Child development
Exam board: OCR
Qualification type: Cambridge Nationals Level 1/2
Course code: J818
Contact: Mrs Gould – cgould@retfordoaks-ac.org.uk
This course is for students who wish to develop applied knowledge and practical skills in child
development. It is designed with both practical and theoretical elements, which will prepare students for future qualifications in childcare, health and social care, psychology, sociology and biology.
What will be studied?
All students will study three topics:
• Health and well-being for child development
• The equipment and nutritional needs of children from birth to five years
• The development of a child from birth to five years
Why study child development?
Level 1/2 Cambridge Nationals in child development naturally progresses onto Level 3 courses in child development, also health and social care at A Level, and psychology and sociology at A Level. These are all excellent starting points for university courses and further education
courses. Many students leave after their GCSE courses to start an apprenticeship in childcare.
Assessment structure
There are two centre assessed units with practical task based assessments. Each task is worth 25% of the final mark. There is a final examination covering topics such as responsibilities of parenthood, contraception and reproduction, antenatal health, delivery illnesses and child safety. This is worth 50% of the marks available.
Career opportunities
There are many jobs available in the childcare industry, these include roles in schools, nurseries and day care centres, plus many others.
