Health and Social Care
Health and Social Care
The Health and Social Care curriculum aims to develop compassionate, knowledgeable and reflective young people who are equipped with the understanding, skills and values required for further study and careers within the health, social care and early years sectors. Rooted in the school's values of Ambition, Respect and Courage, the curriculum encourages students to aspire to achieve their personal best, demonstrate empathy and respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds, and develop the confidence to make informed decisions and overcome challenges. Students gain an understanding of the importance of providing high-quality care and the impact that health and social care services have on individuals and communities.
Health and Social Care makes a significant contribution to students' personal development by promoting empathy, resilience, communication and problem-solving skills. Students explore topics such as human development, equality, diversity, safeguarding, health promotion and the role of professionals within health and care settings. Through the study of real-life scenarios and current issues, students develop the ability to think critically, make evidence-based decisions and appreciate the diverse needs of individuals across the lifespan. These transferable skills prepare students for further education, apprenticeships and careers within healthcare, social care, childcare and related professions.
The curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge progressively, enabling students to develop a secure understanding of key concepts before applying them to increasingly complex situations. It is ambitious and inclusive, with high expectations for all learners. Teaching is adapted to meet the needs of all students, including those with SEND and disadvantaged learners, through appropriate scaffolding, targeted support, retrieval practice and differentiated learning activities. Students are encouraged to achieve their full potential regardless of their starting point, developing both academic knowledge and the interpersonal skills that are essential within the health and social care sector.
Although Health and Social Care is a vocational qualification rather than a National Curriculum subject at Key Stages 4 and 5, the curriculum fully reflects the aims of secondary education by developing literacy, numeracy, digital skills and employability while preparing students to become informed, responsible and compassionate members of society. The curriculum provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning and progression into higher education, apprenticeships and employment within the rapidly growing health and care sector.
The Health and Social Care curriculum aims to develop compassionate, knowledgeable and reflective young people who are equipped with the understanding, skills and values required for further study and careers within the health, social care and early years sectors. Rooted in the school's values of Ambition, Respect and Courage, the curriculum encourages students to aspire to achieve their personal best, demonstrate empathy and respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds, and develop the confidence to make informed decisions and overcome challenges. Students gain an understanding of the importance of providing high-quality care and the impact that health and social care services have on individuals and communities.
Health and Social Care makes a significant contribution to students' personal development by promoting empathy, resilience, communication and problem-solving skills. Students explore topics such as human development, equality, diversity, safeguarding, health promotion and the role of professionals within health and care settings. Through the study of real-life scenarios and current issues, students develop the ability to think critically, make evidence-based decisions and appreciate the diverse needs of individuals across the lifespan. These transferable skills prepare students for further education, apprenticeships and careers within healthcare, social care, childcare and related professions.
The curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge progressively, enabling students to develop a secure understanding of key concepts before applying them to increasingly complex situations. It is ambitious and inclusive, with high expectations for all learners. Teaching is adapted to meet the needs of all students, including those with SEND and disadvantaged learners, through appropriate scaffolding, targeted support, retrieval practice and differentiated learning activities. Students are encouraged to achieve their full potential regardless of their starting point, developing both academic knowledge and the interpersonal skills that are essential within the health and social care sector.
Although Health and Social Care is a vocational qualification rather than a National Curriculum subject at Key Stages 4 and 5, the curriculum fully reflects the aims of secondary education by developing literacy, numeracy, digital skills and employability while preparing students to become informed, responsible and compassionate members of society. The curriculum provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning and progression into higher education, apprenticeships and employment within the rapidly growing health and care sector.
Students say…
"The guest speakers helped me understand what it's really like to work in health and social care."
"Hearing from former students inspired me to consider a career in healthcare."
"The course helps me understand how the topics we learn relate to real-life situations and future careers."
"I enjoy learning about health and social care because it helps me understand how to support people with different needs and gives me a real insight into careers in the sector."
What course(s) is/are offered?
OCR Cambridge National Level 2 Health and Social Care
Link to specifications
OCR Cambridge National Level 2 Health and Social Care
What will my child study in Year 10?
Students will study:
- Unit R033: Supporting individuals through life events.
- Unit R035: Health promotion campaigns.
What will my child study in Year 11?
Students will study:
- Unit R035: Completing and evaluating a health promotion campaign.
- Unit R032: Principles of care in health and social care settings.
How is the course assessed?
