We are one of only 11 HMC schools in Northern Ireland. The HMC kite mark recognises achievement and quality in education in the UK and internationally.
In this section

Health & Social Care

Health and Social Care provides preparation for a wide range of careers within the care field and places emphasis on the ability to develop skill-based practice as well as academic achievement. A crucial element of working within a caring profession is the ability to understand how to communicate with and care for service users in a suitable way. This is of paramount importance in the teaching of this course.

Why study Health and Social Care?

Health and Social Care enables students to develop a wide range of transferable skills and personal qualities valued within the health, social care and early years sectors. Learners strengthen literacy, numeracy and ICT skills through real-life caring contexts and benefit from visiting professionals who bring insight into working within the sector. In Year 13, students complete essential primary experience to support coursework and gain a clearer understanding of careers in the caring professions.

Entrance Requirements

Desirable Criteria: Students must meet Coleraine Grammar Schools entry requirements into Sixth Form: GCSE English Grade B; GCSE Maths Grade B and Science is also required. You do not need to have studied Health and Social Care at GCSE to commence this course at A-level.

Careers & Pathways

This subject provides a strong foundation for further study and a wide range of career pathways, including:

  • Nursing
  • Social Work
  • Midwifery
  • Counselling and Mental Health Support
  • Psychology
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physiotherapy and Allied Health Professions
  • Public Health and Community Care

Health & Social Care Staff

  • Mrs C. McCormick B.Sc., P.G.C.E.
  • Miss J McCracken B.Sc., P.G.C.E.

 

AS level Health and Social Care provides students with a strong foundation in understanding and delivering quality care across health, social care and early years settings. The course covers essential topics such as care values and legislation, effective communication skills, strategies to overcome barriers, and the meaning of health and wellbeing. Students also explore key influences on health and the importance of health promotion, preparing them for further study or careers in the care sector.

Unit Assessment Grade contribution
AS 1: Promoting Quality Care Controlled assessment 25% AS level

10% A level
AS 2: Communication in Health, Social Care and Early Years Controlled assessment 25% AS level

10% A level
AS 3: Health and Wellbeing 2 hour written exam 50% AS level

20% A level
Unit Assessment Grade contribution
A2 2: Body Systems and Physiological Disorders Controlled assessment 30% A level
A2 3: Providing Services 2 hour written exam based on prerelease material 15% A level
A2 5: Supporting the Family Controlled assessment 15% A level

A2 Level Health and Social Care builds upon core knowledge by exploring human physiology and the impact of physiological disorders on health. Students learn how health and social care services are organised, funded, and regulated, considering the influence of policies and demographic changes. The course also examines family structures, challenges affecting family wellbeing, how support services respond to diverse needs, all equipping learners with a deeper understanding of care provision and its complexities.