The qualification in Health & Social Care is a non EBacc subject, equivalent to one GCSE. This qualification introduces students to the biggest employment sector in the UK, which includes elements of the NHS, local authority and child care services as well as a range of independent providers who support clients in a variety of settings. Pupils will learn about the role this sector plays in supporting the health, well-being and care of individuals across all age ranges. Furthermore, learners will also develop transferable skills relating to research, interpretation of findings and presentation of evidence.

OCR National This qualification is assessed via a combination of externally and internally assessed units. A 1 hour and 15 minute externally-assessed examination contributes to 40% of the overall mark. Students will sit this examination in their second year of study. The two internally assessed units combined contribute 60% of the overall mark, with both units being worth 30%. Each are assessed through a context-based portfolio and incorporate both independent research and practical elements.

RO32: Principles of care in health and social settings. (Externally assessed unit) This unit introduces students to the rights of service users, person-centred values and how to apply them. Learners will also explore the importance of effective communication skills when providing care and support for clients and the procedures and measures used to protect individuals such as safeguarding, hygiene and security. RO33: Supporting individuals through life events. (Internally assessed unit) Students will learn about the life stages and the factors that affect them. They will explore a range of expected and unexpected life events and the impact they have on physical, social/emotional and socio-economic aspects in an individual’s life. Learners will also research and evaluate the support available from a range of service providers and service practitioners. RO35: Health promotion campaigns. (Internally assessed unit.) Learners will have the opportunity to explore the various public health challenges the country faces, the approaches used to encourage health and wellbeing and the importance of this to society. Students will learn how to plan and deliver a small-scale health promotion campaign and will later evaluate the effectiveness of their planning and conduct.

This subject provides students with a wide choice of progress options into further study, training or relevant employment. Students who successfully complete the qualification will be well equipped to move onto areas such as health care, nursing, midwifery and nursery nursing after Key Stage 5. The careers this subject could lead you to is :

• Health Care Assistant
• Nurse
• Midwife
• Youth Worker
• Occupational Therapist
• Surgeon
• Support Worker

From a Student Perspective I really enjoy HSC, especially the health promotion campaigns. It is a really interesting subject which covers a wide variety of health related topics and is something that applies to many different professions.