Level 3 Health and Social Care (OCR Cambridge Advanced National (Extended Certificate))

Course Overview

This course is designed for those interested in health care, social care and childhood education. 

The foundations of the course are built on developing knowledge of the various job roles in the health, social and early year’s sectors. You will develop a knowledge of the importance of safeguarding, effective communication and caring skills. This course is equivalent to one A-level.

The course aims to support employment in the health and social care sector. We cover positive relationships, equality, diversity and rights of individuals. Learn about the implication of the 2010 Equality Act, as well as considering safety and security within the sector. You will go on to study anatomy and physiology and the long-term impact of physiological conditions, and nutrition for health. A good level of science knowledge is required.

You will also learn to research and reflect on issues affecting the care sector, gaining an insight into the day-to-day working practices and how changes made at government level affect practitioners and clients. This subject is suitable for students interested in professions such as nursing, midwifery, social work or counselling and for students who wish to work with young children, whether in nurseries or the teaching profession. You will develop skills and knowledge for entry to university courses or employment in the health, social care or Early Years setting. 

“Health and social care provides an understanding of many different job roles and can be a template for your own future career.”

St Ivo Student

Minimum Entry Requirements

  • Five 5’s including English and 4+ in mathematics
  • Grade 5/ 5 in GCSE combined science or any two grade 5+ in triple science

Exam Board: (OCR Cambridge Advanced National (Extended Certificate))

Assessment

  • Six units over the two-year course:
  • 200 GLH – four units of NEA assessment
  • 160 GLH – two units externally assessed

Choosing your post-16 options is an important decision, and St Ivo Academy Sixth Form is here to guide you. Applications are welcome from students in St Ives and beyond via the MyChoice16 platform.

Step-by-step application process

  1. Log in to your MyChoice16 account.
  2. Select ‘My Applications’. To start a new application, click ‘Start a new Application’; to continue an existing one, click ‘Continue’ next to your application.
  3. Complete all sections of your Profile Template if this is your first application. For additional applications, only ‘Course Choices’ needs to be completed.
  4. Qualifications will be uploaded by the school—this section can be skipped. Your form tutor will add a reference.
  5. Complete any remaining fields or checkboxes. Click ‘Send Application’ to submit.
  6. Your application status will update (eg. Sent, Schools Hold). The school will review your application to ensure it meets the requirements, and you may be asked to discuss it with a teacher.
  7. Monitor your application regularly and respond promptly to any notifications.
  8. All applicants will be invited to an interview before a provisional offer is made.

 

Healthcare & Therapy

  • Nurse / Midwife (with further study)
  • Paramedic / Emergency Care Worker
  • Physiotherapist / Occupational Therapist
  • Healthcare Assistant

Social Care & Support

  • Social Worker
  • Care Home Manager / Support Worker
  • Youth or Community Worker
  • Counsellor

Other Related Careers

  • Public Health Advisor
  • Health Promotion Worker
  • Education / Teaching in Health & Social Care
  • Administration roles in healthcare settings

Further Study

  • Degrees or apprenticeships in Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, or Public Health

Kelly Evans – Kelly.Evans@astreastivo.org

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