BTEC First Diploma Health and Social Care

BTEC First Diploma Health and Social Care

What is Health and Social Care?
This is a one year course for anyone who is interested in working with people especially those groups such as the young or the elderly who need extra help or support. Although many students go on to follow careers in one of the caring professions, others go on to work in retail, catering, animal care or the police. It is equivalent to four GCSEs at A* - C. You will study a variety of topics including personal development, job roles, communication skills, first aid, hygiene, safety, and practical caring.

Is Health and Social Care suitable for me?
Students have enjoyed carrying out their own research during work experience and bring able to make links between what they learn at college and what they see in the workplace. Students studying this course over the past few years have appreciated the different relationships they have with the teachers at College and the amount of individual support they get. Probably the most important challenge for students is learning how to take more responsibility for organising their own time so that they balance college work, part-time jobs and other commitments.

How will I learn?
Lessons in the classroom will include a mixture of formats including group work, individual activities, guest speakers, role plays, using case studies and some formal note-taking sessions. Some study support is provided in college to help students with their assignments and other homework. Students should also expect to spend up to ten hours per week outside of lessons on homework. You will also undertake a week†s work experience in a health or social care setting.

How will I be assessed?
The course is assessed through coursework. The course work takes the form of assignments which are set at intervals throughout the year. Each assignment is awarded a grade and then an overall grade for the course is calculated.

Progression
After the course, many students who achieve a merit or distinction grade go on to study an advanced level course in Health and Social Care or Childcare. Amy achieved a merit grade and is going on to study Child Care and Education with a view to teaching early years. Stephen also gained a merit and is continuing in college to study A level Health & Social Care. Tash enjoyed her care work and has a job working with older people.

Course Costs
All students will be expected to provide their own textbook, stationery, computer disks and calculators (where appropriate). Any further costs are outlined below:

Essential: £20 for textbooks

In addition you will need to pay for a CRB check, if you have not already had one.

If the cost of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.

Course: EDEXCEL