Health and Social Care (BTEC)

CURRICULUM AIMS – HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

The BTEC level 2 and 3 courses, provide students with the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and Knowledge of the Health and Social Care sector.

The subject gives students the opportunity to develop a range of personal skills and techniques, through the selection of units that are essential for successful performance in working life

BTEC Level 2 Map
BTEC Level 3 Map

Yr 10 Homework – 30 minutes per subject per week

Yr 11 Homework –30 minutes per subject per week

BTEC Level 1/2 Award/TECH AWARD

There are a number of skills developed through the study of Health and Social Care, some of which are specific to the nature of the subject and some of which are widely transferable.  Specific skills include; to be able to make comparisons, to be able to analyse and to be able to draw upon personal and lived experiences.  Transferable skills include; communication, to present ideas and arguments verbally, identify and propose solutions to problems, to work independently, use information technology and reflect on and review progress.

Health and Social Care - Subject Details

Sixth form course information can be found in the sixth form courses page

Health visitors

What does a health visitor do?

Health visitors travel to people’s homes, especially new mothers and children, to provide information, practical care, and support to help clients cope with any difficulties they are experiencing. The role may involve working with a broad section of people in the community, and duties might often include:

• advising older people on health related issues
• giving advice to new mothers about their baby – for example hygiene, safety, feeding and sleeping
• counselling people on issues such as post-natal depression or bereavement 
• coordinating child immunisation programmes
• organising special clinics or drop-in centres

Health visitors work closely with other agencies, such as social services and local housing departments.

What do I need to do to become a health visitor?

To become a health visitor, you will need to have the ability to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds. You must have excellent communication and listening skills. Sometimes you will need to be able to cope with distressing issues.

You will need to be a qualified midwife or nurse to begin an approved health visitor training programme and work as a health visitor. There is no minimum length of experience required, but you will need the ability to study at university level. 

To start training, you would need to apply for the Specialist Community Public Health Nursing Health Visiting (SCPHN/HV) programme. The qualification is studied at degree level, or postgraduate level if you already have a degree

CARE WORKER

What does a care worker do?

Care workers or home carers work with people who have difficulties with every day activities. You may be helping children, people with physical or learning disabilities, and older people or families. Tasks can include:

• spending time getting to know clients and understanding their wishes and needs
• looking after clients, helping them wash, use the toilet, dress and eat
• completing housework such as cleaning, washing clothes and shopping
• supporting clients to manage their money, pay bills and write letters
• helping other family members to get used to new caring responsibilities
• working with other health and social care professionals to provide individual care and development plans
• helping to run leisure activities

What do I need to do to become a care worker?

You can start this role as a trainee without formal qualifications, though some previous voluntary work in a care setting would be advantageous. A level 1 or 2 qualification in health and social care may offer an advantage with some employers. As an alternative, it may be possible to enter this job role through an apprenticeship. 

Nurses look after people when they are sick or injured.

NURSE

What does a nurse do?

Nurses look after people when they are sick or injured. You’ll provide support to doctors and other medical staff, take blood and urine samples, and in some cases, you may carry out minor surgical procedures.

As a nurse you can specialise in a number of different areas:

• adult nursing – where you look after adults between 18 and 65
• paediatric nursing – where you look after children
• geriatric nursing – where you look after elderly people
• mental health nursing – where you look after people with mental health problems
• district nursing – where you travel around an area looking after a variety of local patients
• learning disability nursing – where you help people of all ages with learning disabilities to live healthy and independent lives

You’ll need to have a caring personality and excellent communication skills, as you’ll be dealing with a variety of patients in potentially stressful environments. 

What do I need to do to become a nurse?

To become a nurse you will need to complete a degree. You will usually choose which area you will specialise in before starting your degree. You will also need to pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. 

To do a nursing degree, you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) including maths, English and science, plus at least two A levels with one in a science or health-related subject.  

Alternatively, a level 3 vocational course in science or health and social care may be accepted – check with universities

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