Why Study Health and Social Care?

This course will provide you with transferable knowledge and skills that prepare you for progression to university. The transferable skills that universities value include: the ability to learn independently, the ability to research actively and methodically, to be able to give presentations and be active group members. This course will enable
you to benefit from opportunities for deep learning where you are able to make connections among units and select areas of interest for detailed study.

Topics that you will study include Anatomy and Physiology, Equality, Diversity and Rights, Research Methods, Sexual Health, Reproduction and Early Development Stages, Safeguarding, Promoting Health and Wellbeing.

You will consider the real impacts to people living with conditions or illnesses such as the social, financial and psychological impacts, not just the signs, symptoms and treatment of faceless conditions or illnesses. You will also learn about the legislation and guidance supporting health and social care, so that you can ensure the people
you are working with are not only able to access all the care and support they are entitled to, but are also able to protect themselves from any harm or abuse.

Why Study Health and Social Care at Worcester Sixth Form College?

There are variety of ways of studying Health and Social Care at College and you can choose which course is best for you. You can study Health and Social Care Level 3 with A Levels or complete the larger qualification and this will be all you study alongside completing week long placements in Health and Social Care sectors across the course.

Learners will develop a better understanding of the demands of this sector to demonstrate their commitment and interest when applying for further study. Learners are required to undertake work experience as part of the course. This will provide you with a vocational context in which you can develop the knowledge and skills required for your chosen career path.

Students are encouraged to take up volunteering in the Health and Social Care Sector to complement their formal studies. Trips to local health and social are settings, completing the Aspiring Nursing and Midwifery Programme and signing up to complete the Nursing Enrichment programme at College. We have many visiting speakers from all sectors including a Sexual Health Nurse, Social Worker, Health
Watch, SEN, Safeguarding, Team Manager for LD Provide Day Services, Provider Services Manager to name but a few!

Health and Social Care Laura Palmer

Laura Palmer

Health & Social Care - Shenley Academy, Birmingham
I choose to study Health and Social Care as I had done the course at my previous school and enjoyed it. I also want to pursue a career within the health and social care sector, so this was the perfect course for me. I chose the applied course as it is more coursework based, and I felt more confident with this in comparison to exams. There are a variety of units that are covered, some of which are core and cover a variety of health and social care roles, and some are focused on specific areas within the sector, such as units covering learning disabilities or sexual health, pregnancy, and early development. Many of the teachers have worked in the health and social care sector and can offer specialist knowledge of the units they are teaching, which helped me to understand the topics more. The teachers also offer a variety of enrichment activities on the course as well, that will benefit specific career goals. For example, there is a clinical skills course, that focuses on practical’s that will be used in healthcare settings. After College, I hope to go on to an apprenticeship, possibly in health and social care, veterinary or policing.

Progression Opportunities

This qualification is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements for many relevant courses, e.g. Nursing, Social Work, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy etc.

Many of our students follow the Health route of the subject and a high proportion of our students gain entry onto Nursing (Adult and Paediatric) and Paramedic Science courses at University. Students that follow other avenues include Social Work and Teaching.

Entry Requirements

Essential Qualifications Other Desirable Qualifications / Combinations Skills & Attributes Required for Success Guidance on Costs or Commitments
Please see ‘General Course Entry Requirements’GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or above, otherwise will be added to your programme of study.Basic IT Skills, ability to communicate with different people whilst on placement and with your peers and staff in College. Good organisational skills and must meet strict coursework deadlines. Use of initiative to work independently and as a team.DBS £47.80 Placement Insurance Check £20 Polo Shirts £10 Trips - variable

Qualification Levels & Enrolment Options

Qualification Name A Level Equivalence Duration Awarding Body
Extended Certificate1 A Level (1 Block)1 yearOCR Cambridge Technicals
Foundation Diploma1½ A Levels (3 Blocks1 yearOCR Cambridge Technicals
Extended Diploma3 A Levels (3 Blocks)1 year (studied after successful completion of Foundation Diploma)OCR Cambridge Technicals

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