BTEC Health and Social Care Course in Reading for 16 to 18 Year Olds – Denefield School

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? See Support Work Courses in Reading.

About this course

Free BTEC in Health and Social Care in Reading. Classes run at Denefield School. This two-year, full-time daytime course covers the knowledge and skills needed to work in health and social care settings. You'll study topics including human development, anatomy and physiology, communication in care, and safeguarding. The Level 3 BTEC in Health and Social Care qualification is assessed through a mix of coursework and exams. It's a strong foundation for roles in care or for progressing to higher education in health-related subjects.

Who this course is for

This course is for students who want to continue studying this subject after completing Year 11. For more information see our Sixth Form prospectus: http://www.denefield.org.uk/Join-Us/Sixth-Form

What you will learn

  • You'll explore human growth and development across the life stages.
  • You'll study anatomy and physiology relevant to health and care practice.
  • You'll learn how communication supports effective care relationships.
  • You'll examine safeguarding principles and how they protect vulnerable people.
  • You'll investigate health and social care services and how they're organised in the UK.
  • You'll develop understanding of equality, diversity, and rights in care settings.
  • You'll analyse the factors that affect health and wellbeing.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based lessons, independent study, and practical assignments. Assessment combines internally marked coursework (assignments and projects) with externally set and marked exams. Some units are assessed entirely through coursework; others include a written exam set by Pearson Edexcel. You'll build a portfolio of work alongside sitting formal examinations over the two years.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Denefield School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: support people with daily living in care homes or at home.
  • Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
  • Mental health support worker: work alongside people managing mental health conditions.
  • Learning disability support worker: provide day-to-day support for adults or young people.
  • Early years practitioner: work in nursery or childcare settings with young children.
  • Community care worker: deliver care and support in people's own homes.

What you could study next

  • T Level in Health (HTQ equivalent): a two-year post-16 qualification with a substantial industry placement, for those wanting a more practical NHS or care-sector route.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care: a Level 4 qualification and a step toward a full degree.
  • BSc Nursing, Social Work, or Allied Health degree: many universities accept the BTEC National for entry onto health-related degree programmes.
  • CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care: a vocational alternative if you want a more work-based route.

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