This is a new broad-based qualification in Health and Social which offers candidates:

• a two-tier qualification containing AS and A2 level units;

• a core learning package which will provide sound knowledge, understanding and skills to act as a foundation upon which candidates will be able to build, using a range of optional learning tools;

• a number of learning opportunities which will provide candidates with a choice of assessment methods suitable for their needs/strengths;

• the ability to interact with the health, social care and early-years sectors, allowing candidates the opportunity to experience the work environment through learning;

• the flexibility to pursue a qualification which covers the areas of health, social care and early-years provision;

• a range of units designed to provide a progression route to higher education and further training for employment;

• an opportunity to pursue a number of vocational pathways which focuses on areas of particular interest to individual candidates.

AS Units of Study

Unit 1 – Promoting Quality Care

You are given the opportunity to examine how local government legislation relates to the rights and responsibilities of clients and carers. You will focus on how practices within one health, social care or early years setting promote the positive care of clients and how staff in the chosen setting apply the principles of the care value base. This unit has portfolio assessment.

Unit 2 - Communications

You will be given the opportunity to learn and practise communication skills. You will observe communication skills in a care setting and carry out two different interactions which require you to focus on the range of interpersonal skills demonstrated. This unit has portfolio assessment.

Unit 3 – Health and Well Being

A2 Units of Study

Unit 8 – Monitoring Body Systems

This unit gives you the opportunity to monitor the body system of two individuals at different life stages, taking into account the health and safety issues related to your measuring and ethical issues in working with individuals. You will also investigate a health condition that you select and you will be required to describe the diagnosis and treatment for the condition and the impact it might have on the lifestyle of the individual diagnosed. This unit has portfolio assessment.

Unit 9 – Providing Services

This unit provides an overview of service provision in health, social care and early years. You will learn about the effects of legislation and policy on service provision, meeting individual needs and identifying barriers to accessing services and other related issues. This unit focuses on one client group which is identified in a pre-release which is distributed by the examining body 6 weeks prior to the exam. This unit will be assessed externally.

Unit 11 –Supporting the Family

This unit gives you the opportunity to investigate the functions of the family and to explore how family structures have changed. You will research the wide variety of services available to families and the support that they offer. This unit has portfolio assessment.

Entry Requirements

It would be helpful to have a good GCSE grade in English or any subject showing evidence of extended writing.