What will I study?
In this course you will develop an interest and an understanding of health, education, social care and issues affecting the care sector.

​Year 12
Human Lifespan Development (Written exam)
This covers the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan and the factors affecting development and the effects of ageing. You will learn about a number of theories and models to explain and interpret behaviour through the human lifespan. In this unit, you will explore the impact of both predictable and unpredictable life events, and recognise how they impact on individuals. You will study the interaction between the physical and psychological factors of the ageing process, and how this affects confidence and self-esteem, which in turn may determine how individuals will view their remaining years.
Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs (Assignment)
Learners focus on the principles and practicalities that underpin meeting individuals’ care and support needs, which are the foundation of all the care disciplines.  This unit will be useful if you are intending to pursue a career in social care or healthcare, for instance as a social worker or health visitors, practice nurse or occupational therapist.

Year 13
Working in Health and Social Care (Written exam)
Learners explore what it is like to work in the health and social care sector, including the roles and responsibilities of workers and organisations. This unit will help you to understand what it is like to work in the health and social care sector. When working for an organisation in this sector, you will have important responsibilities that you need to understand and carry out. These include maintaining the safety of and safeguarding of individuals. You will need to understand how you will be accountable both to these individuals and the regulatory bodies that represent people who work in the health and social care sector. It is necessary for you to understand how your work will be monitored when you carry out a specific role such as nurse or social worker.
Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs (Assignment)
While working in health and social care, you may care for a full range of individuals who have additional needs. Individuals with these additional needs have a right to receive the best quality care and support. This unit aims to give you specialist knowledge that can be crucial to ensuring that those with additional needs meet their full potential.

What do I need to study the course?
Essential: GCSE Grade 5 or above in English Language and 4 in Maths, and GCSE Grade 4:4 or above in Combined Science or GCSE Grade 4 in Triple Science.
Recommended: Level 2 Merit in Health & Social Care Tech Award.

How will I be assessed?
Examination (50%) and internal assessment (50%)

Where will a BTEC qualification in Health & Social Care lead me?
Students who have studied Health and Social Care at The Holy Cross Sixth Form have usefully combined it  with other subjects in support of applications to degrees in Nursing, Midwifery,  Teaching, Paramedic, Speech and Language Therapy and Social Work.   There are also opportunities as a nursery assistant, nanny, care worker in a residential home or health care assistant in hospital.  You could also consider teaching assistant and administrative jobs in the NHS, the police and air cabin crew.