What course do students study in Animal Care?

Pearson BTEC Level 1/ Level 2 Tech Award in Animal Care – Key stage 4

What will students study in Animal Care this year?

Year 9 will focus on studying Component 1: Animal Handling

In this component students learn about the reasons why it is necessary to catch, handle, restrain and release animals appropriately, such as for health inspections, grooming or training. They learn about, and develop safe working practices in the approach, handling and restraint of companion animals, reptiles, birds and invertebrates. They will also learn about the control measures that can reduce the risks, and the procedures for reporting accidents when working with animals.

In year 10 students focus on Component 2: Animal Housing and Accommodation

In this component, students explore how to select and prepare animal accommodation to meet different animals’ needs. They gain an essential understanding of the purpose and characteristics of animal bedding and materials, and how choosing these correctly can improve an animal’s welfare. They investigate how and why different types of housing and bedding are suitable for the needs of different animals, and learn about the importance of good hygiene. Students develop practical skills by preparing animal accommodation for use, checking the accommodation and cleaning it out effectively.

In the third unit of study, Component 3: Animal Health and Welfare

In the final component, students develop an understanding of the characteristics of good health, from knowing the visible signs to look out for in an animal to understanding if ill health is present despite a lack of physical signs. The component covers common diseases and disorders, so you will be able to identify and treat a range of animal species. The component also covers the welfare of animals and the moral responsibilities of the animal owner, as well as topics such as choosing the correct animal. The unit also gives a good insight into the legalities of animal welfare and makes links with animal welfare legislation. The component focuses on the health and welfare of smaller animals, but also has content relating to larger animals.

What are the major assessments?

Students will complete summative assessments at the end of each term. These assessments will test knowledge and understanding of the learning they have undertaken through each year, based on the content they have studied. There will also be coursework assessments in Years 9 and 10, which are produced by Pearson and released at specific points during the year.

The mandatory assessments for the BTEC Level 1/ Level 2 Animal Care qualification are:

1: Animal Handling - Internal assessment. 60 marks. Externally verified by Pearson. Year 9.

2: Animal Housing and Accommodation - Internal assessment. 60 marks. Externally verified by Pearson. Year 10.

3: Animal Health and Welfare - Externally assessment – examination. 60 marks. Year 11.

What do assessments test?

The assessments in Animal Care test student’s knowledge of the core learning objectives in each unit of work. Assessments also test students’ ability to respond to practical situations based around vocational scenarios.

What are the expectations of my daughter in Animal Care?

Students are given regular independent homework to complete. In Years 9, there is a focus on learning key subject-specific terminology and in Year 10, homework is mostly coursework-related. Students are expected to develop independence in the completion of this coursework. Students will receive regular coursework deadlines. It is extremely important that your daughter adheres to these deadlines as work has to be assessed and moderated at set points during the year. In Year 11, there is an emphasis on drawing together synoptic knowledge and practising application to examination questions.

What should my daughter do if she feels she is struggling in Animal Care?

In the first instance, students should speak to their subject teacher. It is important that students try to identify specific areas of the subject which they are finding a challenge so that we can offer targeted support. Targeted support may be focused during lesson time or in the Vocational Clinic after school.

How can I best support my daughter in Animal Care?

The best way to provide support is to talk to your daughter about the work: ensure she is regularly completing homework and keeping on top of coursework deadlines. Your daughter will benefit from having access to a computer in order to complete coursework. If you do not have a computer she can use at home, please speak to daughter’s subject teacher or her Head of Year.

Whom should I contact for further advice or information?

Please contact your daughter’s class teacher, form tutor, or Miss N. Kenny (Head of Department) on nkenny@carshaltongirls.org.uk.