Free BTEC in Health and Social Care in Hitchin. Classes run at Hitchin Boys' School, as part of the Hitchin Sixth Form Consortium. This level 3 BTEC in health and social care qualification takes two years of full-time daytime study. You'll explore how health and social care services work, the needs of different service users, and the values that underpin care practice. Entry requires five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. Most subjects carry additional entry requirements, detailed in the Consortium prospectus.
Who this course is for
Students entering Year 12
Entry requirements
The standard entry requirement for the Hitchin Consortium is five Grade 9-4 GCSE's or equivalent, including English & Maths at Grade 4 or above. Most subjects will have additional entry requirements which are detailed in our prospectus on each school website.
What you will learn
You'll explore how health and social care services are organised and delivered in the UK.
You'll examine the physical, emotional, and social needs of different service users.
You'll study the values and principles that underpin care practice, including dignity and safeguarding.
You'll develop understanding of human growth and development across the life stages.
You'll investigate factors that affect health and wellbeing, including lifestyle and environment.
You'll build knowledge of communication skills used in care settings.
How you will learn
The Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Certificate combines internally assessed assignments with externally assessed units. Classroom-based learning covers theory and applied case studies. You'll produce written assignments and reports assessed by your teachers, alongside externally set and marked examinations for specific units.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Hitchin Boys' School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support adults or older people in care settings.
Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Support worker: work with people with learning disabilities or mental health needs.
Early years practitioner: work in nurseries or children's centres with further training.
Community health worker: support people managing long-term conditions at home.
What you could study next
Level 3 BTEC National Diploma or Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care: a larger qualification if you want more depth before higher education.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions): a route into university for nursing, social work, or allied health courses.
Level 4 or 5 Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Health and Social Care: higher-level study without a full degree.
Degree in Nursing, Social Work, or Occupational Therapy: the professional qualification route for regulated health and care roles.
