T Level Foundation Health & Science

The T Level Foundation Programme in Health and Science is designed to prepare learners for successful progression to a Level 3 programme. It combines a recognised Level 2 Health and Social Care qualification with science, project-based learning, work placement and introductory T Level content, helping learners develop the knowledge, confidence, professional behaviours and study skills required for their next step.

As part of the programme, learners will complete the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care. The qualification is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of core areas of health and social care and support progression to further learning or employment. 

The Certificate consists of three mandatory units:

• Equality, Diversity and Rights in Health and Social Care: You will explore the meaning and importance of equality, diversity and inclusion within health and social care. You will learn about legislation and professional responsibilities, different forms of discrimination and how discrimination can be challenged. You will also explore person-centred practice, individual rights, dignity, respect, choice, consent and some of the ethical dilemmas that can occur when balancing an individual's rights with a professional's duty of care.

• Human Growth and Development: You will study human development throughout the lifespan, from infancy and childhood through adolescence and adulthood. You will examine physical, intellectual/cognitive, emotional and social development, the relationship between nature and nurture and the different factors that can influence development, including health, lifestyle, education, employment, relationships, culture and environment. You will also explore significant life events and how health and social care services can respond to people's changing needs.

• Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care: You will develop an understanding of how children, young people and adults are safeguarded from harm and abuse. You will study relevant legislation, policies and procedures; the responsibilities of health and social care practitioners; different types and indicators of abuse; factors that can increase vulnerability; responding appropriately to concerns or disclosures; confidentiality, reporting and whistleblowing. 

These three units provide a strong introduction to the knowledge expected within health and social care and directly support progression to more advanced study. The specification identifies equality and diversity, human growth and development and safeguarding as key areas of knowledge developed through the Certificate.

Learners will have two Biology lessons each week, strengthening the scientific knowledge needed for progression into Health or Science at Level 3.

Learners will also have the opportunity to resit GCSE Biology, where appropriate. Biology sessions will help develop understanding of areas such as cells, human body systems, health and disease, infection, genetics and other biological principles that underpin healthcare and scientific practice.

Alongside the formal qualification, learners will complete two substantial projects designed to develop research, communication, teamwork, critical thinking and presentation skills.

Organ Trafficking Project will explore the complex health, social, legal and ethical issues surrounding the illegal trade in human organs. Learners could investigate why organ trafficking occurs, global inequalities in access to transplantation, exploitation and vulnerability, consent, human rights, the role of healthcare professionals, legislation and the ethical challenges surrounding organ donation and transplantation. Learners will use research to examine different perspectives before presenting evidence-based conclusions.

Research and Ethics in Health and Social Care Project will introduce learners to how research is used to improve healthcare and social care practice. Learners could explore different forms of research, reliability of evidence, informed consent, confidentiality, data protection, risk and benefit, vulnerable participants and the importance of ethical approval. Case studies such as clinical trials or developments in medical treatment can be used to explore how researchers balance scientific progress with protecting individuals' rights, safety and wellbeing.

Learners will complete a work placement one day each week. Placement gives learners the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real working environment, experience professional expectations and develop essential employability skills.

The NCFE specification recognises that placement can help learners apply knowledge to practice, receive feedback, reflect on their experiences, observe professional practice and develop valuable employability skills.

Learners will be expected to develop professional behaviours such as reliability, communication, punctuality, teamwork, confidentiality and appropriate conduct while reflecting on how their experiences prepare them for Level 3 study and employment.

To support progression, learners will join one timetabled session from either the T Level Supporting the Midwifery Team or Supporting the Adult Nursing Team pathway, depending on timetable availability.

This provides an opportunity to experience the expectations and teaching style of a Level 3 T Level before progressing.

A particular focus will include:

Good Scientific and Clinical Practice – learners will explore professional working practices within scientific and clinical environments, including Standard Operating Procedures, maintaining and calibrating equipment, stock management, safe storage, quality assurance and the importance of consistent, safe clinical practice.

Throughout the programme, learners will begin developing the six professional skills that become increasingly important when progressing onto T Level Health:

• Person-centred care - Identifying individual needs, preferences and goals; considering risks; developing appropriate care strategies; and understanding consent, confidentiality and safeguarding.
• Communication - Developing active listening, questioning and professional communication skills, adapting communication to different individuals and producing clear written and verbal information.
• Team work - Understanding professional roles and multidisciplinary teams, working effectively with others and recognising responsibilities and appropriate escalation routes.
• Reflective evaluation - Reflecting on your own performance, recognising strengths and areas for improvement and using feedback to develop.
• Researching - Locating reliable information, selecting appropriate evidence, referencing sources and using research to support conclusions and recommendations.
• Presenting - Communicating information confidently and professionally through presentations, discussions and digital resources and responding effectively to questions.

The Organ Trafficking and Research and Ethics projects will provide particularly strong opportunities to practise researching, presenting, communication, teamwork and reflective evaluation before learners progress to Level 3.

Assessment on the Foundation Programme is designed to build confidence and prepare learners for the increased demands of Level 3 study.

This course is assessed through the three mandatory units. These units are set by NCFE CACHE and internally marked by the College, with learners able to achieve grades from A to D*. The qualification recommends a portfolio of evidence as an assessment approach.

There is therefore a strong emphasis on coursework rather than traditional external examinations for the vocational element of the programme. Learners will complete written assignments, case studies, research activities and other evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding.

The wider Foundation Programme will also include individual and group projects. Some activities will require learners to work independently, while others will involve working collaboratively to research a subject, make decisions and produce a final outcome. Learners will also complete presentations, helping them build the confidence and communication skills required for T Level assessment and employment.

The NCFE specification allows a range of assessment methods including portfolios, learner work products, reflective work, written information, scenarios or case studies, oral questioning and professional discussion. 

GCSE Biology resit: You will sit the GCSE Biology exam in Summer. 

Progress will also be supported through ongoing classroom assessment, Biology assessment and feedback, work-placement reflection and preparation for the expectations of Level 3 study.

The main purpose of the T Level Foundation Programme is progression. By successfully completing the programme, learners will have strengthened their vocational knowledge, science knowledge, study skills, professional behaviours and practical experience in preparation for Level 3.

Learners may progress to:

• T Level Health – Supporting the Midwifery Team, for learners interested in maternity, midwifery and supporting women, babies and families.
• T Level Health – Supporting the Adult Nursing Team, for learners interested in nursing, hospital care and wider healthcare careers.
• T Level Science, for learners who develop a stronger interest in scientific, laboratory or related technical careers.
• Other appropriate Level 3 programmes, including Health and Social Care or another subject area where the learner meets the relevant entry requirements.

The NCFE qualification itself has been specifically designed to support further learning at Level 3 and above or progression into health and social care employment. 

The specification also identifies potential employment routes within the wider sector, including roles such as Healthcare Assistant, Care Support Worker and Community-Based Support Worker, alongside progression to further qualifications. 

The combination of the NCFE Level 2 Certificate, Biology, T Level tasters, project work and weekly placement experience means learners will finish the Foundation Programme with a much clearer understanding of their preferred career pathway and stronger preparation for the academic and professional expectations of Level 3 study.