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Close MenuBTEC LEVEL 3 Health and social care (single) (AAQ)
COURSE oVERVIEW
Health and social care is a platform to enter nursing and allied health professions, education, and social work. The course involves a range of topics, work-related projects and an industry work placement (placement opportunities will be dependent on approval from your other subjects). This placement can be across a range of settings, and where possible, tailored to your future career, including (but not exclusive to):
- Local primary schools
- GP surgeries
- SEN schools
- Behavioural management units
- Local care providers
All of which will prepare you for your future studies and career.
EXAMINATION BOARD:
Pearson
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Why study Level 3 AAQ Health and Social Care (single) at Blackpool Sixth?
Studying the Level 3 AAQ in Health and Social Care is an excellent way to prepare for a fulfilling career in health and social care. The course is designed to give you a strong mix of practical skills and theoretical knowledge, both of which are highly valued in the industry and by universities.
A key part of the program involves learning from a variety of professionals. We regularly host guest speakers from different sectors to provide real-world insights into their fields. Previous speakers and training days have included:
- Staff from Local schools
- Starbuddies (breastfeeding awareness)
- Universities (how to get into nursing and other health courses)
- Wyre and Fylde Children’s Centres
- Specialists in Health Promotion and Sexual/Domestic Violence training
- Brain architecture
- ATACC group - Stop the bleed training
At Blackpool Sixth, you have the flexibility to combine the AAQ with other A levels or vocational subjects. This allows you to create a well-rounded academic program tailored to your interests. Many students choose to study it alongside complementary courses such as such as Early Childhood development, Criminology, Psychology, Sociology and many more.
How will I be taught?
You will learn through a variety of excellent teaching and learning methods. Teachers use real-life examples to bring learning to life, ensuring lessons are engaging, interactive, and relevant. Sessions make effective use of technology, videos, and collaborative learning activities to support understanding. The teaching team includes staff with clinical backgrounds, providing valuable real-world insight and practical context to support your learning. We also aim to continuously enhance your learning through academic trips, guest speakers, and investigations into contemporary issues in the news related to current Health and Social Care practice.
Teacher expertise
Our teachers don't just have academic qualifications; they have hands-on experience in the health and social care sector. This means you'll learn from people who have worked directly in fields like:
- Dementia care and nursing
- Caring for those with developmental disorders
- Clinical practice and sexual health
- Early years education and social work
- First aid
- Nursing
This diverse knowledge base ensures the course content is not only current but also grounded in real-life Beyond the classroom, our teaching staff maintains strong connections with local employers. These links are invaluable for providing you with up-to-date industry insights and potential work experience opportunities.
Many of our teachers are also examiners for multiple qualifications, including:
- A Level Psychology
- BTEC Level 2 and 3 Health & Social Care
- T-level exams
- Extended Project Qualification
This dual role as both educators and assessors gives them a deep understanding of exam requirements and grading criteria, which directly benefits your learning and helps you achieve your best possible grades.
What skills will I develop?
- Caring for a variety of service users
- Team work
- Independent study/learning
- Assessment and evaluation skills
- Application skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Organisational skills
- Observational skills
- Work experience
How will I be assessed?
50
%- 50% Exam One
50
%- 50% Coursework
What will you study and other information
- What you will study
Human Lifespan Development
Human Biology & Health
Health and Social Care Practice
Health Science
- Employability
All students will have the opportunity to complete a supplementary placement across the two years of the course, provided they are up to date with their coursework and their attendance remains in line with college expectations. This placement offers valuable work experience and helps to develop transferable skills that universities and employers look for, regardless of your final destination after college. To support the completion of the placement, students will be required to cover the cost of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- Where does it lead?
The level 3 AAQ is a valuable qualification because it’s equivalent to an A level. This makes it an excellent route for both university and employment. It can lead to rewarding careers in many fields, including: nursing, social work, health care assistants, psychology, health education and counselling, plus many more. The skills and knowledge you gain from the course are highly sought after, whether you plan to start a job right away or continue your education at university.
Our students typically go on to University and gain careers in:
- Nursing (Adult, Children, MH & SEN)
- Social Work
- Primary Teaching
- Paramedic Science
- Midwifery
- Radiography
- Psychology
- Equipment and Financial contributions
Students wishing to gain industry experience will be required to cover the cost of an enhanced DBS check. In preparation for placement and when representing the college, students will also need to purchase a branded college polo shirt, which must be worn each day during placement.
Helping you to find your dream career
Blackpool Sixth is dedicated to helping students achieve their future goals. We offer support to our students to help them find the best path for their chosen career.
To see how this course links to career pathways and to career academies which you could join, click the links below.
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