Skill

Health & Social Care and Child Development focus on the knowledge and skills required to work in these sectors. This involves knowing how people develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially throughout their life, as well as the values and principles that underpin professional practice such the 6Cs: care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment. Issues such as safeguarding are considered as are the laws, policies and procedures that are put in place to protect both professionals and the individuals being cared for.

Character

Health & Social Care and Child Development are about developing students who care. They are about building respect and tolerance for uniqueness, and an understanding that some people in society are more vulnerable and require compassion and support. They are also about betterment. How can I be better at providing care? How can care make life better for others?

Experiences

At Sixth Form work experience is an important part of the courses to see the theory in practice, and to further develop important skills like communication. Every child will experience completing a report tailored to an individual child, adolescent or adult. Students will experience conducting primary and secondary research, analysing their findings to draw conclusions and make recommendations.

Criticality

There is a key focus on how knowledge can be applied in real life. Is this the best way to provide care for this person? Is this practical? Is it appropriate for their individual needs? It requires students to think about different people’s life experiences and to be able to empathise –to put themselves in someone else’s shoes.