Pearson BTEC Tech Award Level 2 Health and Social Care

What will I learn?

Health and social care is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK with demand for both health and social care employees continuously rising. In 2019/20, the adult social care sector contributed approximately £41.2 billion a year to the UK economy. Social care employees, such as care assistants and social workers work with individuals to support them to be as independent as possible in their own homes, in care homes or nursing homes. Healthcare employees, such as doctors, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, healthcare assistants and physiotherapists, work with individuals to enhance their quality of life by improving their health. Approximately 3 million people are currently employed in the sector. 

The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Health and Social Care is for students who want to acquire sector-specific applied knowledge through vocational contexts by studying human lifespan development, health and social care services and values, and health and wellbeing as part of their Key Stage 4 learning.

How will I study?

Components 1 and 2 are assessed through non-exam internal assessment. The non-exam internal assessment for these components has been designed to demonstrate application of the conceptual knowledge underpinning the sector through realistic tasks and activities. This style of assessment promotes deep learning through ensuring the connection between knowledge and practice. 
The components focus on: 
● the development of applied knowledge and understanding of human growth and development across life stages and the factors that affect this, and how individuals deal with life events. 
● the development of applied knowledge and understanding of different types of health and social care services and barriers to accessing them, and the skills, attributes and values required to give care.

Component 3: Health and Wellbeing requires students to study the factors that affect health and wellbeing, learn about physiological and lifestyle indicators, and person-centred care approaches to make recommendations and actions to improve health and wellbeing. 

How will I be assessed?

Component 1: Human Lifespan Development
Non-exam internal assessment set by Pearson, marked by the centre and moderated by Pearson. The Pearson-set Assignment will be completed in approximately 6 hours of supervised assessment. 60 marks

Component 2: Health and Social Care Services and Value
Non-exam internal assessment set by Pearson, marked by the centre and moderated by Pearson. The Pearson-set Assignment will be completed in approximately 6 hours of supervised assessment. 60 marks

Component 3: Health and Wellbeing The design of this external assessment ensures that there is sufficient stretch and challenge, enabling the assessment of knowledge and understanding at the end of the learning period. The external assessment is based on a written assessment that requires students to demonstrate that they can identify and apply concepts, theories and knowledge from across the whole qualification.

What skills do I need to succeed on this course?

You will explore health and social care services and how they meet the needs of service users and you will also study the skills, attributes and values required when giving care. This will include using analytical and problem-solving skills throughout the course to ensure that you are meeting the requirements of the PSA assignments. You will also develop research skills to support your component assessments.

How will this subject help me in my future?

Study of this sector at Key Stage 4 will complement GCSE study through providing an opportunity for practical application alongside conceptual study. There are also strong opportunities for post-16 progression in this important sector. This includes studying level 3 Health and Social Care, AAQ Health and Social Care, T Level Health or an apprenticeship route.