Ivybridge
Community College
Health and Social Care
Head of Subject: Ali Plant
Welcome to Health & Social Care at Ivybridge Community College.
Students will explore how people grow, develop and are supported throughout their lives, alongside the wide range of careers within this important sector.
The College offers both a BTEC Technical Award in Health and Social Care at Key Stage 4 and a BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care at Key Stage 5.
At Key Stage 4, students study human development, health and wellbeing, and the skills needed to work in health and social care. They develop both knowledge and transferable skills such as communication, research and problem-solving through a combination of coursework and examinations.
At Key Stage 5, students build on this foundation through deeper study of topics such as lifespan development, psychological perspectives and working in health and social care. This provides strong preparation for university, apprenticeships and employment in areas such as nursing, social work, midwifery, physiotherapy and education.
Across all courses, we aim to provide engaging, real-world learning that prepares students for further study and future careers in a growing and essential sector.
Key Stage 4
This course is designed for students who want to gain practical, sector-specific knowledge through vocational learning. It explores key areas of health and social care and helps develop skills that complement GCSE study.
Students study three main areas:
- Human Lifespan Development
- Health and Social Care Services and Values
- Health and Well-being
What You Will Study
Students learn how people grow and develop from infancy to old age, including how major life events (such as marriage or parenthood) can affect development and how individuals adapt to change with support.
They also explore:
- How health and social care services meet individual needs
- The skills, attributes and values needed to work in the sector
- How lifestyle choices affect health and wellbeing
- How professionals use health indicators to set realistic targets
- Ways to improve health and wellbeing, and barriers people may face
Course Components
- Component 1: Human Lifespan Development
- Component 2: Health and Social Care Services and Values
- Component 3: Health and Well-being
Assessment
The qualification is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.
- Components 1 & 2: Internally assessed via Pearson Set Assignments (PSAs) in controlled conditions, with one resubmission opportunity each.
- Component 3: External examination in Year 11 (synoptic, covering all components).
Students may use notes during PSAs and complete them over approximately six hours across eight lessons.
Possible Career Pathways
Around 3 million people work in health and social care in the UK, with growing demand across the sector.
Careers include:
Healthcare roles:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Midwives
- Pharmacists
- Healthcare assistants
- Healthcare administrators
Social care roles:
- Social workers
- Care assistants
- Occupational therapists
- Childcare workers
Next Steps
This qualification provides a strong foundation for further study, such as a Level 3 BTEC, or university courses in:
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Social work
- Childcare
Alternatively, students may progress into apprenticeships or entry-level roles within the health and social care sector.
Exam Board: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/health-and-social-care-2022.html
Key Stage 5
Overview of the Course
This modular qualification introduces students to a wide range of health-related topics. It is equivalent to one GCE A Level and is designed to prepare learners for both higher education and employment in related sectors.
Who is this course suitable for?
This course is suitable for students who are interested in working in health, social care or related fields in the future. Students must meet the Sixth Form entry requirements.
It particularly suits learners who:
- Enjoy interacting with others
- Want to develop communication and interpersonal skills
- Are interested in real-life, relevant subject content
- Want to keep options open for university and careers
- Are considering work in health or social care sectors
Why study Health & Social Care?
This varied course provides a strong foundation for either higher education or employment. It develops knowledge, understanding and practical skills that are highly valued by employers.
It supports:
- Career-focused vocational learning
- Strong employability skills
- Progression to university or professional training
- Preparation for a competitive job market
What will you study?
Core units include:
- Human lifespan development
- Working in Health and Social Care
- Meeting individual care and support needs
- Psychological perspectives
Assessment
- Two units are assessed through external examinations.
- Two units are assessed through internally marked extended assignments.
- Students can improve work based on teacher feedback before final submission.
Possible Career Pathways
Students may progress to higher education courses such as:
- Teacher training
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Early years education
- Social work
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech and language therapy
Career opportunities include:
- Healthcare
- Social care
- Education
- Childcare
- Prison service
- Emergency services
- Police force
Entry Requirements
- Five GCSEs at grades 9 to 5, including English and Mathematics
Exam Board: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-nationals/health-and-social-care-2016.html
For more information, please contact the College here: