Health & Social Care
Health and Social Care and Childcare in Wales
Why Chose this subject?
The WJEC GCSE in Health and Social Care, and Childcare equips learners with knowledge, understanding and skills related to the development and care of individuals throughout the life cycle from conception to later adulthood. Learners have the opportunity to develop their understanding of influences on human growth, development, behaviour and well-being. They will also gain an understanding of the social, physical, emotional, and cultural needs of people who use care and support services, and recognise that each individual has a unique blend of abilities and needs.
What will the course cover?
Unit 1 – External Exam 40%
Human growth, development and well-being
- Human development across the life cycle.
- Physical, social, emotional and intellectual health
- The importance of active participation on development and well-being
- Early intervention and prevention to promote and support growth, development and well-being for a range of conditions and circumstances
Unit 2
Promoting and maintaining health and well-being – Non Examined Element 60%
- Health and social care, and childcare provision in Wales to promote and support health and well-being
- Public health and health promotion across the life cycle.
- Factors affecting health and well-being across the life cycle.
How is this course assessed?
Unit 1
Human growth, development and well-being
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
40% of award qualification
Unit 2
Promoting and maintaining health and well-being
Non-exam assessment: approximately 25 hours
60% of award qualification
The non-exam assessment (NEA) is composed of two tasks set by WJEC. Candidates may carry out their research for both tasks without direct supervision, prior to writing up their reports. Candidates should spend approximately 25 hours in total writing up their NEA reports, completing the work under supervised conditions within the centre.
What can this course lead to?
“Health and social care and childcare” is a qualification for people who want to work in social care. Social care workers provide care and support for vulnerable people, such as those with disabilities and older people. Whereas healthcare takes place at hospital, social care is provided in the community – at the home of the person receiving care, or in a care home, for example.
This course provides a suitable foundation for the study of Health and Social Care, and Childcare at AS or A level.
In addition, this specification provides a suitable foundation for a range of Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications within the Health and Social Care, and Childcare suite, including:
- Level 2 Health and Social Care: Core
- Level 2 Children's Care, Play, Learning and Development: Core.
Additionally, learners with an interest in further education could study:
- Level 2 Health and Social Care: Principles and Contexts
- Level 2 Children's Care, Play, Learning and Development: Practice and Theory,
Or
- Level 3 Children's Care, Play Learning and Development: Practice and Theory.
Learners with an interest in work-based learning could study:
- Level 2 Health and Social Care: Practice (Adults), or
- Level 2 Children's Care, Play, Learning and Development: Practice.