Child Development

The implementation of Cambridge Nationals Child Development will provide a wide range of learning experiences which are accessible to students of all abilities. This involves group work opportunities, clearly differentiated tasks, report writing through internal assessments set by the exam board which change each year and examination technique for external assessments and NEAs. Aspirational teaching encourages students to complete tasks above target grade and emphasises the importance of real-world experiences through trips, visitors and visits to local childcare settings.

At Level 2, the internally assessed units (NEAs) are designed to promote learning and understanding of how children develop between the ages of 0-5 years. Content involves the understanding and application of what equipment would be suitable in a child care setting for a child, as well as how children develop between the ages of 0-5 throughout physical, intellectual, emotional and social milestones. One of these units involves an observation of a child and a comparison of if they are achieving their milestones, ahead or behind and what can be done to help to improve their development through creation of a resource.

In the externally examined unit, R057 students understand factors affecting conception, antenatal care, tests in pregnancy, childbirth and labour and how parents can look after a baby once they are born up until the age of 5 including common childhood illness and making a home safe. Learners benefit from guest speakers from their local community and beyond.  Learners are given the opportunity to visit and take part in a variety of setting such as pre-schools, primary schools, nursery and childminding settings.   Learners are able to draw on the knowledge and skills acquired from other GCSE and A Level subjects where relevant, science and PE topics overlap within the Child Development course. In Child Development the curriculum is covered by using a variety of different methods, such as:

1. Individual and group presentations.
2. An emphasis on real world experiences, through the use of realistic case studies, and increasing the level of contact with childcare settings and services, through trips and visitors.
3. Independent work whereby the teacher provides feedback in line with exam board guidelines to facilitate progress.

The impact of the Child Development Curriculum is for students to develop as well-rounded learners. Students will have a thorough understanding of what it is to work within the Child care sector. Skills such as confidence, communication, empathy & debating and this will prepare students for life post 16.