BTEC First in Health and Social Care

Health and Social Care

Why choose BTEC First in Health and Social Care?
This is a practical, work-related course. It introduces students to the employment area of health and social care and provides a good basis for them to go onto a more advanced work-related qualification.

The course is equivalent to four GCSEs, grades A*-C. Students will study six units - two core units and four specialist units. The specialist units enable them to study a particular area in depth. The core units are: Communication and Individual Rights/Individual Needs.

The specialist units are: Vocational Experience in a Health or Social Care setting; The Impact of Diet on Health; Creative and Therapeutic Activities in Health and Social Care and Human Lifespan Development.

Students are required to complete two periods of work experience in two different health and social care settings as part of this course.

Resources and Facilities
The BTEC First Diploma is taught in the department of Health and Care. The department itself consists of four teaching rooms, all of which contain up-to-date teaching resources. The learning environment is designed to allow students to participate in both theoretical and practical activities. There is a wide range of suitable books and periodicals within the department and the Learning Resources Centre to aid learning.

Teaching and Learning Styles
Students will be taught by very well-qualified and experienced teachers. The teaching will include a variety of modern styles. The lessons are further brought to life by exciting activities including group discussions, debates and student presentations. There is an enthusiastic and caring atmosphere in the department and individual tutorials are regularly available to all students as part of their studies. There are close links with the local community and outside speakers who are specialists in a particular area are frequent visitors into lessons.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Students will have the opportunity to complete work placements in a variety of care settings.

Assessment
All units are assessed and graded and an overall grade for the qualification is awarded.

Progression Opportunities
With further training or study, students go on to careers such as nursing, social work and residential care management. Students could get a job straight away in registered care homes, hospitals and primary care trusts, nursing homes and health centres.