Child Development
Subject Leader: Mrs H Okoth
At Priestlands, our vision for Child Development is to provide a vibrant, engaging, and purposeful learning experience that empowers students to understand and support the growth and wellbeing of young children.
Through the OCR Cambridge National Level 1/2 qualification, students explore essential topics such as child development, health and nutrition, play, and safety, while developing a strong foundation in empathy, responsibility, and critical thinking.
The course nurtures key skills including research, analysis, observation, planning, and evaluation—preparing students not only for academic success but also for real-world application. With a focus on practical learning and reflective practice, we aim to inspire students who are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of children and families. Our learners leave the course confident, compassionate, and well-prepared for further study or careers in education, healthcare, and the wider care sector.
Child Development is a small but lively department that is delivered only in KS4. It is a two-year course that will give successful students the equivalent of one GCSE at Grades 9 - 1. Final grades will be Pass, Merit or Distinction at either Level 1 (Grades 3-1) or Level 2 (Grades 9-4).
The course consists of three units:
Unit 1: Students will develop an understanding of child development. This includes reproduction, parental responsibility, antenatal care, birth, postnatal checks and provision, conditions for development, childhood illnesses and child safety. This leads to an external examination worth 40% of the final grade.
Unit 2: Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the factors to be considered when choosing appropriate equipment to meet all of a child’s needs. The unit also examines nutrition and hygiene practices. This will involve a practical investigation of feeding solutions, comparing these to nutritional requirements and evaluating the outcomes. This leads to centre assessed tasks worth 30% of the final mark.
Unit 3: Students will gain an understanding of the development norms from birth to five years, and the stages and benefits of play. The topic includes researching, planning and carrying out activities with a child and observing and evaluating the activities, as well as comparing the child to the expected development norms. This leads to centre assessed tasks worth 30% of the final mark.
Who is the course for? The course will appeal to students who:
- are highly motivated
- are aiming towards related studies or a career in one of the care sectors
- have a keen interest in human development
- are interested in finding out what affects growth and development
- want to study a course that is active and enjoyable
Possible future courses/career areas
There are many higher education courses that are based around Early Years Care or the Health & Social Care pathway, including A/AS Levels, Diplomas and BTECs.
This qualification would be helpful to those considering a career in a wide range of care related jobs, including; teaching, nursing, psychology, food preparation and nutrition, healthcare support, rehabilitation, healthcare sciences, social work, public health or childcare.
The subject is led by Mrs Okoth. Many of our past students have gone on to study a related course at college or sixth form. Former students are now to be found with a wide range of related jobs and qualifications from midwives and psychologists, to teachers and social workers.
