In the past two years, over 93,000 learners enrolled on a BTEC in Health and Social Care. Widely recognised and respected, our BTECs in Health and Social Care are ideal for anyone with an interest in health or social care as a career aim. The course content reflects the National Occupational Standards (Skills For Health). While gaining a marketable qualification, learners will develop their communication and teamwork skills – so crucial in this employment sector.
Progression for learners
A BTEC in Health and Social Care can help your students achieve their full potential. Learners are rewarded along the way for consistent hard work and demonstration of their knowledge. A BTEC in Health and Social Care offers active learning in a vocational context and builds confidence, competence and motivation in your learners. Good results for learners and centres can be obtained when BTECs are taught flexibly alongside GCSEs – there’s no need to choose one or the other.
The skills to go straight into a job
Great emphasis is given to work placement and reflective practice. Learners gain the essential skills they need for this sector in line with the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework. They also gain practical experience useful for a variety of supportive roles in hospitals, surgeries, social care, counselling and educational settings, in both the private and the public sectors.
Flexible to fit around your curriculum
Some learners are incredibly focused, determined to make a success of their chosen career in Health and Social Care. For others, it’s not so clear cut. A BTEC is a flexible qualification, made up of a number of units, which are determined by the level and size being studied. These units can be taken independently or alongside more traditional qualifications, to suit the interests and the aspirations of the learner. Teachers and tutors can work together to plan and create their own resources or use our new and improved range of support materials available from September 2010.
Engaging for everyone
Students, of all abilities, often fail to see the link between what they learn in an academic sense and the world of work. BTECs in Health and Social Care change all that. The vocational learning style is completely different from the more traditional routes. Students may research their topics and present results in a wide variety of ways other than written text. They don’t have to work alone – group interaction can often play a part, for example through teamwork and role-play. BTECs can engage and enhance the performance of all learners, who recognise that the skills they are developing are those that employers will value. They are learning in a practical way without the need to commit to an apprenticeship.
Awards that are recognised and understood
The BTECs in Health and Social Care reflect the National Occupational Standards (Skills For Health) and are recognised and respected by employers, professional institutions and higher
education establishments alike. These BTECs also link in to the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework, which reflects the essential skills needed in this sector.
Rewarding hard work and effort
Students learn best when they can apply their own knowledge, skills and enthusiasm to a subject. In a subject like Health and Social Care, and in others, it’s often the case that learners are already motivated, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It’s right that this natural energy can be focused and rewarded. A BTEC in Health and Social Care allows it to happen. Hard work is rewarded. Assessment is ongoing, motivating students to analyse and improve their own performance.
A solid basis for further study
Learners have a variety of options for further study. They can potentially progress on to NVQs or move into Higher Education, HNs, Foundation Degrees, degrees in social work, science etc and nursing qualifications.
Courses to support part-time and workplace learners
Our BTECs in Health and Social Care are not only for those in full-time education. Those already employed in the Health and Social Care sector can study for the BTEC Level 2 or BTEC Level 3 on a part-time basis. Knowledge and expertise gained in the workplace is valued and can play a part in the assessment methodology. School leavers and adults alike can continue to pursue an interest in Health and Social Care and a desire to learn through the BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Health and Social Care. These courses are designed to motivate, building on the achievements from Key Stage 4 or other level 2 qualifications for those that wish to explore a vocational route at level 3.
Unrivalled help and support
If you are new to BTECs, you can feel reassured in the knowledge that a robust support structure is set in place. We’re here to offer curriculum and qualification updates, local training and network opportunities, plus advice, guidance and support. We also have a sector expert who regularly contributes to the sector pages at www.btec.co.uk/healthandsocialcare.