Health & Social Care and Mental Health OCR Cambridge Advanced National AAQ Diploma (Double)

Applications Open - 21st November 2025

Closing Date for applications is Friday 13th February 2026.

Applications are still welcomed after the February closing date, and we will still try to ensure that each person's subject options are possible.

Entry Requirements - Please see our prospectus for grades needed

How to Apply -

ALL applications are to be made via KentChoices - if you do not have log in details, please speak to your school. If you are applying from outside of our area or an Independent school please email ccvioffice@ccgrammarschool.co.uk

**** IMPORTANT ****

Closing Date for applications is Friday 13th February 2026.

Applications are still welcomed after the February closing date, and we will still try to ensure that each person's subject options are possible.

Single equivalent to 2 A Level

What is the course about?

The course gives students a sound understanding about the Health and Social Care sector, including Mental Health awareness, Behavioural Psychology and Care Quality practice. Through a combination of theoretical study and hands-on experience, you will develop the necessary knowledge and skills that can support progression to higher education Health and Social Care and mental health and wellbeing study. In the examined units, you will study key knowledge and understanding relevant to Health and Social care and individual mental health and wellbeing, and mental health and wellbeing in society.

For whom is the course suitable?

The course will appeal to empathic students who are interested in working in the Health and Social Care sector, including education, social work and work within the NHS. Lessons will include class discussions relating to current legislation, policies and issues. Students would be expected to manage their time effectively, have a good work ethic, good examination techniques combined with sound written skills and the ability to develop independent learning skills and confidence in using skills relevant to this sector.

The double award is equivalent to 2 A-Levels and is completed over 720 Guided Learning Hours by the completion of 4 exams and 7 coursework units, there are 4 mandatory units and 1 optional unit. The course is divided over two years, Year 1 completes the Health & Social Care content and Year 2 completes the Mental Health content.

Teaching Methods and Homework commitment:

Teaching methods include class discussions, group research and practical tasks to enhance learning. Students are expected to take class notes and need to make sure that they keep on task as homework is essential to the successful completion of the course. The coursework units are split into a series of tasks. The emphasis in this course is on independent learning. Students work with teachers who guide them through the course and set deadlines for assignments which must be met. Examination work will be mainly teacher lead, with strong links to practical application.

What could I go on to do at the end of the course?

Both the subject-specific knowledge, understanding and skills, and broader transferable skills developed through these units, will help you progress to further study in related areas such as: BSc (Hons) Mental Health and Wellbeing, BA (Hons) Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing, BSc (Hons) Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching, BSc (Hons) Health and Wellbeing, BSc (Hons) Health Studies, BSc Nursing (Adult/Child/Learning disabilities/Mental health), BSc Midwifery, BSc Health and social care, BSc Healthcare and Health Science, BSc Health Sciences, BSc Paramedic Science, BSc Public Health and Wellbeing and BA Social Work . There are also a lot of apprenticeships within the NHS and other organisations which allow a direct line into the industry. Health and social courses offer entry into a range of different careers including Social worker, Nursery Nurse, Medical Secretary, Nurse, Midwife, Care Assistant, Primary School Teacher or Assistant, Charity Workers, Mental Health Carers and Counsellors.

Method of Study and Assessment:

Year 1- Health and Social Care Content

In year 1 you will complete the Health and Social Care AAQ (see Health & Social Care Single course)

Year 2- Mental Health Content

The qualification has four mandatory units and two optional units.

The mandatory units are:

F400: Fundamentals of mental health and the individual - In this unit you will learn about the key topics that are important for the mental health and wellbeing of an individual. This unit is assessed by an exam

F401: Mental health, wellbeing and society - In this unit you will learn about what society is and the things that combine to shape society. You will learn about how perceptions of mental health in society have changed over time and how this has affected the treatment of and care for people with mental health disorders. You will also learn about what the provision of support for mental health and wellbeing in society is like today and the current societal influences on mental health and wellbeing. This unit is assessed by an exam

F402: Supporting and promoting mental health and wellbeing in organisations - In this unit you will learn about how organisations support the mental health of their employees. You will learn how to identify the ways work can impact mental health, best practices for monitoring, influencing and improving mental health through communicating a mental health campaign. This unit is assessed by an assignment.

F403: Community-based support for mental health and wellbeing - In this unit you will learn about social connectedness, why it’s important and how it can be improved. You will learn about the benefits, processes, and factors affecting social prescribing and how it can be used to support improvements in mental health and wellbeing. This unit is assessed by an assignment.

Optional Units- 1 must be selected:

F404: Supporting mental health and wellbeing with physical activity

F405: Supporting mental health and wellbeing with outdoor and creative activities

Website URL: For more information please go to http://www.ccgrammarschool.co.uk

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See Prospectus on school website for details