Course Companions for L3 AAQ BTEC National: Health & Social Care
Your go-to guide to support teaching and learning of the mandatory units. Packed with in-depth and engaging information, fully aligned to the new specification content and assessment criteria.
- Engaging ‘Did you know?’ boxes – fascinating facts and additional insights deepen understanding and spark curiosity.
- Visual aids – dynamic diagrams and images – support key concepts.
- Exam tips for Units 1 and 2 – practical advice to enhance revision.
Build confidence with the content…
- Clear and accessible notes.
- Creative case studies and scenarios bring concepts to life, making learning relevant.
- Key terms and definitions highlighted throughout ensure familiarity with essential terminology.
An excellent resource and has clearly had a lot of time and effort put into it
… and skills for assessment success
- Integrated applied activities and research activities – hands-on tasks that encourage application and challenge students to extend their learning.
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Two sets of end-of-chapter questions (with answers):
- Checking my understanding – reinforce key content and knowledge.
- Developing my understanding – scenario-based short-answer questions to challenge students and apply knowledge for exams/assignments.
- Practice tasks – Students apply theory to two case studies created specifically for this resource, allowing teachers to provide feedback.
Versatile resource: use either as teaching notes, as an alternative to the textbook or as topic handouts. Alternatively, or upgrade to editable Word version to adapt for your pupils’ specific needs.
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What do teachers say about this resource? (12830)
This is a very user-friendly resource that checks understanding of Unit 3 content area but also gives guidance on how to structure the assignments as this is an internal unit set by Pearson. The content matches the specification's content and follows the format of the colour-coded boxes as in Unit 2, which I also reviewed. This consistency leads to ease of use for both students and teachers. The content is easy to understand and matches the literacy levels, comprehension and readability of Pearson textbooks in health and social care in the past. I like the links to government websites - all of which are active and relevant to put the content into real-life practice. Having real-life case studies brings the subject to life and I like how the applied activity links to the case studies to give the students a focus on how to apply their knowledge. The newer content areas such as virtual wards and virtual hospitals make this resource relevant and up to date. I also think having examples such as the role of the CQC in relation to the Covid epidemic makes it relevant to the learners. This area of legislation and organization of the health and social care service in the UK can be quite challenging for students but this is written in a straightforward way and supplemented by relevant links. Key terminology is introduced using bold text and highlighted sections, supporting vocabulary development and boosting exam success for students. Additionally, the structured layout with well-defined sections ensures a logical flow of information, enhancing comprehension and retention. This organization also benefits staff by making the resource easier to navigate and use for instruction, improving overall teaching efficiency. The layout is clear and precise and flows easily. The diagrams and tables are clear and relevant. I have confidence that this resource would be suitable to use with students and inexperienced teachers to gain knowledge.
What do teachers say about this resource? (12741)
Very detailed content provided with ideas for different activities to allow for the application of knowledge. A lot of effort has gone into this resource along with thought on how the knowledge can be applied to support students learning. I particularly liked the keywords and knowledge sections, separate from the main body of text to enable students to focus on the key content. I also liked the exam link questions with the mark schemes, which allowed students to self-assess and support those teachers who were not specialists in the subject area. I really like tasks that allow students to put the knowledge into practice, practically, for example with the negative feedback mechanism and the blocked coronary arteries, this allows for all types of learners to access the content. The resource enables learning to access the key content that is required for this specific unit, it also provides an opportunity for the application of the content, as well as testing knowledge through exam link questions. I like the layout of the resource, it is very clear, especially as it has been colour-coded and is kept consistent throughout. All the content included in the resource matches with the specification (AAQ Health and Social Care). The resource allows for an in-depth knowledge of the key content which enables students to confidently answer the exam link questions. I think this is an excellent resource and has clearly had a lot of time and effort put into it.
The inclusion of key terminology is highly beneficial. The definitions are written clearly and simply, making them accessible to students who may be entering the subject at a Grade 4 foundation level in science. The applied activity boxes encourage independent, pair, and group work. It is also commendable that creative and practical science elements are incorporated, which can be easily carried out in a classroom setting. These activities help reinforce and consolidate learning effectively. The research boxes provide opportunities for students to broaden and deepen their understanding. These tasks challenge all learners, as they differentiate by outcome. Additionally, they serve as useful homework assignments. The "Did You Know?" boxes introduce interesting discussion points and could be used as lesson starters or hooks to engage students in the topic. The inclusion of structured questions with answers supports both teachers and students by reinforcing learning and building confidence in their knowledge and abilities.
Overall, this is a high-quality resource that is well-written, clearly structured, and effectively illustrated. It will be a valuable tool in delivering the new AAQs, providing essential support for both teachers and students. The exam tip on remembering catabolic and anabolic reactions is particularly useful. The applied activity simulating negative feedback is an excellent way to reinforce learning through a kinaesthetic demonstration. The case study on page 23 regarding diabetes serves as a useful discussion point and allows students to connect real-life experiences with the topic. C1.1–C1.8: This section is highly engaging, with well-designed diagrams and a user-friendly format. The inclusion of links to important resources, such as the defibrillator finder, is particularly valuable. New terminology is introduced effectively through the use of bold text and highlighted sections, aiding vocabulary development and improving exam performance. Additionally, the resource is structured into clear sections, allowing for a logical progression of information that enhances comprehension and retention. The document is very clear, logical, and concise. The sectioning is well-structured, and the use of pictures, diagrams, and bolded key terms is beneficial.
Lovely resource that sets out the content well. The content appears accurate and is readable. I like the use of pictures and tasks. A one-stop shop of information. Love the balance of tasks.
What do teachers say about this resource? (12817)
I like the resource. It's clear and logical and supports learning. [I like the] layout and levels of activities to develop the learning. Logical and easy to understand. Supports the specification well. It's interesting and informative.
Keywords
- External assessment
- Gifted and Talented
- Safeguarding
- Child protection and welfare
- Transferable skills
- Internal Assessment
- Digital skills
- BTEC Nationals textbook
- Health and Social Care Course Companions
- BTEC Nationals Course Notes
- 610/3964/0
- Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development
- Level 3 Course Companions
- BTEC Nationals Course Companions
- Course Companions for AAQ
- Pearson (Level 3) Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Health and Social (Extended Certificate)
- Unit 2: Human Biology and Health
- Unit 3: Principles of Health and Social Care Practice