What is our vision in Animal Care?
The BTEC Level 1/Level 2 qualification in Animal Care is for learners who want to acquire sector-specific applied knowledge and practical skills through vocational contexts by studying animal health and welfare, including signs of good and ill health, causes, transmission and treatment of common diseases in animals, the different health and monitoring checks, factors that affect animal behaviour, and how this impacts of handling and restraint; and what needs to be carried out to prepare, check and clean out animal accommodation as part of their Key Stage 4 learning.
The qualification enables learners to develop their practical skills by working on the Oathall farm, such as using appropriate equipment and techniques to handle and restrain different animals (including our pigs, sheep and collection of small animals), and to prepare and clean out animal accommodation. It will also develop personal skills, such as self-management and communication, through a practical and skills-based approach to learning and assessment. The qualification also broadens learners’ experience and understanding of the varied progression options available to them at Sixth form college.
At Key stage 3 students will have the opportunity to visit Oathall farm during lessons within other subjects’ curriculum. Farm Club is available for all students to participate after school and learn more about our excellent and unique facility here at Oathall.
In Key stage 4 students can choose BTEC Tech Animal Care as an option to formalise their Animal Care knowledge.
Curriculum learning grid in Year 10
Year 10 onwards will be sitting the new specification – RAC3 BTEC Tech Award Level 1/2 Animal Care
Curriculum learning grid in Year 11
Year 11 are sitting the old specification – BTTS1 BTEC First Award Level 1/2 Animal Care
Support for students
Students can attend farm club after school to get additional support and evidence for coursework.
Extended Learning Opportunities in Animal care
Farm Club after school including paid opportunities for Farm Leaders. Participation in the Farm open day and the South of England Show at the Ardingly showground.
Further Education & Career Pathways in Animal Care
Level 2 and Level 3 Qualifications in Agriculture, Animal Management, Equine management and Veterinary Nursing at local agricultural colleges (Plumpton and Brinsbury).
This qualification is ideal for students with a love of animals who want to develop their knowledge and understanding of their husbandry and wellbeing.
How can parents and carers support learning ?
Deadlines are set for coursework components which are agreed with the examination board. Parents can ensure students meet these deadlines and support coursework and homework completed independently.
Marking & Assessment Protocol in Animal Care
Year 11 are currently following the Btec First qualification and will be assessed by a combination of coursework (75%) and externally set exam (25%)
Year 10 are following the Btec Tech specification of which 60% is assessed by a Pearson Set assignment in controlled conditions and 40% externally set examination.