Health & Social Care

Health & Social Care Learning Journey

HSC intent statement

Our students study a two year course in this subject. Although there are a few topics that cross over from PSHE, the Health & Social Care content is new to all students in year 10.  It covers topics that can help students to improve their communication skills and work better with others.  

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.  

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. 

The topics covered include health campaigns, life stages & development, communication skills, individual rights, person centred care and safety of service users.

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 Health & Social Care or similar at college.