Free Level 3 Health and Social Care Course in Frodsham. Classes run at Helsby High School. This is a full-time, two-year health and social care qualification studied during the day. You'll cover topics across health, wellbeing, and social care practice, building the knowledge needed to work in care settings or move into higher education. The course takes 24 months full-time. It's a strong foundation for roles such as care assistant, as well as a route into nursing, social work, or other health-related degrees.
Who this course is for
This course is for students who want to continue studying biology after GCSE. You'll already be familiar with some of the topics but the A level will give you the chance to study these and some new ones, in much greater depth. You might be choosing biology because you're headed for a healthcare or scientific career, though it will give you a set of skills that can be used in a wide range of non-scientific careers too. This course links well with most other A level subjects but particularly with those such as Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Geography and Psychology.
What you will learn
You'll explore how health and social care services are organised and delivered in the UK.
You'll study human growth and development across the life stages.
You'll learn about the values and principles that underpin care practice, including safeguarding and person-centred approaches.
You'll examine the factors that affect health and wellbeing, including social, economic, and environmental influences.
You'll develop understanding of communication in health and social care contexts.
You'll look at how conditions such as dementia or mental health challenges affect individuals and the support available.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Helsby High School. Assessment combines coursework assignments and externally assessed units. You'll produce written work, case studies, and research tasks throughout the two years. Some units are assessed by OCR examinations; others are assessed through internally marked assignments that are externally moderated.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Helsby High School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: support adults in residential or home care settings.
Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Mental health support worker: work alongside people with mental health needs.
Learning disability support worker: provide day-to-day care and activities.
Early years practitioner: work in nursery or childcare settings.
Community care worker: deliver care in clients' own homes.
What you could study next
Level 4 or 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Management): for those moving into senior or supervisory care roles.
Foundation Degree or BSc in Nursing, Social Work, or Allied Health: the Level 3 Diploma is a recognised entry qualification for many university health programmes.
Higher Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care: combine work and study at Level 4 or above.
