Health and Social Care
In Key Stage 4, students develop a deep understanding of how people grow, experience change and are supported across the life course. In Year 10, they explore life stages, development and the impact of expected and unexpected life events, before investigating therapies, creative activities and sources of support that promote wellbeing. Through coursework, research and practical planning, students learn to design and evaluate activities that meet individual needs while applying person-centred thinking. By the end of Year 10, students can explain how support, therapy and care promote health and development, and demonstrate their knowledge through substantial assessed coursework.
In Year 11, learning deepens into the principles of care, including service-user rights, person-centred values, communication, safeguarding, infection prevention and health and safety. Students practise exam technique while applying theory to realistic care scenarios, linking knowledge to professional practice. By the end of Key Stage 4, students can explain and apply the core principles of effective care, interpret real-world situations in health and social care settings, and are fully prepared for further study or training within the sector.
At Key Stage 5, students gain advanced knowledge, empathy and professional understanding across health and social care practice. In Year 12, they study the principles of care, equality, safeguarding, anatomy and physiology, and person-centred approaches, while developing research, communication and analytical coursework skills that underpin professional practice. By the end of the year, students hold a secure scientific and ethical foundation for further study.
In Year 13, learning expands to sexual health, pregnancy and postnatal care, mental health support, and healthy nutrition and lifestyles. Students plan and deliver guidance, evaluate support services and deepen understanding of treatment, wellbeing and public health. By the end of the course, they leave with strong analytical ability, compassionate understanding and the knowledge required to succeed in higher education or careers across health and social care.