AS/A Level Health & Social Care (Single / Double Award)
This is one of a suite of vocational AS/A levels designed to provide knowledge and understanding of Health & Social Care in a range of work-related contexts. Two thirds of the single award and half of the double award focuses on the production of portfolios. This makes it ideal for students who enjoy the independence and flexibility of coursework-based study.
The AS coursework involves researching and writing reports on immunisation, screening tests, healthy living, effective communication and psychological perspectives. The AS examinations assess understanding of techniques involved in 'effective caring', common illnesses and diseases and child development. At A2, you produce portfolios on working in Health & Social Care and on mental disorders. Examined topics include human development and the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.
Qualifications
This course requires no previous knowledge of Health & Social Care but you will need to be well-organised and confident about working independently.
Study Visits / Fieldwork
It is useful to arrange relevant work experience in a Health & Social Care setting as this will help you gather evidence for your Working in Health & Social Care portfolio. However, this is not essential.
After the Course
The course prepares you for higher education in the same way as all AS/A levels. For many students, Health & Social Care may be the first step in a related career, such as nursing, early years' teaching or social work.