Early Childhood Development Level 3 AAQ (Extended Certificate)

Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Early Childhood Development (Extended Certificate)

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Early Childhood Development (Extended Certificate) allows students to engage in a broad investigation of the children’s care and education sector (0-8 years).

UCAS points awarded as with A levels. Assignments, units and final marks will be awarded as: Pass (E), Merit (C), Distinction (A), Distinction* (A*).

The one A level equivalent, AAQ Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care, will be studied over 2 years.There are four mandatory units; two examined and two internally assessed. The internally assessed units give students the opportunity to engage in applied knowledge and understanding tasks to develop their early childhood development knowledge. Students will undertake a work placement in a suitable setting, which will support their work in Unit 4.

The 4 mandatory units you will study are:

Unit 1 - Children’s development – Children’s developmental progress from birth up to eight years, including the theories, principles and factors relating to development, and the potential impact of a range of factors on a child’s progress through the developmental milestones.

Unit 2 - Keeping Children Safe – Health and safety and safeguarding responsibilities of an individual working in an early years setting; emergency best practices and when to address concerns about a child’s welfare.

Unit 3 - Play and Learning – The concept of play, the influence of theories and approaches to play, and the benefits of play and learning activities for children.

Unit 4 - Research and Reflective Practice – The influence of research findings on policy and provision for children and how this influences the behaviours and expectations of an individual working in an early years setting.

Single Award - AAQ

The one A level equivalent, AAQ Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care, will be studied over 2 years. This pathway will consist of 4 units of study; 2 of these units are assessed internally and validated by Pearson and 2 are assessed externally. This qualification is designed to provide a broad basis of study for the health and social care sector and is designed to support progression to higher education when taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTECs or A Levels offered by the school. Units of Study Students must complete three mandatory units and one optional unit, the optional unit will be chosen by King Edward VII school.

The course of study prescribed by this specification can reasonably be undertaken by candidates entering this vocational area for the first time. Grade 4 in English Language and Maths, plus grade 4 in 2 sciences required. However, students need to be aware that for some university courses, GCSE grade 5 or above may be required. Progression through Level 3 will provide a suitable basis for further study in related subjects in Higher Education as well as a valuable preparation for careers in any area of Child development / Health and Social Care.

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Sixth Form option blocks

Students may progress on to degree studies, including:

• Nursing – BSc Adult Nursing, Nursing – Child – BSc

• Teacher Training – Childhood and Early Years Studies BA

• Social Work – BA Social Work

• Psychology – Psychology BSc