Why should I study AAQ Health and Social Care?

The World Health Organisation estimates that there will be a need for more than 14.5 million Health and Social Care jobs to be filled worldwide by 2030. This is one of the fastest growing job sectors in the UK and there are over 350 different types of jobs in the NHS alone.

This qualification isn’t just about caring for babies or the elderly and the ill; it will provide you with the skills, knowledge and understanding to progress into Higher Education on a health and social care-related programme such as Health & Social Care, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Counselling, Social Work or Early Childhood Studies. You will learn about how to offer specific, person-centred care and support and build positive relationships with the people you are working with, so that their needs and requirements are met.

Studying this subject will enable you to:

• Understand how to apply a person-centred approach to health and social care.
• Understand how to support an individual’s rights, encourage equality and value diversity.
• Learn how to support individuals with mental health conditions.
• Gain full knowledge of the structure and function of different body systems and how they might malfunction.
• Understand sexual health issues, pregnancy and postnatal health.
• Learn about current public health issues and strategies for promoting a healthier society.

 

Course Specification

The AAQ Health and Social Care Extended Certificate is an exciting qualification equivalent to one A Level which covers areas including principles of care in Health and Social Care; anatomy and physiology; sexual health, pregnancy and postnatal health; public health issues and supporting individuals with mental health issues.

Students will gain a wide understanding of health and social care across a variety of contexts. For instance: considering the real impacts to people living with conditions or illnesses such as the social, financial and psychological impacts, not just their signs, symptoms and treatment.

Students will also learn about the legislation and guidance that underpins the health and social care sector, so that they can ensure the people they are working with are not only able to access all the care and support they are entitled to but are also able to protect themselves from any harm or abuse.

Learners will also develop transferable skills such as communication, research, planning and organisation.

The following units are covered as part of the course:

F090: Principles of health and social care

F091: Anatomy and physiology for health and social care

F092: Person-centred approach to care

F093: Supporting people with mental health conditions

F095: Investigating public health*

F096: Supporting people in relation to sexual health, pregnancy and postnatal health*

*Subject to change based on student interest

 

Examining Board Information

Board: OCR

Course Code: H125

Click the image on the right to go to the OCR website to download the unit specifications.

 

Assessment Format

Students must complete six units to obtain the Extended Certificate.

Two units (F090 and F091) are each assessed via a separate, written examination (each 1hr 30mins).  Each examination consists of short, medium and extended response questions and can be resat twice if needed.

Four units (F092, F093, F095, F096) are assessed via non-examined assessment (NEA) which will take approximately 15 hours to complete (but more time will be needed to prepare for these). 

Course Entry Requirements

This course requires at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Merit or above in Level 2 Health and Social Care (if taken) and a Grade 5 or above in GCSE English and GCSE Science.

Employability Skills

Employability Skills are essential skills, personal qualities and values that will enable you to thrive in any workplace. Along with good technical understanding and subject knowledge, employers often outline a set of skills that they want from an employee.

This course will help you to develop the following employability skills:

• The course can be specific for a future career in health and social care.
• The course provides you with transferable IT, Literacy and Numeracy skills.
• The subject improves independent study skills as well as interpersonal skills.

 

Next Steps

The AAQ provides a strong base for progression to university, apprenticeships or work and are recognised for UCAS tariff points.  

Health & Social Care students often go onto university/college or into employment in nursing, midwifery, radiography, education, police, probation service, social work, mental health, counselling and health promotion.

 

10 Possible Careers

• Counselling
• Dietetics
• Doctor
• Mental Health
• Midwifery
• Nursing
• Physiotherapy
• Radiography
• Social Work
• Speech Therapy

Student Profile: Hannah

Hannah's subjects

A Level Biology

CTEC Health & Social Care

A Level Psychology

Community Sports Leadership Award (CSLA)

I want to study Psychology at university, so I can pursue a career in that area. Staff at Warlingham have helped me on every step of my journey, supporting me with my studies and giving me access to opportunities such as talks and work experience.