This course provides you with life skills and opportunities to learn how young children grow and develop into happy, healthy adults. Students study all aspects of a child’s physical, intellectual, emotional and social development from conception to 5 years of age. You will be given opportunities to problem solve and to increase your knowledge and understanding of human needs.

We spend time learning about preparing for parenting, pregnancy and labour and caring for a newborn baby including working with the Reality Babies. Students also enjoy learning how babies develop in to toddlers and young children and the role their carers play in nurturing development.
Assessment:

In Year 10, students carry out a Child Study over 15 hours worth 30% of the final grade. Students are expected to have visit regularly with a child under 5 years of age to explore their development and undertake activities with them. Students would not be able to opt for this course choice if they do not have regular access to a child under 5 years of age.

In Year 11, students undertake a child focused task activity which is set by the examination board. In previous years this has included making an activity for a child on a journey, developing a toy to improve a child’s social skills and preparing activities to help a child start school. This is done under examination conditions over 15 hours in school. It is worth 30% of the final grade.

A written examination at the end of Year 11 makes up the final 40% of the grade.

Career pathways:

Child Development is an excellent starting point for any career in the caring profession or working with children. In the past students have gone on to study Child Care, Nursing, Health and Social Care and at college and followed careers in child minding, working in a pre-school or infant school setting, teaching, nursery work, midwifery and nursing and other forms of health and social care.