Animal Care

Year 10

Following a City and Guilds pathway at Level 1. This is a portfolio-based qualification with an examination during the health and safety module that is online based.

The Skills for the Land-based sector qualification provided by City and Guilds is studied in Key Stage 4 by students who have picked animal care as an option. This qualification is made up of a combination of units where credits are gained in each.

Year 11

Following a BTEC Level 1 pathway.  This is a portfolio-based qualification with no examination.

Students will study units in personal development and organisation in addition to animal and plant care.

Overview of Animal Care Study:

The qualification has been developed with the support of a number of further education colleges, training providers and adult and community learning providers.

The Skills for the Land-based sector “Animal Care” qualification is intended to provide learners with a broad introduction to the land-based sector and animal care, equipping learners with underpinning knowledge and skills specific to the sector alongside a range of transferable employability skills. They are designed to support progression to further learning and ultimately to work in the land-based or other related animal care sectors.

Pupils are aiming to learn all about how to care for, house and exercise animals safely as well as all the health and safety implications of working within the land based industry.

How the qualification is assessed:

Internal assessment only for BTEC. This is assessed by creating a portfolio of units containing photos and written work.

Examples of units that may be covered in the qualification;

Animal Health and Wellbeing
Caring for Animals – Feeding and Grooming
Moving, Handling, Catching and Restraining Small Animals
Receiving, Storing and Preparing Animal Feed
Understanding Animals
Working in Animal Care

Students will use trips and visits and experience with the school pets to develop their underpinning knowledge and practical skills.

Where does it lead?

After following the Maplewell qualifications in Animal Care students can go on to further their education at a college focusing on Level 2 and 3 qualifications. Students may also consider jobs and futures in the following areas:

• Veterinary nursing
• Animal management
• Grooms and dog walking
• Feeding and caring for animals
• RSPCA
• Animal behaviour

Following any of the Animal Care pathways will also allow students to develop their personal skills such as communication and time management. This will form part of the essential skills for employment we work on at Maplewell Hall School.