Pearson Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Health and Social Care

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) BTEC National in Health and Social Care is designed to develop a deep understanding of how health and social care services operate, the needs of individuals who use them, and the professional roles involved. Ideal for students aged 16–19, this qualification combines academic and vocational elements, offering both theoretical foundations and real-world practical skills. This course is flexible in duration and structure and aims to support progression into higher education or direct work in the health and social care sector.

GCSE Entrance Requirements:

  • Mathematics - Grade 4

  • English Language - Grade 4

  • Science - Grade 5

  • Health and Social Care OR Childcare - Level 2 Merit

More info:

Combines Well With

Head of Department:

Ms L Stevenson - lstevenson@hswv.co.uk

WHAT YOU STUDY

In Year 12, you will study Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development and Unit 6: Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care. These units will give you an understanding of how people develop from birth through to later life and how safe, effective practice is delivered across care settings. In Year 13, you will progress to Unit 2: Working in Health and Social Care and Unit 3: Promoting Public Health, exploring the roles and responsibilities of professionals and the importance of wider health promotion strategies. Together, these units will help you develop both subject knowledge and the practical skills needed to apply learning to real-world situations.

HOW YOU STUDY

Learning will involve a combination of teacher-led sessions, independent research, practical activities, and opportunities to link theory to practice. You will be expected to keep well-organised notes, complete independent study, and participate fully in class discussions and activities. All students are encouraged to arrange a work experience placement in a health and social care setting during Year 12, providing valuable hands-on experience and the chance to develop employability skills. Assessment is through a mixture of coursework assignments and externally assessed exams, with regular feedback provided to help you improve and achieve your best.

DEPARTMENT STRENGTHS AND RESOURCES

Our Health and Social Care team has extensive experience in delivering high-quality teaching across a wide range of topics. We have a strong record of success at both KS4 and KS5, supporting students to achieve excellent outcomes. Many of our former students have progressed into higher education, apprenticeships, or directly into health and social care careers.

PROGRESSION TO UNIVERSITY/CAREERS

This course provides a solid foundation for a wide variety of future pathways. The knowledge and skills you develop are highly valued by both universities and employers. Successful completion can lead to careers in areas such as nursing, midwifery, social work, primary education, and other health-related professions, as well as progression to relevant degree programmes.

OUR SUCCESSES

Our students consistently achieve excellent results. In recent years, we have maintained a 100% pass rate, with most of our learners securing Distinction and Distinction* grades. These strong outcomes reflect both the hard work of our students and the high-quality support offered by the department.