Frequently Asked Questions


Q. Do students need any particular level of attainment to be able to do this course?

A. No, there is no particular level of attainment required to study this specification. Students are not required to have any prior experience of health and social care courses.

Q: Are there any prohibited combinations for this specification?

A: No, there are no prohibited combinations for this specification.

Q: What grades can students be awarded through studying this specification?

A: We award GCSE Double Award qualifications on a fifteen grade scale from A*A*–GG, with A*A* being the highest. For students who fail to attain a grade GG, we report their results as unclassified (UU).

We report the results of individual assessment units on a uniform mark scale that reflects the assessment weighting of each unit. We determine the grades awarded by aggregating the uniform marks obtained on individual assessment units.

Q: Are students assessed on the quality of their written communication?

A:Yes, in GCSE Health and Social Care (Double Award) students must demonstrate their quality of written communication. In particular, they must:

  • ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar are accurate so that meaning is clear;
  • select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to their purpose and to complex subject matter; and
  • organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary where appropriate.

Examiners assess the quality of students’ written communication in their responses to questions or tasks that require extended writing. The quality of written communication is assessed within all assessment objectives and examination components in this specification.

Q: What Key Skills can students gain through studying this award?

A: This specification provides opportunities for students to develop the following Key Skills:

  • Application of Number;
  • Communication;
  • Improving Own Learning and Performance;
  • Information and Communications Technology;
  • Problem-Solving; and
  • Working with Others.