AAQ Child Development

Why is the study of Child Development important? 

The course is for students who are interested in learning about the children’s care and education sector (0-8 years), alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, apprenticeships or when looking for employment not necessarily in early years-related subjects.

It is designed to be taken as part of a programme of study that includes other A Levels.

This course is for students with an interest in child development and those going into an education or early years related career such as primary teaching, early years or related industries such as speech and language therapy, social work, nursing amongst many others.

The course integrates theoretical knowledge with real-world applications through a vocational placement in an early year setting. The placement will run along side your studies. Giving you both work experience for both your university applications and your CV.

Course Content and Assessment

What will you study as part of this qualification?

The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics:

Children’s development – Children’s developmental progress from birth up to eight years, including the theories, principles and factors relating to development, and the potential impact of a range of factors on a child’s progress through the developmental milestones. (Exam Unit)

Keeping Children Safe – Health and safety and safeguarding responsibilities of an individual working in an early year setting; emergency best practices and when to address concerns about a child’s welfare. (Exam Unit)

Play and Learning – The concept of play, the influence of theories and approaches to play, and the benefits of play and learning activities for children. (Coursework Unit)

Research and Reflective Practice – The influence of research findings on policy and provision for children and how this influences the behaviours and expectations of an individual working in an early year setting.

Exams and Coursework

Entry Criteria

5 GCSE at 4 or above, Including English and Maths

How can Child Development support your future?

This qualification could lead to

Careers such as –

Nursery nurse, Child Minder, Teaching assistant, Early Years teacher, SEND Teacher, Social Worker and Nursing

Degrees such as -

• Nursing – BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing, Nursing – Child – BSc (Hons) • Teacher Training – Childhood and Early Years Studies BA (Hons) • Social Work – BA (Hons) Social Work • Psychology – Psychology BSc (Hons)

How does the study of Child Development support your study of other subjects?

Child Development has a strong link with Health and Social Care covering subjects such as Growth and Development, Safeguarding, Psychological theories

Child Development also complements the following subject areas:

Sociology

Psychology

Biology

English.