Qualification: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel

Entry Requirements: Grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language. If you have previously studied BTEC Tech Award, at least a Level 2 Pass is required.

Watch our video about health & social care btec

Learn about the health and social care sector

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care aims to provide an introduction to the sector. It is for students who are interested in learning about the health and social care sector as part of a balanced study programme. It is equivalent to one A-level.

The course

There are three mandatory units:  

• Human lifespan development: physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the life stages; factors affecting development; the effects of ageing. This unit is externally assessed through an exam.
• Working in health and social care: roles and responsibilities of people who work in the health and social care sector; organisations which provide health and social care. This unit is externally assessed through an exam.
• Meeting individual care and support needs: principles and practicalities that underpin meeting individuals’ care and support needs; maintaining confidentiality and multidisciplinary working. This unit is internally assessed through coursework.

Students also study one of the optional units from the specification. At Silverdale we study physiological disorders and their care as this unit supports students who wish to progress on to health related courses at university. This unit is internally assessed through coursework.

Examinations and Assessment

• Working in Health and Social Care - 90 minute exam - 33.3%         
• Human Lifespan Development - 90 minute exam - 25%
• Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs - non-examined assessment - 25%        
• Physiological Disorders and their Care - non-examined assessment -16.7%

Beyond the classroom

We run support sessions as and when required; they are dictated by student need.

Progression

When taken alongside other Level 3 courses (such as biology, psychology, sociology and BTEC applied science) health & social care can lead to degree courses in nursing, education, social studies or health related courses.