Child Development
Head of Subject: Ali Plant
Welcome to Child Development at Ivybridge Community College.
This vocational Key Stage 4 course offers students a practical and applied understanding of how children grow, learn and develop from birth to five years old, giving them valuable insight into the early years sector and the wider world of childcare, health and education. Through engaging, hands-on study, students explore children’s physical, intellectual, emotional and social development; the vital role of play; the factors that influence growth; and how to create supportive, child-friendly environments. They develop real world skills by planning, adapting and evaluating play opportunities to meet individual needs, while assessments combine internally moderated assignments with an external examination. This course provides a strong foundation for progression into further study or careers in early years' education.
What you will study
The Tech Award gives students the opportunity to develop practical knowledge and understanding of child growth and development from birth to the age of five. Students learn how children develop, how they learn through play, and how meeting individual needs supports learning and progress.
Students will study:
- The stages of child development from birth to age five
- Factors that affect growth and development
- The importance of play in early childhood
- How play supports learning and development
- Reasons why some children may need additional support
- Creating child-friendly environments for play and learning
- Supporting children’s physical, intellectual, emotional and social development
- Adapting activities to meet individual needs
Course Components
Component 1: Children’s Growth and Development
Component 2: Learning Through Play
Component 3: Supporting Children to Play, Learn and Develop
Exam Board: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/child-development-2022.html
Assessment
This qualification is graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Components 1 and 2 are internally assessed through Pearson Set Assignments (PSAs), completed in controlled conditions using computers. Students have one opportunity to resubmit each assignment after receiving teacher feedback.
Students may use their own notes during the assessments, which are completed over approximately six hours across eight lessons.
Component 3 is assessed through an external examination in the summer of Year 11. This is a synoptic assessment, drawing on knowledge and understanding from all three components.
Career Opportunities
Studying this qualification at Key Stage 4 helps students make informed choices about further education and future careers, both within this sector and beyond.
The early years sector is a significant area of employment in the UK, with a wide range of settings including nurseries, preschools, crèches, childminders and nannying roles.
This course can support progression into careers such as:
- Childcare
- Teaching
- Nursery and early years education
- Childminding
Knowledge of child development is also valuable in wider professions, including:
- Paediatrics
- Psychology
- Occupational therapy
- Speech and language therapy
- Healthcare and social care
For more information, please contact the College here: