The Health and Social Care Department is committed to developing an understanding of the breadth of knowledge and experiences underpinned in Health and Social Care contexts.  

About 3 million people in the UK work in health and social care, which is equivalent to 1 in every 10 people.  Demand for both health and social care is likely to continue to rise due to the ageing population, so it is sure to continue to play a key role in UK society.  The demand for people to fill these vital jobs will continue to increase.  Our rationale is to provide a fluid and dynamic knowledge rich KS4 option curriculum, which gives learners, access and progress to KS5 and beyond.   This course will help learners to develop key transferable skills and knowledge such as self-evaluation and research skills. 

This qualification will assess the application of Health and Social Care through their practical use.  

This qualification provides learners with essential knowledge, transferable skills and tools to improve their learning in other subjects with the aim of enhancing their employability when they leave education contributing to both personal development and future economic well-being.  

Key Stage 4

Our desire to provide a first-class education means that our curriculum is delivered through a knowledge based approach. Learners will study how people grow and develop over the course of their lives from infancy to old age, and the factors that may affect this, such as major life events like marriage or parenthood.  Learners will analyse this impact from a positive and negative viewpoint, demonstrating empathy.  They may apply this to a person of their choice.  Learners will understand how people adapt to these changes and the local and national health and social care support that is available to them.  Learners will also research health and social care services in their local community.  They will look at how people access the local health and social care services provided and the support that is given in the local community.  Learners will be given the opportunity to demonstrate and apply the key care values to scenarios.  Learners will develop skills in measuring and interpreting data about someone’s physiological health to design a care plan that will allow them to analyse and improve their health and wellbeing.  Overall, learners should be given the opportunity to self-reflect about choices they make and how they affect others. 

Learners will also benefit from guest speakers from their local community and beyond.  Learners may be given the opportunity to visit and take part in work experience in a variety of setting such as pre-schools, primary schools and nursing homes.  It will also be an intention to raise student aspirations by developing key links with universities for all students.   Learners will also be able to draw on the knowledge and skills acquired from other GCSE subjects where relevant. Learners can use the knowledge and skills from GCSEs generally, giving them the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to everyday and work contexts. It does not limit progression options because the skills acquired are applicable to a range of future pathways. This is synonymous with the values of Newfield School and the Health and Social Care Department. 

'To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our minds strong and clear.' Budda