 6 - Sociological Perspectives for Health and Social Care

Unit 7 - Psychological Perspectives for Health and Social Care

Unit 12 - Physiological Disorders

Year 13

In Year 13 the following units will be completed:

Unit 15 - Health Promotion

Unit 17 - Research Methodology (linked with Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification)

Unit 31 - Public Health

Unit 32 - Safeguarding Children and Young People

Unit 34 - Psychology of Ill Health

The above units may be subject to change.

Health and Social Care lends itself to many different career paths, including, nursing, midwifery, early years, teaching, psychology, social work, occupational therapy, care of individuals with specific needs, health promotion and many others.

In 2019, 100% of our A2 students achieved a place in their chosen university.  Health and Social Care is considered a beneficial subject if you are considering nursing, midwifery, early years, teaching, social work as a career.  Volunteering is encouraged in a helath and care setting as it helps students both to understand topics covered decide on future careers.

You must meet the school requirements of 5 grade C GCSE passes, and there is no requirement to have GCSE Health and Social Care, but it is beneficial. A good standard of literacy is essential.