Subject Content: The BTEC First Diploma in Health and Social Care is a practical, work-related course.  Projects and assignments are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.  It therefore provides a good introduction to the health, social care and early years employment sector, and a strong foundation for advanced vocational qualifications.  The course is made up of ten units – four core units that everyone takes and four specialist units.  The specialist units provide opportunity to study a particular area in more depth.  

In Year Ten, pupils will complete five units: Communication in the Health and Social, Individual Rights in the Health and Social Care, Individual Needs in Health and Social Care, Ensuring Safe Working Environments in health and Social Care and Vocational Experience in a Health and Social Care Setting.

Assessment:  Pupils must submit a portfolio for each unit which may be graded pass, merit or distinction.  Each pass will be awarded five points, merits will gain six points and distinctions seven.  On completion of all ten units an overall grade will be awarded by adding together the number of individual unit points.