BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care AAQ
Sandbach College
Why study this course?
Are you passionate about making a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you have a genuine interest in the care industry and aspire to rewarding professional roles? If so, the AAQ in Health and Social Care at Sandbach College is the ideal pathway for you.
This qualification allows learners to engage in a broad investigation of various aspects of the health and social care sector. Whilst it has a strongly contextualised approach to learning, and explores a wide range of possible careers in the sector, it is primarily intended for students who wish to progress into higher education (either at university or through a higher-level apprenticeship) as a pathway to employment.
This course is the equivalent of 1 A level and can be studied alongside a variety of other A level qualifications including Psychology, Biology, English, Criminology and Sociology.
Within this new course, you will explore a wide range of employment opportunities that lie within the health and social care sector. From nursing and midwifery to social work, paramedic science, occupational therapy, radiography, and physiotherapy, the possibilities are endless. Health and Social Care delves into how practitioners provide care in diverse settings and examines the impact of that care on service users.
Sandbach College at Sandbach High School Entry Requirements
We ask that all students achieve 4 GCSE at Grade 4 (or level 2 pass) or higher.
What will I learn on this course?
In the first year of the course, you study 'Promoting Health Education' where you will develop an understanding of the purpose of health education through learning about organisations and legislation that support the implementation of health education including how they work as a team to ensure the nation's health is a priority.
You will also study 'Human Lifespan Development' which covers the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the lifespan. You will explore how biological and social factors interact and affect human growth, development and health, both positively and negatively and how health inequalities can have a significant impact on the health of individuals.
In the second year of the course, you will study 'Human Biology and Health' exploring cellular and tissue structure and function to develop a more detailed knowledge of key human body systems and a range of common diseases and disorders effecting the human body.
You will also study 'Principles of Health and Social Care Practice' which will increase your knowledge of standards, skills and attributes required to work in the health and social care sector. You will look at communication methods used by professionals and how services are organised and regulated
Examinations & Coursework
There are two externally examined units and two internally assessed units. The internally assessed units give students the opportunity to engage in applied knowledge and understanding tasks to develop their health and social care knowledge.
Potential career paths
Students often go on to pursue careers in fields such as:
- Nursing
- Dental professions
- Ambulance Service
- Midwifery
- Primary Care
- Psychological professions
What can I progress onto?
The course is designed for students with an interest in health and social care and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. Typical next steps are degree courses or higher-level apprenticeships in fields such as:
- Health and Social Care
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Healthcare Science
- Paramedicine
You will gain insight into communication methods employed in care and learn how to work with different groups of care users, including children, older people, and individuals with various conditions and disabilities. Moreover, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the rights and protections available to those accessing these vital services.
Through the coursework components of the course, you will develop essential research skills, including collecting information from various sources. Additionally, presenting advice and guidance, problem solving health and social care problems and collaborating effectively with individuals will further enhance your skills and empower you as a future healthcare professional.
Upon finishing the course, you will gain confidence in independent learning and develop a well-rounded skill set, preparing you for university, or direct entry into employment and apprenticeships.
Enrichment opportunities
The Health and Social Care Department offers various extra-curricular opportunities to students to further their in classroom learning. Other opportunities available to students include attending insightful talks and workshops held by professionals in the Healthcare industry and going on trips to enhance learning experience. As well as these Department specific activities, there are other enrichments at which complement this course including Volunteering and First Aid.