Departmental Aims
Health and Social Care is at its core, the study of health and well-being. The aims of the department are to develop in our pupils: the ability to research, analyse and critically evaluate information; to communicate effectively and make informed decisions.
The subject is offered at GCSE and A-level with the examination board CCEA.
The specifications encourage pupils to:
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develop as effective and independent learners;
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develop higher order thinking skills;
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draw together areas of knowledge, skills and understanding related to the health, social care and Early Years sectors;
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foster their interest in, and increase their understanding of the health, social care and Early Years sectors
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understand aspects of personal development and the health, social care and Early Years sectors by investigating and evaluating a range of services and organisations;
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examine issues that affect the nature and quality of human life, including an appreciation of diversity and culture;
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develop skills, aptitudes and values for employment in the health, social care and Early Years sectors; and develop a critical and analytical approach to decision making and problem solving in relation to the specified content.
Staff
Mrs M McCready (HoD)
Mrs C Agnew
Key Stage 4
Unit 1: Personal Development, Health and Well-Being external written examination - 1 hour 30 mins.
In this unit, pupils investigate human development throughout the life stages. They also investigate factors affecting health and well-being, including relationships and the impact of major life changes.
Unit 2: Working in the Health, Social Care and Early Years Sectors - Controlled Assessment.
In this unit, pupils develop their understanding of the world of work in the health, social care and Early Years sectors and how the needs of different service user groups are met. Pupils will learn about a range of job roles in health, social care and Early Years services and how practitioners apply the values of care.
Key Stage 5
GCE Health and Social Care appeals to pupils with an interest in health, well-being and caring for others. Pupils are given the opportunity to study a range of topics including Promoting Positive Care, Communication in Care Settings, Physiology and Health Promotion.
Through work experience and practical activities, pupils apply their knowledge and understanding to work-related contexts and develop skills including research, investigation, analysis and evaluation.
AS
Unit 1: Promoting Positive Care (Controlled Assessment)
Pupils must produce a written report based on a health, social care or Early Years setting that they have experienced. This will involve relevant work experience in the Health and Social Care sector.
Unit 2: Communication in Health, Social Care and Early Years Settings (Controlled Assessment)
Pupils must produce a report examining communication skills within a health, social care or Early Years setting. Work experience will be a key element in completing the report.
Unit 3: Health and Well-Being (2hr examination)
Pupils will learn about: Concepts of Health and Well-being, Factors Affecting Health and Well-being, Health Promotion and The Approaches Used, Organisations Responsible for Health and Well-being and Discrimination and Anti-discriminatory Practice.
A2
The A2 specification has only one compulsory unit. This is an externally assessed examination unit and students will have access to pre-release material to prepare for the examination.
A2 Unit 2: Body Systems and Physiological Disorders: (Controlled Assessment)
Pupils carry out a practical investigation of the physiological status of individuals and research the diagnosis and treatment of a disorder.
A2 Unit 3: Providing Services: (Examination)
Pupils will learn about: the effects of legislation and policy on services, the way in which needs are identified and met, the roles of the various practitioners involved in the delivery of service provision; the importance of working in teams and quality assurance processes.
A2 Unit 4: Public Health and Health Promotion: (Controlled Assessment)
Pupils produce a report on current health improvement priorities in NI, undertake a health promotion activity and report their findings.
Careers
Nursing, midwifery, degrees associated with allied health professionals, social sciences, social policy, social work and Early Years.
Activities
Opportunity to do work experience in a health, social care or Early Years setting.
Health Promotion campaigns in a local Primary school.
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