Shirebrook Academy

BTEC First Diploma in Health and Social Care, Level 2

The Health and Social Care Course

Shirebrook Academy is delighted to offer a Health and Social Care course in partnership with Chesterfield College, as part of its Post-16 provision for September 2011. This course has been carefully selected to provide students with experience and skills to progress to a wide range of careers in the caring and health sectors, including childcare, elderly care, working in the health service, and working in social care.

The course is full time, based at the Academy but with a substantial amount of time gaining experience in employment settings The qualification at the heart of the course is the Edexcel Level 2 Diploma in Construction, which is worth the equivalent of four GCSE’s at A* to C grade.

Course Structure

Over the period of the course your time will be divided between the Academy and a range of employment settings for work experience placements. To complete the full BTEC diploma, you will have to complete 12 units of work, which could include the following:

• Communication and individual rights within the Health and Social Care sectors
• Individual needs within the Health and Social Care sectors
• Vocational Experience in a Health and Social Care setting
• Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care
• The impact of Diet on Health
• Human Life Span Development

Assessment details

The course is assessed internally and then externally moderated by the exam board. It is 100% coursework based, so there isn’t a final examination. Each of the units will be assessed by completing assignments.

Successful completion of work placement is also essential to achieve this qualification

Enrichment opportunities

Throughout the course there will be many opportunities for students to experience elements of the Health and Social Care sector.

Examples may include –

• Visiting speakers
• Visits to local care settings

Entry Requirements

You will need to demonstrate a reasonable level of literacy and communication and have a minimum of 4 GCSE’s at Grade D or above (including English) and a satisfactory reference.

An interest in care, demonstrated by relevant work experience (for example voluntary work with the elderly)

Entry to many professions in Health and Social Care is dependent on successfully passing rigorous medical and police checks. Students coming onto the course will be required to undertake a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check.

What happens when you have finished?

What further learning could you do:
The BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care has the equivalence of four GCSE A* to C grades. Following this course it would be possible to move onto a Level 3 course in Further Education, for example BTEC National Diploma in Health and Social Care, or a specialist Childcare course. These courses could in turn lead to Higher Education, for example nursing or social work courses

What career options do you have?
Employment options from this course are very varied, for example as a care assistant in a nursing home or health care assistant in a hospital.

With further qualifications you could progress into a wide range of health and social care professions including:

Nursery Nurse

Social Worker

Nurse/Midwife

Where Can I Find More Information:
Ask your school careers staff or Connexions Personal Advisor. More information regarding the BTEC Diploma can be found at

www.edexcel.com