Health and Social Care

“A modern health care system has to be completely focused on the needs of its users.”

Patricia Hewitt

This course enables students to explore a wide range of areas within the health, social care, and early years sectors. It equips students with the essential knowledge, practical understanding, and transferable skills required to progress into higher education, apprenticeships, or direct employment in care-related fields.

This qualification provides direct progression into entry-level roles, such as Home & Residential Care, NHS Health Care Assistant, and Family Support Worker. Following further study at university, it opens pathways into careers including Nursing (Adult, Children, and Mental Health), Social Work, Physiotherapy, Midwifery, and Probation.

Entry requirements

Students wishing to study the Extended Certificate are required to meet general Sixth Form entry criteria: achieving at least 4 x GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (or equivalent), alongside a Grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics. Students achieving Grade 3 or below in English or Mathematics will have an individual guidance meeting to determine the most suitable pathway within the Sixth Form.

Course description

The Pearson Level 3 AAQ Extended Certificate is a modern qualification designed to sit alongside A-Levels as part of a broad post-16 study program.

It is equivalent in size to 1 A-Level (360 Guided Learning Hours / GLH) and is completed over 2 years. Students will complete four units in total:

  • Unit 1: Human Lifespan and Development (Mandatory – External Exam)

    Investigating physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development across all life stages, alongside the key factors influencing human growth.

  • Unit 2: Human Biology and Health (Mandatory – External Exam)

    Understanding human body systems, biological functions, and how illnesses and health conditions affect individual wellbeing and daily care needs.

  • Unit 3: Principles of Health and Social Care Practice (Mandatory – Internal Coursework)

    Exploring core values, communication skills, ethical principles, and professional practices required to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.

  • Unit 4: Health, Policy and Wellbeing (Internal Coursework)

    Examining public health, national policies, wellbeing strategies, and how government frameworks shape modern health and social care services.

Ways to help your child succeed

Coursework and examinations can be challenging and demanding. You can assist your child by current course topics, proofreading their work, supporting active revision strategies for external exams (e.g., flashcards, mind maps) and encouraging them to execute all independent work to a high standard.

Assessments

360 GLH – Equivalent in size to 1 A-Level

Units 1 & 2: External Examinations (50%)

Units 3 & 4: Internally Assessed Coursework (50%)