- Unit R032: Principles of Care in Health and Social Care Settings – 40% (written examination)
- Unit R033: Supporting Individuals Through Life Events – 30% (coursework)
- Unit R035: Health Promotion Campaigns – 30% (coursework)
What course(s) is/are offered?
OCR Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) Advanced National in Health and Social Care
Link to specifications
OCR Level 3 AAQ Advanced National in Health and Social Care
What will my child study in Year 12?
Students will study:
- Unit F090: Principles of Health and Social Care.
- Unit F092: Person-Centred Approach to Care.
- Unit F097: Supporting Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyles.
What will my child study in Year 13?
Students will study:
- Unit F091: Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care.
- Unit F093: Supporting People with Mental Health Conditions.
- Unit F094: Supporting People with Long-Term Physiological Conditions.
How is the course assessed?
External examinations
- Unit F090: Principles of Health and Social Care
- Unit F091: Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
Internally assessed coursework
- Unit F092: Person-Centred Approach to Care
- Unit F093: Supporting People with Mental Health Conditions
- Unit F094: Supporting People with Long-Term Physiological Conditions
- Unit F097: Supporting Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyles
Assessment combines written examinations with coursework assignments that develop students' research, analysis, evaluation and problem-solving skills in realistic health and social care contexts.
What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?
Students completing this qualification can progress to:
- Higher education courses in Health and Social Care, Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Paramedic Science, Psychology, Public Health and Childhood Studies.
- Degree and Higher Apprenticeships within the health and care sector.
- Careers in nursing, social work, healthcare support, occupational therapy, mental health services, public health, residential care, childcare and the wider health and social care sector.
- Further professional training leading to careers within the NHS, local authority services and voluntary organisations.
The Health and Social Care department is led by knowledgeable and experienced subject specialists who are committed to delivering an engaging and ambitious curriculum that prepares students for further study and careers within the health, social care and early years sectors. Staff continually develop their subject knowledge through professional development, ensuring teaching reflects current practice, industry developments and qualification requirements. Students benefit from teachers with a strong understanding of both the theoretical and vocational aspects of the subject, enabling them to make meaningful links between classroom learning and real-world practice.
Teaching combines theoretical knowledge with the application of learning to realistic health and social care scenarios. Lessons are carefully sequenced to build on prior knowledge using direct instruction, modelling, discussion, case studies, collaborative learning and independent research. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills by analysing case studies, evaluating care approaches and applying legislation and professional values to a range of contexts.
Knowledge is retained through regular retrieval practice, low-stakes quizzes, spaced repetition and revisiting key concepts throughout the course. Teachers routinely link new learning to previously taught content, while exam-style questions, coursework tasks and regular feedback help students apply their understanding with increasing confidence. Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning and use feedback to strengthen both their academic knowledge and coursework performance.
Health and Social Care makes a significant contribution to the development of literacy, numeracy and digital skills. Literacy is developed through the use of subject-specific terminology, extended written responses, coursework, presentations and evaluation tasks. Numeracy skills are applied when interpreting health data, analysing statistics and understanding demographic information. Technology is embedded through the use of online research, digital learning platforms, presentation software and coursework production, enabling students to develop the digital skills required for further education and employment.
Homework is set once every two weeks in Key Stage 4 to reinforce and extend learning completed in lessons. Tasks are designed to consolidate key knowledge through retrieval practice, revision activities and exam-style questions, helping students to develop confidence in applying their understanding to a range of health and social care scenarios. Homework also includes coursework completion and refinement, independent research and case study-based tasks that encourage students to apply their learning to realistic situations. These activities develop students' analytical, evaluative and written communication skills while ensuring they remain on track with coursework deadlines and are well prepared for external assessments.
The Health and Social Care department offers a range of enrichment opportunities designed to broaden students' understanding of the sector and inspire future career aspirations. Students benefit from visits and talks from former students who have progressed into careers or higher education within health and social care, providing valuable insight into the pathways available beyond school. External professionals from a variety of health and social care settings, including healthcare, nursing, social work and allied health professions, also share their experiences, helping students to understand the skills, knowledge and values required within these rewarding careers.
These enrichment opportunities enhance students' cultural capital by exposing them to real-world practice, current developments and a wide range of career opportunities within the health and care sector. They encourage students to consider their own future aspirations while developing a greater appreciation of the importance of compassion, professionalism and person-centred care. The experiences complement and extend the taught curriculum by allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to authentic scenarios, deepen their understanding of course content and make meaningful links between classroom learning and professional practice.
