The Sixth Form Bolton Health and Social Care (AAQ)

Course overview

The health and social care sector is a growing area of national importance and career opportunities. Do you want to make a difference to peoples’ lives? This course will enable you to develop the knowledge and the practical skills required for a range of careers within the health or social care sector including: cognitive and problem-solving, critical thinking, intrapersonal skills, self-management, adaptability and resilience.

Entry requirements

Students studying three A Levels and/or AAQs will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 5 and three at grade 4, including English Language and Mathematics.

Topics you will study

Topics you will study include:

Human Lifespan and Development – PIES and factors affecting growth and development, interventions and the different professionals providing care and treatment.
Human Biology and Health – Human body structure and systems, normal physiological functioning and the impact of common disorders.

Health and Social Care Practice – Core principles, values and legislation that underpin and influence health and social care, and the effect of social determinants on an individual health status.

Promoting Health Education – Health education, its purpose and use of different approaches and models to achieve positive health outcomes.

Key features

You will develop the following knowledge and skills from the course:

Professional values and skills expected of professionals, including communication and listening skills.
Organisational and critical thinking skills
Cultural and social intelligence when working with individuals across the lifespan with different needs, alongside methods of managing challenging situations.
Interpersonal skills required when working with others, including compassion and empathy
Responsibilities of professionals to be adaptable and innovative in delivering care.
Management of own time and learning
Academic skills such as research.

You will develop knowledge and skills throughout this qualification that are key to health and social care related degrees. Students have the potential to develop transferable and study skills becoming well-rounded individuals, better prepared for the demands of Higher Education.

Assessment

Assessment will be carried out through different methods:

External written examinations

Pearson set assignment briefs

Synoptic assessment: The assessment of synoptic knowledge requires students to apply learning from one unit to the assessment in another unit.

Exam Board: Pearson

Enrichment and Work Experience

There is opportunities for students to complete a one-week work placement in a healthcare environment. You will have chance to participate with Medical Mavericks, visit a range of universities and have guest speakers that work in the health and social care sector. In addition to this, you will have the opportunity to be part of Futures Academy and gain work experience at Beaumont Hospital.

Why choose B6?

Students benefit from a wide range of classroom activities and an engaging curriculum. Your teacher will guide you through your assessments and will provide thorough feedback to help you improve your work. You will also have the opportunity to develop experience as a student mentor and complete additional qualifications such as first aid. For some selected students, there is also an opportunity to join The Sixth Form’s Futures Academy to develop and enhance skills and qualifications even further.

Future career opportunities

Students have progressed onto higher education and into careers including nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy and social work and many more.

Additional information

DBS - approximately £58
A visit to Edge Hill University as part of the enrichment programme to gain an insight to the campus and attend subject specific presentations - approximately £10
First Aid Certificate - approximately £30