Members of Department
Mrs O. Coulter (Subject Co-Ordinator)
Ms O. Rice

Mrs C. Mc Geough

Aims

The Health, Social Care and Early Years sector is the largest and growing employment sector in the UK and Northern Ireland. As observed during the Covid pandemic, careers in health and social care are some of the most important in the world!

The CCEA GCE and GCSE Health and Social Care course offered at Our Lady's, is an ideal course of study, for students with an interest in this sector and in caring for others more generally.

This award prepares students for a career in Health, Social Care and Early Years settings. Health related fields include a wide range of careers such as Adult and Paediatric Nursing, Midwifery and Community Dieticians. The social careers include entry into the field of therapy and allied health, Social Work or in a caring capacity with vulnerable adults. Whilst early years offers entry into education and childcare.

How will I study Health and Social Care?

At both GCE and GCSE, you will be assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations. Some units at A-level will have an element of work experience, this is a compulsory requirement which the pupil arranges, valuing student choice. The learning environment is pleasant and positive where active teaching approaches are deployed to include group work, presentations, debates, guest speakers and visits to Health and Social Care settings.

What will I study at Key Stage 5?

Studying for an A-level in Health and Social Care will allow you to draw on a range of disciplines, such as Sociology, Psychology, Biology, Health and Social Care Management. You will learn about a range of contemporary Health and Social Care issues. Each topic varies, introducing new and interesting concepts.

In the AS units, students develop an understanding of good quality care and effective communication. They also learn about the health and well-being of the population.

At A2 students learn about how health and social care, and early years services, are tailored to meet the needs of specific service user groups. They will also have the opportunity to study specific services and can develop research skills in topics relevant to health and social care, including health promotion.

What will I study at Key Stage 4?

At GCSE the course is delivered in two parts.

In year 11, Unit 1: Personal Development, Health and Well-Being. This unit is assessed through an external examination that includes structured questions, that require short responses and extended writing.

In year 12, Unit 2: Working in the Health, Social Care and Early Years Sectors. This unit is assessed by controlled assessment. Students write 5000 words on a task that is uniquely set by CCEA every year.

Enrichment

Health and Social Care is a popular GCSE and A-Level choice, the course format helps students to develop the confidence, knowledge, and skills required for a professional career in the sectors.

The department offers an opportunity for students to partake in Sixth Form enrichment activities. Recently, collaborating with Women's Aid to establish a fundraising drive to donate clothing in support of women fleeing domestic abuse. As well as this, students are able to take part in subject specific training such as Health, Safety and Welfare at Work awareness, through an e-learning course. Along with attending mandatory placements in a variety of Health and Social Care settings, including local care homes, hospice centres, primary schools, dental and pharmacy practices.