What is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 award in Health and Social Care?

A Level 1 award covers basic knowledge and skills, suitable for students who are new to the subject or need more support. A Level 2 award is more advanced, requiring a deeper understanding of concepts like legislation and care values. Both are graded from Pass to Distinction*, but Level 2 is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4-9.

How many units are in the AQA Level 1/2 Award in Health and Social Care?

The award typically consists of three units: two mandatory units (e.g., 'Human Lifespan Development' and 'Health and Social Care Services and Values') and one optional unit (e.g., 'Creative Activities' or 'Health and Wellbeing'). Each unit is assessed through coursework or an exam, depending on the specification.

What careers can this qualification lead to?

This qualification can lead to careers such as a care assistant, support worker, nursery nurse, or healthcare administrator. It also provides a foundation for further study in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, or early years education. Many students progress to A-levels or BTECs in Health and Social Care.

Do I need to do work experience for this course?

Work experience is not mandatory for the award, but it is highly recommended. Many schools arrange placements in care settings like care homes or nurseries, which help you apply your learning and develop practical skills. It also looks good on your CV and UCAS application.

What is the difference between health and social care?

Health care focuses on medical treatment and physical health, provided by professionals like doctors and nurses. Social care focuses on personal support and wellbeing, such as helping with daily tasks, provided by social workers and care assistants. In practice, they often overlap, especially in integrated care settings.

How is the course assessed?

Assessment varies by unit. Some units are assessed through external exams (e.g., multiple-choice and short-answer questions), while others are internally assessed via coursework, such as reports, presentations, or case studies. You must pass all units to achieve the full award.

Level 1/2 Technical Award in Health and Social Care - Unit 1: Improving the well-being of an individual

AQA EDUCATION

vocational

This subtopic centres on a holistic approach to improving an individual's well-being through systematic assessment and personalised lifestyle modifications. Learners will select a case study individual, apply relevant health testing techniques to establish baseline measurements, and devise, carry out, and critically evaluate a tailored plan targeting physical, emotional, and social health. This practical application fosters skills in person-centred care planning and evidence-based intervention design, mirroring professional practice in health and social care settings.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

AQA Level 1/2 Award in Health and Social Care

Topic Overview

The AQA Level 1/2 Award in Health and Social Care is a vocational qualification that introduces students to the fundamental principles of health and social care. It covers key areas such as human development, the rights of individuals, and the roles of care workers. This qualification is designed to provide a solid foundation for further study or entry into the health and social care sector, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Students will explore how individuals grow and develop across life stages, from infancy to later adulthood, and understand the factors that influence development, such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment. The course also emphasises the importance of promoting equality, diversity, and rights in care settings, as well as effective communication and safeguarding. By studying this award, students gain insight into real-world care scenarios and develop empathy and professionalism.

This qualification fits into the wider subject of Health and Social Care by bridging academic concepts with vocational practice. It prepares students for further study at Level 3, such as A-levels or BTECs, or for apprenticeships in care settings. Understanding this award is crucial for anyone considering a career in nursing, social work, early years education, or healthcare support.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Life stages and development: Infancy (0-2 years), childhood (2-12 years), adolescence (12-18 years), early adulthood (18-45 years), middle adulthood (45-65 years), and later adulthood (65+ years), including physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development.
→Rights of individuals: The right to choice, confidentiality, protection from abuse and harm, equal and fair treatment, and consultation. Care workers must uphold these rights in all settings.
→Person-centred values: Treating each individual as unique, respecting their preferences, promoting independence, and involving them in decisions about their care.
→Effective communication: Verbal and non-verbal methods, active listening, and adapting communication to meet the needs of individuals (e.g., using sign language or simple language).
→Safeguarding: Protecting vulnerable individuals from abuse, neglect, and harm. Includes recognising signs of abuse and following reporting procedures.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

Case study of a chosen individual.The use of a range of testing techniques to measure health.The production, implementation and review of a plan to make lifestyle changes that could improve health and well-being of the chosen individual.

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for accurately measuring and recording baseline health indicators using appropriate techniques (e.g., BMI calculation, pulse rate, well-being questionnaires).
Award credit for demonstrating a clear link between the testing results and the selected lifestyle changes in the improvement plan.
Award credit for providing a detailed review of the implemented plan, including measurable outcomes and suggestions for further improvements.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡Ensure all testing techniques are carried out ethically and with the individual’s informed consent, documenting the process clearly.
💡Use the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for every goal in your lifestyle plan to strengthen your evaluation section.
💡Reflect critically on your own practice when reviewing the plan, considering what you would do differently and why.
💡Use specific examples from care settings to illustrate your points. For instance, when discussing communication, mention how a care worker might use Makaton with a non-verbal service user.
💡Always link your answers to the rights of individuals and person-centred values. Examiners look for evidence that you understand the ethical framework of care.
💡When answering questions about development, refer to all four areas (PIES) – physical, intellectual, emotional, and social – and give examples for each life stage.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Failing to justify why specific testing techniques were chosen over others for the individual’s unique health context.
Setting unrealistic or non-measurable goals in the lifestyle plan, making evaluation difficult.
Overlooking emotional and social well-being, focusing solely on physical health indicators.
Misconception: Health and social care only involves looking after elderly people. Correction: It covers all age groups, from infants to older adults, and includes settings like nurseries, schools, hospitals, and residential homes.
Misconception: Confidentiality means never sharing information. Correction: Information can be shared with relevant professionals if there is a risk of harm or if required by law, but only on a need-to-know basis.
Misconception: Person-centred care is the same as patient-centred care. Correction: Person-centred care focuses on the individual as a whole person, not just their medical condition, and involves their family and support network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Basic understanding of human biology (e.g., body systems) is helpful but not essential.
•Familiarity with key terms like 'empathy' and 'confidentiality' from PSHE or citizenship lessons.
•No prior qualification in health and social care is required, but an interest in helping others is beneficial.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Case study of a chosen individual.The use of a range of testing techniques to measure health.The production, implementation and review of a plan to make lifestyle changes that could improve health and well-being of the chosen individual.

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Level 1/2 Technical Award in Health and Social Care - Unit 1: Improving the well-being of an individual

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

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