Welcome to Child Development
Departmental Courses
- Vocational Child Development
- BTEC Health and Social Care
Who do I contact for more information?
Mrs H Jeanes (h.jeanes@poolehigh.poole.sch.uk)
Child Development – Vocational Child Development
Why study Child Development?
This qualification focuses on the development of a child from conception to the age of 5. It develops knowledge and understanding in all aspects of child development. It is suitable for students who are considering a career working with children and for students who wish to learn about how to care for children.
Topics include:
- Reproduction and the responsibilities of parenthood
- Antenatal care and preparation for the birth
- Postnatal checks and conditions for development
- How to recognize, manage and prevent childhood illnesses
- Child safety
- Physical, intellectual and social development
Course Requirements
- Child Study coursework task on a child between the ages of birth -5 years old. (25% of the total marks). Students MUST have access to a child within this age group
- Coursework task on equipment and nutrition (25% of the total marks)
- Written paper of 1 hour and 15 minutes (50 % of the total marks)
Which students do well at Child Development?
- …those who have an interest in how young children grow and develop
- …those who have an interest in how parents play a role in a child’s growth and development
- …those who enjoy carrying out research and investigations
During the course students complete eight units, which cover a wide range of topics. These include both coursework and exam units, exams consist of both short answer and essay style questions.
The six mandatory units studied are:
- Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development – exam
- Unit 2: Working in Health and Social Care – exam
- Unit 4: Enquiries into Current research in Health and Social Care – exam
- Unit 5: Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs – coursework
- Unit 7: Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care – coursework
- Unit 8: Promoting Public Health – coursework
Students study two optional units, examples of optional units include:
- Unit 11: Psychological Perspectives – coursework
- Unit 19: Nutritional Health – coursework
YEAR 1
In the first year student will complete two exam units, units 1 and 2, taking the unit 1 exam in January and the unit 2 exam in May. They will also complete two coursework units, units 5 and 7.
Students will be expected to arrange and participate in a weekly work experience placement that is relevant to the course. This allows students to relate the content covered in lessons to real world situations, giving them a greater understanding and more holistic experience. Students will also refer to these experiences when completing coursework assignments.
YEAR 2
Students complete one exam unit and three coursework units in the second year. The exam unit is based around current research in the health and social care sector, and teaches students to apply fundamental research skills. This is valuable preparation and experience for those who are considering attending university or higher education after sixth form.
Who can I contact for help?
Mrs H Gatehouse (h.gatehouse@poolehigh.poole.sch.uk)
Health and Social Care is a suitable qualification for students who wish to progress to a career in the health or social care sector. Previous students have followed a number of career pathways including; occupational therapy, nursing, midwifery, paramedic, social work, child care, teaching, classroom assistant, counselling, and police.