What topics will my child study and what knowledge will they have and what will they be able to do by the end of the year?

In Year 10 the students begin their BTEC course.  Students begin by studying Component 1; Children’s Growth and Development. This focuses on the characteristics of children’s development between birth and 5 years of age. They learn about development milestones in 4 key development areas, physical- gross and fine motor, cognitive, communication and language and social and emotional skills. They will learn about different professionals and how they monitor children’s growth and why it is important they do so. Finally, they study the factors that may impact on overall development such as environmental and physical factors.

In the Summer Term students begin Component 2, Learning Through Play. In this component students will learn how children play. This is through the 6 stages of play and the types of play introduced between birth and 5 years. They will also investigate how play is supported by adults and why this is important. This will focus on all 4 areas of development. Students will be able to plan suitable activities. As part of this component we visit a play park to aid their studies on risk assessments.

What homework will they get?

Throughout Key Stage 4 students homework will be based around retrieval of the key terminology and knowledge required in order to complete all 3 components.

How will they be assessed?

In February there is an assessment window where the students will complete their first assessed piece of work based on Component 1. This is made up of 3 tasks and revolves around knowledge gained in Year 10 and 2 case studies from the exam board. This is worth 60 marks and makes up 30% of their overall grade.

As a parent, how can I help my child in this subject?

• Encourage them to complete homework and meet deadlines
• Encourage them to watch the tv programmes on education, the news and documentaries like ‘The secret lives of 4 year olds’.
• Discuss their own childhood experiences and link to their own milestones, especially by using their red books and centile charts.
• Work experience in Year 11 could be in an early years setting.

What topics will my child study and what knowledge will they have and what will they be able to do by the end of the year?

At the start of Year 11 Component 2 Learning Through Play will be completed within the first 4 weeks.

Students will then focus on Component 3; Supporting Children to Play, Learn and Develop. This focuses on giving students the skills to move onto a Level 2 or 3 course as a step to a career in Early Years Education. Students will investigate the individual needs of the children in their care and how they can create a safe environment to support the play and development of children aged 0-5. They will also learn how to adapt the play to promote inclusive learning.

What homework will they get?

Throughout Key Stage 4, students' homework will be based around retrieval of the key terminology and knowledge required in order to complete all 3 components.

How will they be assessed?

There is a second assessment window at the beginning of October based on Component 2. Students are expected to show knowledge of the stages and types of play in different age groups. There are 3 tasks to complete using their own knowledge and 2 case studies. They are expected to offer play activities for each child in the case study and explain how this will aid their development. The assessments are worth 60 marks and 30% of their overall grade.  At this point students will have completed 60% of their final grade.

The final assessment is a written exam. This takes place in the exam cycle in May. The exam is 2 hours in length and worth 60 marks. It makes up the final 40% of marks to complete the course.

As a parent, how can I help my child in this subject?

• Encourage them to complete homework and meet deadlines
• Encourage them to watch the tv programmes on education, the news and documentaries like ‘The secret lives of 4 year olds’.
• Discuss their own childhood experiences and link to their own milestones, especially by using their red books and centile charts.
• Work experience could be in an early years setting.