Children’s Learning & Development
BTEC, Children's Learning and Development
BTEC (Level 3) Extended Certificate (Single Award)
Students will learn about the needs of children and babies, studying patterns of growth and development and the influences on a child’s development. They will also study how a child’s early experiences can be facilitated through positive environments, relationships and safeguarding mechanisms. In addition, they will investigate the role of the National Curriculum in facilitating learning and development; this will include analysis of current literacy and numeracy strategies within Early Years settings. Students will also complete a quality work placement as part of their assessment.
Course Outlines
Entry Requirements
Grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics and Grade 4 in GCSE English Language*
Assessment
Unit 1 – External Assessment (exam) = 33%
Unit 2 – External Assessment (synoptic) = 33%
Units 3 and 5 – Internal Assessment (coursework portfolios) = 34%
Course Units
Unit 1 – Children’s Development
Unit 2 – Development of Children’s Communication, Literacy and Numeracy Skills
Unit 3 – Play and Learning
Unit 5 – Keeping Children Safe
Future Opportunities
Students who have successfully completed this course have gone on to study early childhood studies, primary teaching and social work in further education. You should be aware that if you are interested in primary teaching you must already have a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English, mathematics and science. Some universities now ask that you have the BTEC Level 3 National Award to be accepted on a primary teaching course. However, you must also be aware that you need to study a curriculum subject at A Level to access primary teaching courses.
Further Information
If you wish to pursue a career in caring for babies and young children, then this is the course for you. The course is a demanding academic subject and you will need to be committed to the course for two years. Students will be required to establish links with local primary schools for quality work placements and will need to be dedicated in order to meet coursework deadlines.
EXTENDED CERTIFICATE
Equates to one A Level
Graded Distinction*, Distinction, Merit or Pass (D*,D,M,P)