A2 HSC

Child pathway

AS Unit 1

Promoting health and well-being

Written examination: 2 hours

50% of AS qualification

20% of A level qualification 80 marks

The WJEC GCE AS and A level in Health and Social Care, and Childcare equip learners with 

in-depth knowledge, understanding and skills related to the development and care of individuals throughout the life span from conception to later adulthood. Learners have the opportunity to develop their understanding of influences on human growth, development, behaviour and well-being. They will also gain a detailed understanding of the social, physical, emotional, and cultural needs of people who use care and support services, and recognise that each individual has a unique blend of abilities and needs. Learners will gain a thorough understanding of how service provision in Wales supports the development and well-being of individuals, to be able to make informed decisions now and in later life.

This specification includes contemporary issues in relation to the provision of an ethical and sustainable health and social care, and childcare system in Wales, and to create independent learners that can make informed decisions about further learning opportunities or continuing into related career choices.

The layout of the content into units promotes flexibility of delivery. Active learning and personalisation is promoted by giving learners opportunities to investigate care issues and topics of their own choice. Following a broad study of health and social care, and childcare at AS, a choice of pathway at A2 provides learners with an opportunity to develop depth of knowledge and understanding in either childcare or adult health and social care.

The WJEC GCE AS and A level in Health and Social Care, and Childcare will enable learners to develop and demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding within the context of both health and social care, and childcare, play, learning and development. In particular, learners will be able to demonstrate that they:

• understand the ethical, social and political issues affecting the health and social

care and childcare sectors

• have an awareness of the principles and values which underpin health and social

care and childcare

• understand the child-centred or person-centred approaches to care

• interpret and evaluate theories in health and social care and childcare, and

reflect on how they affect the provision of services

• identify the sociological, psychological and biological factors that contribute to

good health, and explain the role of government and professionals in promoting

and maintaining good health

• can use literacy, numeracy, research and digital competency skills as appropriate within their study.