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Year 9 Options Process - Child Development

Introduction

  

Do you want to be employable in one of the largest employment sectors? 

The early years sector focuses on the learning, development and care of children. In the UK, there were approximately 1.7 million Ofsted registered childcare places for children offered by many different types of early years settings in England in 2019, ranging from childminders and nannies to nurseries, crèches and preschools. 

The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Child Development is for learners who want to acquire sector-specific applied knowledge through vocational contexts by planning, developing and adapting play opportunities suitable for young children across five areas of development as part of their Key Stage 4 learning.

Course Details

Learners will study the key aspects of Child Development and have the opportunity to apply what they learn through a number of practical experiences.

Component 1: Children’s Growth and Development – Internally Assessed

Learners will investigate the factors affecting growth and development of children from

birth to five years old.

Component 2: Learning Through Play – Internally Assessed

Learners will develop an understanding of how play activities can influence children’s learning between the ages of birth and five years old. They will consider the different types of play in which children engage, and how activities can support children’s learning and progress across the five areas of development.

Component 3: Supporting Children to Play, Learn and Develop – Externally Assessed

Learners will investigate how a child learns and develops and how to adapt activities to support the inclusion of all children in play

The three components in the qualification give learners the opportunity to develop broad knowledge and understanding of children’s development, and the importance of play.

Components 1 & 2 will be internally assessed. Students will be taught the content and then given the opportunity to complete coursework which will be graded and go towards their final BTEC award. Unit 3 is an exam and will be externally assessed through an examination. 

Progression beyond GCSE

Many students who choose this at BTEC level often follow one of the below pathways:

  • A Levels as preparation for entry to higher education in a range of subjects
  • Study of a vocational qualification at Level 3, such as a BTEC Level 3 National in Children’s Care, Learning and Development or a vocational qualification in a related sector such as a BTEC Level 3 National in Health and Social Care.

These qualifications prepare learners to enter employment or apprenticeships, or for a move to higher education to study a degree in early childhood, childhood and youth areas or in related sectors such as nursing and social care

Where will the course take you? 

The early years are the most crucial time of child development. In the early years, the human brain is most responsive. Thus, experiences and learning at an early age lay the foundation for the rest of life. This course can lead to careers in:

  • Child protection officer
  • Childcare
  • Children's nurse
  • Early years teacher
  • Education welfare officer
  • Family support worker
  • Health visitor
  • Healthcare assistant
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Play therapist
  • Psychologists
  • Social Worker
  • Any many more..

Course structure and assessment

Exam board: Pearson BTEC Tech Award in Child Development 

Component 1: Children’s Growth & Development 

Controlled assessment. 

30% of award. 

Component 2: Learning Through Play 

Controlled assessment. 

30% of award. 

Component 3: Supporting Children to Play, Learn and Develop 

Externally assessed. 

40% of award. 

Further information