The Department

Curriculum Leader: Miss H Bowman

GCSE (equivalent)

Exam Board: OCR

Specification Number: Cambridge Nationals – Child Dev 1/2 Certificate J818

What will be studied?

The course promotes an interest in and understanding of family life and the development of children.  It also encourages positive attitudes towards parenthood and to the family in society.  The practical experience will allow students to relate what they learn in class to the real world. The new non-examined assessment regulations mean that almost all of the 'coursework' will be completed in school, not at home.

Topics covered include:

• Parenthood and pregnancy
• Physical development
• Nutrition and health
• Intellectual, social and emotional development of children
• Community provision for children and their families
• Educational provision for children under 5

Learning methods

A variety of learning methods will be used including discussion, presentations to the class, group work and visiting speakers (if it is possible to arrange this).

How is the course assessed?

Non-examined assessment makes up 60% of the final assessment.  This involves the study of a pre-school child. (Students will have to identify a child they know under the age of 4½ years, to study over a period of time. They will make five visits to the child over a period of four months, to see how the child develops. These visits take place out of school hours). Written evidence will be required to support this work.  There will also be a research task.   It is very important that students make effective use of ICT in all areas of class and coursework.

There is one 1½ hour exam worth 40%.  Simple sentence responses are required to the first questions on the exam paper.  There are also structured and free response essay style questions.

What websites are recommended?

BBC Bitesize and AQA for past papers

What equipment is needed?

A calculator, ruler, pen and pencil are essential at all times.