Free Level 3 BTEC National in Health and Social Care Course in Barnard Castle. Classes run at Teesdale School, full-time over two years. This Pearson Edexcel level 3 btec national in health and social care qualification is the same size as one A Level, so you can study it alongside other Level 3 subjects. You'll need four or five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths. The course covers the knowledge and skills needed to work in health and social care settings and supports progression to higher education.
Who this course is for
If you're thinking about a career in health and social care but not ready to commit entirely to a purely work related course, the National Extended Certificate gives you an introduction to the sector whilst allowing you to study other subjects alongside it. Equivalent in size to one A Level, if you take it as part of a programme of study that includes other work related or academic Level 3 qualifications it can help you to move on to to a wide range of higher education and training opportunities.
Entry requirements
4-5 GCSE's including English and maths at grade 4 (C) or above.
What you will learn
You'll explore the principles of health and social care, including how services are organised and delivered.
You'll study human development across the life stages and how it relates to care needs.
You'll examine the factors that affect health and wellbeing, including social, economic, and environmental influences.
You'll learn how safeguarding and duty of care apply in health and social care settings.
You'll develop understanding of communication skills used by professionals working with individuals and groups.
You'll investigate the values and ethics that underpin practice in the sector.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Teesdale School. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC National uses a mix of internal assessment (assignments and projects marked by your teachers) and external assessment (set tasks or exams). Internal units are assessed through coursework. External units are assessed through timed, supervised tasks set by Pearson Edexcel.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Teesdale School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support people in residential or home care settings.
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 with learning disabilities.
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
Foundation Degree or BSc in Health and Social Care: the natural next step if you want to move into a professional or management role in the sector.
BSc Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, or Learning Disabilities): universities accept the BTEC National as part of entry requirements for nursing degrees.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Health and Social Care: a shorter higher education route if you want to progress without a full degree programme.
