Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development in Pearson BTEC International Level 2 Health and Social Care

Unit 1 introduces growth and development across the main life stages, the factors that affect it and the influence of life events. It is a 30 GLH Pearson Set Assignment unit and is mandatory in the Award, Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma.

What does Unit 1 cover?

The unit is organised around three learning aims: exploring human growth and development across life stages; investigating factors that affect that development; and understanding how life events can influence life stages. The specification covers physical, intellectual, emotional and social development, alongside personal, social and environmental influences.

The final learning aim considers life events and how the changes they bring may be managed. This gives teachers a clear route through the unit: life stages and development first, influences next, then life events and their effects.

How is the unit assessed?

Pearson provides the set assignment and the centre assesses the learner’s work. The current brief gives the task context and assessment instructions; use it with the specification when planning the assessment. Pearson lists an advised assessment period of 10 hours, which is guidance for centres rather than a fixed amount every learner must take.

Unit 1 is common to each size in the qualification suite. Unit 2 and Unit 3 requirements change by size. See the qualification overview and the Award guide for examples of how the units fit into a programme.

Continue through the unit series

Next, read Unit 2: Ensuring Healthy Living and Unit 3: Skills, Attributes and Values Required to Give Care. The Level 2 HSC unit reference pages are available for looking up unit details and criteria.

For official requirements, use Pearson’s Issue 1 specification and the current Pearson qualification page.