This course focuses on the development of a child from conception to the age of five. Candidates will develop knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to the roles and responsibilities of the family, pre-conception, conception, pregnancy, birth and post-natal factors, diet and health in relation to young babies and children, stages and conditions of development and support available to the child and family.
There are 4 areas of assessment:
Two written papers – 40% -based on each unit. Unit 1 is completed in year 11 and unit 2 in year 12.
Two controlled Assessments: 60% – two assessments completed over the two years
| Unit | Assessment | Weighing |
| Unit 1:
Parenthood, Pregnancy and the Newborn Baby |
External written assessment
-1 hour 15 minutes examination -Worth 75 marks -The paper includes multiple choice, short and structured questions, and questions requiring extended writing. |
30% |
| Unit 2:
The Development of the Child (0-5 Years) |
External written assessment
-1 hour 15 minutes examination -Worth 75 marks -The paper includes multiple choice, short and structured questions, and questions requiring extended writing. |
30% |
| Unit 3:
Investigation Task |
Controlled Assessment
-Worth 100 marks -Students to complete one task from a choice of two. The task has the following parts: Part A- Analysis and Justification Part B-Secondary Research and Analysis of own view point Part C- Conclusions and Evaluation of Parts A and B Part D- Planning and outcome Part E- Evaluation of Planning and Outcome |
40%
Tasks will be issued on the 1st September of academic year in which award is to be made |
Useful Website: http://rewardinglearning.org.uk/microsites/home_economics/gcse_child_development/index.asp
Written Examination:
Unit 1- Topics covered in this unit will include: Parenthood, Pregnancy and the new born baby. Students will learn about the parental responsibilities, the development of a healthy pregnancy, the stages of labour, birth and the care of a newborn baby.
Unit 2- Topics covered in this unit will include: The Development of the Child (0-5 Years). Students will learn about the needs of a child and the importance of all aspects of a child’s health and development from 0-5 years.
Controlled Assessment:
Unit 3: This assessment will involve carrying out a research-based activity. Students will use the given task title to choose one issue for further research. They will plan and carry out activities to produce an outcome and then evaluate all aspects of the task.
Skills developed through the study of Child Development:
Pupils have the opportunity to:
Work with others
Independently carry out research.
Develop an awareness of how a child develops and problem solving
Develop mathematical skills
Develop ICT skills.
Organise and communicate their knowledge
Careers linked with Child Development:
Looking for a job working with children? You are in the right place. Working with children is a great career choice if you are looking for a fun and varied job with flexible hours. For child care jobs or a career in child development, there is no better time to start, as there is much demand for staff at all levels.
There are many different areas of working in child care including working with babies, infants, young children and adolescents. There are also many career opportunities in working with children within mental health and learning disability sectors including working with children with autism.
Typical job roles can range from play worker, youth group worker, qualified social worker, unqualified social worker, support worker or nursery nurse
Typical environments of work include nurseries and playgroups, youth groups, schools (including after school clubs), hospitals, residential care, adoption and foster care.
Children’s Home Care Assistant Au pair
Nanny Child Psychologist
Children’s Author/Editor Children’s Clothes Designer
Dietician Midwife
Children’s Nurse Nursery Nurse