Health & Social Care BTEC Extended Certificate (Level 2)

The General entry requirements are 4 GCSE’s at Grade 3 or above with a minimum 3 in GCSE English Language or Maths or a MERIT in Foundation Learning.

The Examination Board is Edexcel.

Students will study the following units:

• Unit 1 - Human Lifespan Development (exam)
• Unit 2 - Health and Social Care Values
• Unit 3 - Effective Communication in Health and Social Care
• Unit 9 - Healthy Living (exam)
• Unit 5 - Promoting Health and Wellbeing
• Unit 6 - The Impact of Nutrition on Health and Wellbeing
• Unit 7 - Equality and Diversity in Health and Social Care
• Unit 8 - Individual Rights in Health and Social Care
• Unit 11-Services in Health and Social Care
• Unit 12-Creative and Therapeutic Activities in Health and Social Care
• Unit 16 – Vocational Experience in Health and Social Care

You will study 11 units in total. There are 9 internal assessment (coursework) units and 2 external assessment (exam) units. The external exam units are: 

Unit 1 – Human Lifespan Development 

Unit 9 – Healthy Living 

Students can achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction. 

The BTEC First is a stepping stone for employment in care work as many organisations require staff to be at least 18. 18 year olds could apply for healthcare assistant work in hospitals; other job roles include playgroup assistant, teaching assistant, etc. You will develop a wide range of skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, etc.    

The BTEC First Health and Social Care Extended Certificate can also lead to the following qualifications: 

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care 

BTEC National Award in Children's Care, Learning and Development 

CACHE Early Years Educator Qualification 

Apprenticeships 

"BTEC Health & Social Care L2 is great because I can learn how to make a positive difference in someone’s life. My teachers present the lesson in a way that makes the class more enjoyable; which helps me to learn all the content a lot faster and easier." 

"I found the course really good and found it refreshing compared to other subjects. Being mixed with coursework, exams and class activities made me intrigued to go on to the next level and to keep learning more." 

"My year as a Health and Social Care student was good. I learnt a lot and received a lot of help and support from my teachers. Although some of the work was challenging, I still fought through and came out with a top grades." 

Throughout the BTEC course, students will develop their exam and assignment writing skills. As part of the course, students will take part in a variety of activities including: work placement visits, group assignments, presentations and observations. A large amount of research work is required and students are expected to use a number of information sources such as textbooks, the internet, TV and newspapers. 

There is a 2 week block work experience placement in the spring term to successfully complete Unit 16, as well as, to reinforce the students’ knowledge and understanding of health and social care settings.

Ms Cahill has worked in Sixth Form Education for over 20 years and has previous experience of working in secondary schools. She also used to work for Westminster Play Association with children aged 4 – 11, organising activities and events. She has a B. Ed (Hons) and MSc. 

Ms Housen is the Subject Area Leader with over 20 years’ experience teaching in secondary schools, FE and Sixth Form colleges. She has a BSc. (Hons.); Master in Teaching and PGCE. 

Mr Fuller is an experienced teacher of Health & Social Care. He also worked as a Public Service Lecturer and has experience in Youth Work. He has a BSc. (Hons.) in Social Sciences and PGCE. 

Ms Okpara is an experienced teacher with over 11 years of teaching Health & Social Care. She has a BSc. in Industrial Chemistry and MSc. in Educational Leadership. 

Mr Baird is an experienced teacher with over 12 years’ experience teaching Health and Social Care, Sociology and Criminology in secondary schools and 6th form colleges. He has BA and MA is Sociology & Cultural Studies, plus a PGCE. 

Ms Patel is an experienced teacher with over 5 years’ experience in teaching Psychology & Health and Social Care. She has a BSc in Forensic Psychology & Criminal Justice and has worked in various health and social care settings.