AAQ Health & Social Care
Head of Department
Ms Whitmore
Qualification
Level 3 Cambridge Advanced National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care - Equivalent to one A Level
Exam Board
OCR
Entry Requirements
4 in English Language or 4 in English Literature
4 in Maths
Why study this course
The quality of health care and social care services can have a profound impact on our lives and on the lives of our families, friends and carers. This course equips all students with the knowledge and practical skills required for employment in the Health, Social Care & Child Care Industry. The qualification is also about developing the behaviours and attributes needed to progress and succeed in education and in work. Students will not only develop specific skills for the care industries but also develop many life skills relevant for any future career pathway.
This course is suited to students who may not have achieved the entry requirements to study straight A Levels. It is also suited to students wishing to study this subject alongside their chosen A levels. This vocational qualification satisfies entry requirements for further education at university and can be studied alongside other vocational or A Level subjects. Good course combinations with Health and Social Care include A Level Sciences, A Level Psychology or AAQ Applied Science.
Finally, this course offers an opportunity for students to study a course not only assessed with exams (worth 40% of overall grade), but also coursework units (worth 60% of overall grade).
Course Overview
YEAR 12
Coursework Studied September to July in Y12.
F092: Person-centred approach to care
This unit is assessed by students completing tasks of a live assignment.
In this unit students will learn the principles and values that underpin a person-centred approach to care and the practical tools that can be used to develop care plans for individuals. They will explore how to communicate in health and social care, how to build relationships and the
barriers that need to be overcome to achieve person-centred care. Students will learn to write outline care plans to suit individuals, using person-centred approaches and develop their reflective practice skills.
Topics include:
o Topic Area 1 Taking a person-centred approach
o Topic Area 2 Meeting needs and providing support in a person-centred way
o Topic Area 3 Communication skills needed to offer person-centred care
F093: Supporting people with mental health conditions
This unit is assessed by students completing tasks of a live assignment.
In this unit students will learn about how individuals with mental health conditions can be cared for and supported in a way which is suitable for their needs. They will do this through exploring the meaning of mental health and mental health needs, and considering the main types of mental
health conditions and how these may affect the life of individuals. Students will explore the different ways that individuals may be supported to promote their mental wellbeing, manage their condition, and different forms of treatment and support that may be available.
Topics include:
o Topic Area 1 Definitions and views of mental health
o Topic Area 2 Mental health conditions
o Topic Area 3 Provision of mental health services
o Topic Area 4 Treatment and support for mental health conditions
FO90 Exam studied September – May in Y12
F090: Principles of health and social care
This unit is assessed by an 1 hour 30 minutes exam with a maximum of 60 marks.
In this unit students will learn about the key topics that are important to develop underpinning knowledge and understanding relevant to health and social care.
Topics include:
o Topic Area 1 Equality, diversity, and rights in health and social care settings
o Topic Area 2 Managing hazards, health and safety in health and social care settings
o Topic Area 3 Legislation in health and social care settings
o Topic Area 4 Best practice in health and social care settings
YEAR 13
FO91 Exam studied September – January of Y13
Anatomy and Physiology for health and social care
Exam paper 1 hour 30 minutes with maximum of 60 marks
In this unit students will learn about the arrangement of body systems and the structure and function of the component parts. They will learn about key processes within each body system, that enable them to function properly. Students will then explore conditions affecting these systems,
specifically learning about the biological basis, monitoring, treatment and impact on lifestyle and independence.
Topics include:
o Topic Area 1 Cardiovascular system
o Topic Area 2 Respiratory system
o Topic Area 3 Digestive system
o Topic Area 4 Musculoskeletal system
o Topic Area 5 Control and regulatory systems
o Topic Area 6 Reproductive system
FO94 & FO96 Coursework Units studied September -May in Y13
F094: Supporting people with long term physiological conditions
This unit is assessed by students completing tasks of a live assignment.
In this unit students will learn about the different types of long term physiological conditions, how these are caused and the daily and long term effects on individuals. In addition, they will develop an understanding of the different methods of monitoring these conditions as well as
treatments. Students will have the opportunity to conduct their own research and gather data on services in their local area; this data will be used to present their ideas on the effectiveness of the local services. The skills students develop conducting and interpreting their research will be independent learning, referencing, time management and critical thinking.
Topics include:
o Topic Area 1 Long term physiological conditions
o Topic Area 2 Monitoring and treatment
o Topic Area 3 Impact of long term conditions
o Topic Area 4 Support individuals to plan their care and support
F096: Supporting people in relation to sexual health, pregnancy and postnatal health
This unit is assessed by students completing tasks of a live assignment.
In this unit students will learn about and research the most important aspects of sexual health including relationships, the law, consent, sexual health, sexually transmitted infections, contraception, pre-conceptual care, birth, and the immediate care of the baby, and how to obtain support for these. They will also learn to produce advice and guidance that is personalised for specific individuals with issues related to sexual health and pregnancy, birth and postnatal health. Students will develop skills needed to deliver advice and guidance in a sensitive and professional way and review the process of doing this.
Topics include:
o Topic Area 1 Advice and guidance on sexual health issues
o Topic Area 2 Advice and guidance on pregnancy, birth and post-natal issues
o Topic Area 3 Plan, deliver and review an advice and guidance session
Resources
Cambridge Level 3 Advanced National in Health and Social Care (AAQ) Student Textbook
Cambridge Level 3 Advanced National in Health and Social Care (AAQ) Revision Guide
Grading
Coursework Grading
For each coursework unit their will be a total of 24 tasks to complete. Students need to meet the criteria for 10 tasks to gain a Pass, 15 tasks to be awarded a Merit and 20 tasks to achieve a Distinction for the unit.
Calculating Overall Grades
For each unit students gain a mark that will contribute towards their overall grade. Please see the table above which explains how their UMS marks will be added to award their overall grade. Students can score a maximum of 300 UMS marks for all areas of study. When adding up all their achievements students will either be awarded a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*. The UMS marks need to achieve these can be seen in the qualification totals at the bottom of the table.
Enrichment
- Students will have guest speakers from care industry sharing their experiences and exciting potential career paths that students can take.
- Students will visit local care home.
Future Pathways
On successful completion of this course, students will have the opportunity to further enhance their skills and knowledge by progressing on to university to study a health and social care or science-related degree (see suggestions below). Alternatively, students can apply for apprenticeships or could enter employment straight away with entry level jobs in the care industry.
University Courses:
- BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing or BSc (Hons) Child Nursing
- BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science
- BSc (Hons) Midwifery
- BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling
- BSc (Hons) Primary Early Years Teaching with QTS
- BSc (Hons) Learning Disabilities Nursing
- BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing
- BSc (Hons) Sports Science
- BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
- BSc (Hons) Social work
- BSc (Hons) Public Health
- BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy