Our Extended Certificate in Mental Health: Individuals and Society provides students with theoretical knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of mental health that will prepare students for undergraduate study. Students will explore how societal attitudes have changed over time and develop practical skills and strategies to positively impact individuals and communities. Covers content that is relevant and engaging for young people including societal perspectives on mental health; the effects of media and social media; physical activity and social connectedness; and the strategies that can be used to make a positive difference to individuals and communities.
College entry (please refer to the Entry Requirements section in the course guide for further details).
This is a Cambridge national qualification (AAQ) which means that 50% of your course is made up with 2 external examinations. One of these will be in Y12 and one in Y13. The remaining 50% is made up of coursework which you will complete also, across the 2 years at college.
These qualifications can run alongside 2 other A level subjects or alongside other AAQs.
Students must complete four mandatory and one optional unit to be awarded the Extended Certificate in Mental Health these will include.
• Fundamentals of mental health and the individual (Exam)
Understanding mental health helps individuals maintain their own wellbeing and cope with life’s challenges more effectively. It equips them with the knowledge and skills to maintain positive mental health and wellbeing. Recognising the signs of mental health issues in yourself and others is increasingly valuable. Studying mental health is essential for promoting individual and societal wellbeing, reducing stigma, fostering healthy relationships, and creating supportive communities where everyone can thrive.
• Mental health, wellbeing and society (Exam)
Mental health and wellbeing can be affected by many factors in society. These factors impact each of us differently depending on our personal circumstances. There are many societal factors that influence us and have an impact on our lives. The communities we are a part of and the structures and systems that exist all have a bearing on shaping our lives and our mental health and wellbeing. Society is complex and constantly changing, and the way that we view and treat people with mental health disorders is changing also.
• Supporting and promoting mental health and wellbeing in organisations (Coursework)
Students will explore the issues that affect people in different types of work; they will create a report relating to the given scenario context including a mental health at work plan. Students will also devise a survey to monitor the mental health and wellbeing of people at work and devise a campaign to support people at work.
• Community-based support for mental health and wellbeing (Coursework)
Students will explore how social connection, or isolation, can affect people in different periods of their lives. Students will also create an information pack that is tailored to the needs of an individual from the given scenario context
• Supporting mental health and wellbeing with outdoor and creative activities (Coursework)
Students will explore how nature and creative activities can affect people’s mental health and wellbeing. Students will develop their reflection skills through creating an information pack about different therapeutic services
Students completing this qualification could progress onto university to study mental health related degrees, Mental health and wellbeing; Counselling and therapeutic services; Child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing; Public health. This would be a useful qualification for students considering careers in the field of mental health, but also within the NHS in nursing, midwifery, teaching, early years practitioners, the police and business.
Our Elective Programme is designed to help you develop your gifts and interests as part of an enhanced level 3 programme. We will help you realise your potential by nurturing your talent and preparing you for study at the most prestigious universities or for progression to competitive higher-level apprenticeships. Your options range from our Honours Programme, which might include following a fourth A level, to specialist Futures Programmes that will support your career goals.
If you’re not quite ready to start on a Level 3 Technical course (T Levels) or a Vocational Level 3 course (BTEC) but want to begin on the path to your chosen career, the Transition Programme could be for you.
Transition Programmes are tailored to prepare students to move onto Technical or Vocational Level 3 study. They will give you the opportunity to improve your English and Maths, your work readiness skills and introduce you to the technical skills and concepts that you will need for future study and employment.
As part of the Transition Programme you will study a BTEC Level 2 Award in your chosen subject area as well as the BTEC Level 2 Extended Award in Work Skills. You will also have the opportunity to resit GCSE English and/or Maths if you have not yet achieved a grade 4.
Entry criteria for Transition Programmes is four grade 3s including grade 3s in English Language and Maths GCSE.
