The Child Development Department at Eastbrook School develops subject knowledge and skills within the wider schools ‘Character and Academics’ approach to curriculum. By studying Child Development we want our students to think for themselves and become independent learners with a thirst for knowledge enabling them to gain the motivation for making informed choices as they move towards their chosen careers. Students will be able to combine elements of their learning to show accumulated knowledge and understanding across a variety of child development learning outcomes. Students are equipped to demonstrate their capability or applying and integrating the knowledge, understanding and skills accumulated with breadth and depth. Students can use skills such as critical thinking and reasoning when reflecting on experiences to inform their own practice. The qualifications once achieved enable students to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children 5-7 years.
Key Stage 3
Child development is an option only delivered at Ks4 and Ks5
Key Stage 4
This course provides the opportunity to gain a vocational qualification that gives a basic introduction to the sector. It includes the knowledge and understanding of child development and well-being necessary for working with children 0-5 years in a variety of settings.
This qualification will enable learners to develop significant transferable knowledge and study skills that will support progression including:
- an awareness of learning styles
- a basic introduction in to working with children in a variety of settings
- an understanding of roles and responsibilities when working in a setting
- an understanding of equality and diversity within a childcare setting
- a basic understanding of the stages and sequence of child development
- an introduction to observing children and how it supports development
- an introduction to the influences that affect holistic development
- an introduction to everyday care routines and the types of activities that can support the development of independence an introduction to supporting children through transition.
Students build on skills from other subjects learnt at key stage 3 such as working in groups, pairs, and independent learning. They become aware of their own learning styles and gain knowledge of strategies to study effectively. Lessons are fun and informative allowing students the opportunity to actively learn. Independent research is a required skill that allows students to imbed the knowledge gained in lessons, further read the subject topic, and gain theoretical understanding as well as supporting evidence to give a greater response to assessments. Students gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities when working in a setting and get to experience it for themselves when attending regular sessions organised at Eastbrook primary school.
Key Stage 5
Qualification – NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator)
By the end of Key Stage 5 the students gain the knowledge and experience allowing them to confidently work with children from birth to 5 years as an Early Years Educator. If they have completed the level 2 course in Key stage 4 they can build on prior knowledge and further develop their skills already learnt through the similar methods of assessments that are set and marked internally in line with CACHE learning Outcomes. Methods such as Creating posters, leaflets, undertaking professional discussions and writing essays is designed to test students’ knowledge and understanding of the topics studied throughout the 2 year course. They respond to commands; Identify, describe, explain, discuss, evaluate, analyse, reflect, compare and critically analyse. The internally examined assessments help students to build confidence and gain sufficient knowledge to undertake two external assessments that consist of essays written to the maximum of 5000 words. The course requires students to attend a work placement throughout the course which underpins theoretical application of the knowledge gained in lessons through skills and competence development in early years settings. Students receive support from professionals within the real work environment to produce evidence of ‘be able to’ tasks for their professional practice portfolio.
Curriculum Enrichment
Students are given the opportunity to gain experience working in childcare settings within the local community. This helps students underpin theoretical application of knowledge in the real working environment. Some students are invited to gain extra qualification in Sports Leadership. We work closely with Eastbrook Primary school. Students help to organise and deliver the summer and Christmas school fetes.
Homework
Show My Homework is regularly updated with tasks students are to complete at home. Some work will be asked to be submitted online and others in class. Clear deadlines are given and must be submitted on time. Homework will cover a range of tasks from research, revision, completion of classwork, topic quiz, most importantly coursework.
Career Opportunities
Key Stage 4 Qualification – NCFE CACHE Technical Level 2 Award in Child development and Care
- Early Years work force
- Teaching and learning support
- Play worker
- Childminder
- Nanny
Key stage 5 Qualification – NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator)
- Early Years Educator
- Practitioner in early years workforce
- Practitioner in reception classes in primary school
- Nanny
- Access to higher education
UCAS Points:
Points Score Grade
219-261 A*
176-218 A
135-175 B
94-134 C
53-93 D
Exam Boards
Key Stage 4 Qualification – NCFE CACHE Technical Level 2 Award in Child development and Care – QRN 603/3293/1
Key Stage 5 Qualification – NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) – 601/8437/1
Subject Support
https://foundationyears.org.uk/files/2012/03/Development-Matters-FINAL-PRINT-AMENDED.pdf
https://www.foundationyears.org.uk/files/2017/03/EYFS_STATUTORY_FRAMEWORK_2017.pdf
https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/childrens-health/
https://www.sltforkids.co.uk/ages-and-stages-developmental-milestones/
https://www.verywellmind.com/child-development-theories-2795068
