Child Development

Child Development Learning Journey

Child development intent statement

Students study a two year course broken into three components.  The content of the subject is new to students when they start the course.

The course is broken down into 3 components and consists of 2 coursework units, one of which is mandatory and one exam unit. Each coursework unit is worth 30% of the course, with the exam being 40%. The students are taught one coursework unit per year. Exam preparation is taught alongside the coursework in both y10 and y11.  One unit is a child study where the students observe and plan a relevant play activity for the child based on their findings.  The other unit is based on planning a nursery, where the students have to research safe equipment and appropriate meals for a nursery. 

Coursework units have a strong practical element and enable students to learn and to develop through practical application. The exam is terminal, so must be taken at the end of the course, once both coursework units have been submitted. They can and where possible, take a practice exam in the January of year 11, regardless of it being their final exam or not. 

Some of the topics covered include preconception health, reproduction, anti-natal care, postnatal care, safety and childhood illness.

All students work is differentiated and they are encouraged at every opportunity to aim high. Most if not all students achieve their target grades and above. The course is planned to develop and enhance independent learning and study skills for all our students regardless of their ability. We teach to a high level allowing students to achieve their target grade and above. This result can be calculated quite closely from their 2 moderated units and the practice exam in year 11.  Many of the students go on to study level 3 Child Care or similar at college.  The curriculum is planned and sequenced to build knowledge and throughout the course, students have access to visits by health professionals and nursery owners.