Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care (AAQ)

Equivalent to one A-Level

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate) is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in health and social care and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in health and social care alongside two A levels.

Mandatory units:

Unit 1 Human Lifespan and Development

Unit 2 Human Biology and Health

Unit 3 Principles of Health and Social Care

Optional units: students complete and achieve one unit from:

Unit 4 Health, Policy and Wellbeing

Unit 5 Promoting Health Education

Unit 6 Safe Environments in Health and Social Care

Unit 7 Health Science

*The optional unit that will be offered TBC

The course is a mix of externally and internally assessed tasks.

Merit in BTEC Health and Social Care if taken, GCSE 4 in Health and Social Care if taken

Skills developed and opportunities available

This course will help students develop a range of knowledge and skills such as professional values including communication skills, and organisational and thinking skills. Students will develop cultural and social intelligence necessary to work with individuals with different needs, alongside methods of managing challenging situations.

Throughout the course, knowledge and skills will be taught which 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.

This qualification can lead to progression to the following degrees:

• BSC Nursing

• BSC Social Work

• BSC Subjects Allied to Health (eg Paramedic Science, Occupational Therapy)