BTEC Child Development
The Pearson BTEC Tech Award in Child Development is a vocational qualification designed for students who are interested in the care, welfare and development of young children. The course combines academic study with practical application, helping students develop a strong understanding of how children grow, learn and develop from conception to five years old. Students explore real-life childcare contexts and develop valuable transferable skills including communication, teamwork, empathy, creativity and problem solving.
In Year 10, students build the foundational knowledge required for all components of the course. Teaching begins with core concepts and is carefully sequenced to develop deeper understanding over time. Students study children’s physical, intellectual, emotional and social development, alongside the factors that can influence development, including health, environmental and social factors. They also explore the importance of play in supporting learning and development, examining how adults can create engaging and inclusive learning opportunities for children. Retrieval practice, subject-specific vocabulary and exam-style questioning are embedded throughout the curriculum to strengthen long-term understanding and confidence.
The course is assessed through a combination of internally assessed coursework and an external examination. Components 1 and 2 are completed through Pearson Set Assignments (PSAs), which allow students to apply their knowledge through realistic childcare scenarios and practical tasks. In Year 11, students focus on Component 3, which explores supporting children through safe, inclusive and effective play and learning environments. Students at AMA complete the external examination in January of Year 11, allowing them to focus on their core subjects after the assessment period.
This qualification is ideal for students who are passionate about working with children and interested in future careers in childcare, education, health or social care. Successful completion can support progression onto Level 3 courses, apprenticeships or employment within childcare settings. Students studying this course should demonstrate enthusiasm, reliability, empathy and strong teamwork skills, alongside a genuine interest in supporting the development and wellbeing of young children.
For further information about the qualification, visit the official Pearson BTEC Tech Award in Child Development page.
Curriculum Documentation
BTEC Health and Social Care
The Pearson BTEC Tech Award in Health and Social Care gives students the opportunity to explore how people grow, develop and are supported throughout life. The course combines theoretical understanding with practical application, helping students develop knowledge and skills linked to careers in healthcare, social care, early years and related professions. Students study human development, health and wellbeing, and the services and values that underpin effective care.
Students begin by studying Component 1: Human Lifespan Development, where they explore physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across different life stages and investigate the factors that can affect growth and development. They also examine how individuals cope with life events and changes throughout life. Students then move on to Component 2: Health and Social Care Services and Values, learning about healthcare and social care services, barriers to accessing support, and the skills, values and attributes required to provide effective care. Coursework is assessed through Pearson Set Assignments (PSAs), allowing students to apply their knowledge to realistic scenarios and vocational contexts.
Alongside the coursework components, students study Component 3: Health and Wellbeing, which is assessed through an external examination. This component develops students’ understanding of the factors that influence health and wellbeing, how to interpret health indicators and how professionals use person-centred approaches to improve outcomes for individuals. Regular mock examinations, retrieval practice and exam-style questioning are embedded throughout the course to build confidence and strengthen long-term knowledge retention.
The course is well suited to students who are interested in supporting others and who demonstrate empathy, communication skills, resilience and professionalism. Successful completion can support progression onto Level 3 Health and Social Care qualifications, apprenticeships or future careers in nursing, childcare, social work, healthcare and education.
Further information about the qualification can be found on the official Pearson BTEC Tech Award in Health and Social Care page.