Child Development

Exam Board: OCR

This Cambridge National is a fascinating course and is the same weight as a GCSE and is ideal for students who have an interest in babies, pregnancy, children and the care sector. It is a unique course which leads well into college courses and careers based in this field.

Cambridge Nationals are designed to allow students the freedom to explore more deeply the things that interest them. The teaching of the qualification will normally be through practical work, learning skills and how to do things that may be relevant to the world of work.

This course is for students who wish to develop an knowledge and practical skills in Child Development. It is particularly useful for those whishing to study for child centred courses at post 16.

The main issues covered in this course are:

• Preconception (before pregnancy): Including problems and complications.
• Pregnancy (the whole nine months): The care of the mother and foetus. Includes abortion.
• Labour and birth: Natural births, caesarean, complications, breech and multiple births.
• Babies: Premature, breast fed, bottle fed and the care of babies.
• Toddlers: Walking, talking, learning and development.
• Children: How they develop, learn and grow.
• Feeding: Right and wrong choices, health and nutrition.
• Care: Physical, Intellectual, Emotional and Social.

Assessment

One written examination 50% - 1hr 15 mins – 80 marks (120 UMS).

One piece of internally assessed and externally moderated assignments, worth 25% - Understand the equipment and nutritional needs of children from birth to five years.

One piece of internally assessed and externally moderated assignments, worth 25% - Understand the development of a child from birth to five years.

Where can it lead?

It is a particularly good course for those wishing to study, Child Care, Health and Social Care or for careers such as Teacher, Social Worker, Nurse, Midwife, Teaching Assistant or Nursery Nurse.