Key Stage 4
BTEC First Award in Animal Care
Exam Board: Edexcel
Level: 1/2
Course Overview
The BTEC First in Animal Care provides a balance of practical skill development and knowledge, some of which is theoretical. Instruction in the classroom is only part of the learning process. We aim to reinforce the links between the theory and practical application in a vocational setting. In doing so we will reinforce understanding of issues surrounding the careful and productive care of a range of animals and the law governing its direction. Teaching methods and materials will allow learners to apply their learning to actual events and activities related directly to animal care and its vocational application.
The course consists of 4 units in total. Two mandatory units (units 1 and 2) and 2 optional units (chosen from units 3, 4 and 5);
Unit 1: Animal Health
Unit 2: Animal Handling
Unit 3: Animal Welfare
Unit 4: Animal Housing and Accommodation
Unit 5: Principles of Animal Behaviour
Assessment:
Unit 1: Animal Health is assessed externally in a 1-hour examination paper (contributing 25% of overall grade).
Further units take the form of extended investigations and evidenced based research. These assignments are internally assessed and contribute the remaining 75%.
Curriculum Content
Year 9 - Animal Care
Term 1: Unit 1: Animal Health and Unit 2 Animal Handling
Term 2: Unit 1: Animal Health and Unit 2 Animal Handling
Term 3: Unit 1: Animal Health and Unit 2 Animal Handling
Term 4: Unit 1: Animal Health and Unit 2 Animal Handling
Term 5: Unit 1: Animal Health and Unit 2 Animal Handling
Term 6: Unit 1: Animal Health and Unit 2 Animal Handling
Year 10 - Animal Care
Term 1: Unit 1: Animal Health and Unit 2 Animal Handling
Term 2: Unit 1: Animal Health and Unit 2 Animal Handling
Term 3: Unit 1: Animal Health and Unit 2 Animal Handling
Term 4: Unit 1: Animal Health
Term 5: Unit 4: Animal Housing and Accommodation
Term 6: Unit 4: Animal Housing and Accommodation
Year 11 - Animal Care
Term 1: Unit 4: Animal Housing and Accommodation
Term 2: Unit 4: Animal Housing and Accommodation
Term 3: Unit 5: Principles of Animal Behaviour
Term 4: Unit 5: Principles of Animal Behaviour
Term 5: Unit 5: Principles of Animal Behaviour
Term 6: GCSE Examinations
Useful Website Links
Pearson - Animal Care Course
Pearson - Animal Care Course Specification
Pearson - External Assessments
Out of School Learning (OSL) and Extra-Curricular Activities:
Students are able to join the Westlands School Young Farmers Club.