Society, Health & Development Diploma
Advanced level
Course Outline
The Society, Health and Development Diploma (SHD) is a new qualification that focuses on four main sectors: community justice, social care, health and the children and young people's sector. It will introduce students to the principles and values underpinning the different professions within the sectors. It will show how the different services fit together and will highlight the importance of putting the individual at the centre of those services. Students will learn to promote equality of opportunity and to value diversity. The SHD Diploma combines academic with applied learning and the opportunity to do practical work.
What's it worth?
The Advanced Diploma is equivalent to 3½ A levels grade A*–E.
When can I study it?
Year 12/13
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at A*–C or higher
What is studied?
At all levels, case studies will be used with scenarios representing all 4 sectors and the services they provide. These services will include:
- Children's services
- Play work
- Mental health services
- Education
- Nursing, midwifery and other medical services
- Youth work
- Advice and support work
- Community safety and crime reduction
- Housing with support
- Adult social care services
- Drug and alcohol services
Principal Learning – the compulsory courses
This is made up of units that are sector related. It focuses on developing knowledge and skills relevant to the sectors and applying these to work-based situations.
At advanced level, students will complete 6 units:
- The sectors in context
- Principles and values in practice
- Partnership working
- Communication and information sharing
- Personal and professional development in the work environment
- Safeguarding and protecting individuals and society
You will also study common course elements of additional/specialist learning, generic learning, personal learning and thinking skills, a project, and work experience.
How and where is the course delivered?
The course will be available at All Saints School and York College.
How is the course delivered?
Principal learning will be assessed by:
- Internal assessment – supervised and completed under controlled conditions – 4 units
- External assessment – set and marked by the awarding body – 2 units
What next?
Diploma students will have the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to go on to courses in higher education or to go directly into employment. Students will acquire skills that any employer in any sector would recognise.
Job Opportunities
There are many potential job and career opportunities for students, at all levels, across the four sectors.
