Society, Health & Development Diploma
Foundation 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 Foundation Diploma is broadly equivalent to 5 GCSEs at grades D–G.
When can I study it?
Year 10/11
Entry Requirements
Students should have a real interest in the four sectors of this qualification and the range of people involved.
What will I study?
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 foundation level, students will complete 8 units:
- Exploring the sectors
- Exploring principles and values
- Working together
- Are we communicating?
- Is it safe
- Health, well being and lifestyle
- Meeting needs
- Growth and development
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 delivered through York common timetable arrangements at Canon Lee School and York High School.
In Year 10, Principal Learning will take place on a Thursday and in Year 11 on a Tuesday.
How is the course assessed?
Principal learning will be assessed by:
- Internal assessment – supervised and completed under controlled conditions – 7 units
- External assessment – set and marked by the awarding body – 1 unit
What next?
Diploma students will have the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to go on to courses in further 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.
