Level 2 Child Development and Care
A-Level Psychology (exam board:Eduqas)
“Amongst other things, learning about Phobias has been the highlight for me in Psychology. I didn’t realise the complexities with different psychopathological issues. Investigating different symptoms for different conditions has made me understand how important mental health is. Exploring treatments to support people with conditions has also been fascinating to learn about. I don’t agree with all psychological approaches on their viewpoints but it’s still engaging to learn about what they think and how they disagree.” Scott
Psychology is a challenging subject that appeals to students as it gives an insight into the processes that affect human behaviour. This makes it relevant for a wide range of career choices, as well as being a rigorous and highly scientific subject to study at A-level.
Scientific research studies and procedures are investigated to assess evidence for various theories on a wide range of behaviours, including criminal behaviour and mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Students are required to evaluate theories, concepts and up-to-date research in their application of psychology through classwork, homework and exam practice.
Anyone with an inquisitive mind, an interest in human behaviour and a strong work ethic will thrive in Psychology; it is a subject that sits well with students, from those looking into careers in a clinical setting or those wanting simply to work with a range of different people.
A-Level Sociology (exam board: AQA)
“I had no idea what Sociology was about but when we started learning about the inequalities in society I really started to investigate concepts outside of lessons because I was genuinely interested in learning more. When I hear things on the news and social media, I can definitely relate it back to sociological theory so in a way it makes me think that I do understand the subject more thoroughly because I can apply it to everyday life. There’s a lot of content to remember but once you understand the concepts you can link them together which makes it a lot easier.” Georgie
Sociology is the study of society. It is about all kinds of social relationships that people share with each other; in their families, in their schools and in work. It involves the systematic study and explanation of human social life, groups and societies. Sociologists aim to investigate and understand the social world and human behaviour within it. They are particularly interested in understanding the ways in which society influences us and shapes our lives.
In studying sociology, you will be actively involved in exploring and asking questions about the society in which you live. Studying sociology offers you opportunities to gain a greater understanding of society and to make sense of your own experiences within it. Sociology can be both thought-provoking and challenging because it forces people to rethink some of their common-sense views and assumptions.
Social theory is important in Sociology. It teaches us that there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to studying the way that people live together. What is important for a sociologist is the ability to evaluate evidence and choose between possible explanations.
Level 1-2 Technical Award in Health and Social Care (exam board: NCFE CACHE)
“Doing health and social care really made me stop and think about why people need support and the positive impact that the support can have on themselves and their relationships with others. Researching about different agencies including charities such as Childline and Age UK was interesting because it made me understand the different circumstances people go through in their lives and that sometimes they need to talk it through with people who can help them.” Juliette
Key Stage 4 Health and Social Care is an ideal qualification for those pupils who want a broad background in health and social care or are considering a career in the health or care profession. Examples of employment which this course can support with might include: nursery work, social work, care assistant work and working with children or people with learning difficulties and disabilities.
The course weighting consists of 50% exam and 50% coursework. This course is equivalent to one GCSE with the overall qualification grades including L1P, L1M, L1D, L2P, L2M, L2D, L2D. Students will learn a range of content from different health and social care services and job roles, to human development across the life span. Students will explore examples of how services demonstrate partnership working to provide quality care.
Level 3 Health and Social Care – Extended Certificate (exam board: OCR Cambridge Technical)
“I absolutely loved learning about topics relating to quality care. I didn’t know much about the rights that service users have in health and social care but understanding about different regulatory bodies like the Care Quality Commission and Ofsted have made me realise how accountable services are and how they must ensure that everybody is treated equally and fairly. Doing work placements has really supported my own development and skills and I understand why it’s so important to adjust your communication skills when working with different groups of people. Work experience definitely made me more confident!” Phoebe
Health and Social Care is a diverse subject which aims to give students a breadth of knowledge about the care, health and early years sectors. Students engage with topical and relevant issues which surround the development of care in today’s society.
The assessment of the subject includes both coursework units and exams. It allows students to develop a range of skills, including practical, research and problem-solving skills which will enable them to make an effective contribution to the care sector. You will explore the importance of providing individualised care to meet the differing needs of clients as well as ensuing health, safety and security of service users is met. You will learn about the anatomy and physiology of the human body as well as other aspects of health and social care.
Health and Social Care provides a good platform for students wishing to study health, care or childcare related subjects, such as nursing, social work or education studies at university. The qualification is graded at Distinction*, Distinction, Merit and Pass.
Level 1-2 Technical Award in Child Development and Care (exam board:NCFE CACHE)
“I enjoyed child development because it wasn’t really like my other subjects. I liked the fact that most of it was coursework and I could do my own research about childcare settings and write about them. Learning about how children develop and their different milestones was fun to learn about because you never really think about how you as person have developed from when you were a baby. Visiting the nursery was great because I didn’t know what to expect and once I was there I didn’t want to leave.” Rebecca
Child Development and Care is a course that specifically explores the needs of children from birth to five years. You will learn about how different childcare and educational sectors support the developmental needs of children. You will also learn about how different experts and professionals in childcare support children and their families. The course weighting consists of 50% exam and 50% coursework. This course is equivalent to one GCSE with the overall qualification grades including L1P, L1M, L1D, L2P, L2M, L2D, L2D.
If you are interested in working within the early years sector or children in general, then this gives you a great starting point to develop and discover key information about child development. You will explore knowledge linking to child psychology as well as health and social care and linguistic development.
Level 3 Extended Project Specification(exam board:WJEC)
The EPQ is a stand-alone qualification which is equivalent to half an A-level. Students pick a topic area of their choice and will either compose a dissertation of 5000 words or a 1000 word essay accompanied with an artefact on their field of investigative interest. EPQs have become particularly favourable amongst universities as it demonstrates that learners can research and write analytically. This qualification is delivered to students in the summer term of Y12, with the teaching delivery normally completed by Christmas of Y13. Students then have until March to submit their completed project.
Head of Social Science Department: Ms A Sandhal – asandhal@notredame-high.co.uk
Downloads:
- How you can help your child in Social Sciences
- Level 1-2 Child Development and Care
- Level 1-2 Health and Social Care
- Level 3 Health Social Care Extended Certificate
- A-level Psychology
- A-level Sociology
