Child Development

GCSE: Cambridge National Child Development Level 1/2 Certificate in Child Development

The Qualification

This qualification is equivalent to a GCSE in both size and in rigour. It will fit into a study programme at Key Stage 4.

This qualification is for students aged 14-16 who wish to develop applied knowledge and practical skills in child development.

Unit 1 - Written Examination

All students will learn the essential knowledge and understanding for child development, covering reproduction, parental responsibility, antenatal care, birth, postnatal checks, care, conditions for development, childhood illnesses and child safety. Knowledge gained would be of use for further studies in PHSE, Biology and other Child Development qualifications.

Unit 2 - Coursework

In Unit 2, students will gain knowledge of the equipment needs of babies and young children and an understanding of the factors to be considered when choosing appropriate equipment to meet all of these needs. They will also gain knowledge of nutrition and hygiene practices and will be given the opportunity to evaluate dietary choices. This unit also includes a practical to learn to sterilise and make up bottles of formula milk.

Unit 3 Coursework

In Unit 3, students will gain knowledge of, and skills in, developing activities to observe development norms in children up to the age of five. This unit will include researching, planning, carrying out activities with children and observing and reviewing these activities, as well as an understanding of the development norms and the benefits of play in child development. For this section, students need to identify a child under five to visit several times.  This is completed in the student’s own time over 3 months.

This is the final year this course is available

GCSE: Home Economics: Child Development AQA 4580

This will appeal to students who are interested in working with babies and children. It is a subject that is relevant to life and experience. Students will be encouraged to develop many skills that are important in further education and employment.

Summary of Subject Content -

The AQA subject content is divided into 5 sections as follows:

Scheme of Assessment -

Unit 1 Written examination (40%) (1 hour 30 minute) - Year 11

Unit 2 Research Task – occupying 7 hours of supervised time - Year 10

Unit 3 Child Study – Occupying 20 hours of supervised time. It involves a problem solving investigation which includes observation of a child under 5 years old. Please note in order to complete the Child Study, students must have access to a single child under the age of 5 year at the end of study. (Which will be when the student is in year 11)

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