GCE AS/A2 Health and Social Care – Single Award
Examining Board – CCEA
GCE Health and Social Care allows students to gain knowledge and understanding of the health and social care sectors. Students learn about health and well-being, communication and health promotion. Students examine the rights and responsibilities of both patients and service providers. Students also look at the importance of communication in care settings and how positive care can be promoted.
Through practical activities (student work placement), students apply their knowledge and understanding to work-related contexts and develop research, evaluation and problem-solving skills.
What can students do with a qualification in Health & Social Care?
This is an ideal course for students who want a broad background in health and social care. Many students with a qualification in GCE Health and Social Care go on to degree-level study in a variety of subjects such as health studies, social policy, social science, social studies, psychology, nursing and/or social work. Other students go on to complete a BTEC Diploma in Health and Social Care. Some students go straight into employment in the fields of health and social care.
Six Units GCE (Single Award)
Students are required to take four compulsory units (three at AS and one at A2) and 2 of the remaining five A2 units.
We currently offer:
AS:
| AS Unit 1 | Promoting Quality Care – Coursework | Compulsory |
| AS Unit 2 | Communication in Care Settings – Coursework | Compulsory |
| AS Unit 3 | Health and Well-being – 2 Hour Exam | Compulsory |
A2:
| A2 Unit 3 | Providing Services – External – 2 Hour Exam | Compulsory |
| A2 Unit 4 | Health Promotion – Coursework | Optional |
| A2 Unit 5 | Supporting the Family – Coursework | Optional |
Desirable Entry Criteria
- Grade B in English
- GCSE Health & Social Care – Grade C or above
Pupils will be expected to commit to a work placement the first week in November in the early years or a care setting, gather evidence based on observations and then report succinctly.
Aims:
The general aims of the HSC department have been written to reflect the aims and objectives of the school.
Pupils will:
- develop and sustain an interest in health and social care and issues affecting the care sector;
- actively participate in practical activities which allow them to competently apply their knowledge, understanding and skills when exploring issues associated with the subject;
- develop skills that will enable them to make an effective contribution to the care sector including skills of research, evaluation and problem-solving in a work related context;
- use information and communications technology (ICT) to enhance their Health and Social Care capability.
Staff & Responsibilities
Year 13 AS
| Mrs Moorhead | Unit 1 | Promoting Quality Care |
| Mrs Moorhead | Unit 3 | Health and Well Being |
| Mrs Carson | Unit 2 | Communication |
Year 14 A2
| Mrs Moorhead | Unit 3 | Providing Services – 2 Hour Exam |
| Mrs Moorhead | Unit 4 | Health Promotion |
| Mrs Rose | Unit 5 | Supporting the Family |
Careers
The study of Health and Social Care is useful for careers such as:
- Teaching (primary and post-primary)
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Dentistry
- Educational Psychology
- Child Care (e.g. playgroup/nursery)
- Occupational Therapy
- Care Management
- Environmental Health
- Health Education
