YEAR 10/11 ANIMAL CARE BTEC Level 1 / 2 First Award in Animal Care 

What is this subject about? 

This course is for students who enjoy working with animals and covers a wide range of aspects of animal care including work with farm animals, domestic pets and exotics. This course should have been taken as an option in year 9. 

What shall I learn? 

Units: 

• Unit 1 - Animal Health (Exam unit) 
• Unit 2 - Animal Handling 
• Unit 3 - Animal Welfare 
• Unit 4 - Animal Housing and Accommodation 

How shall I learn? 

Theory lessons are complemented by practical tasks. The course is mainly coursework based with one exam unit, so it is essential to be prepared for report writing, research and revision. 

As part of the practical coursework, you will be expected to wear wellington boots and overalls (provided by us) to undertake a range of animal health, handling and accommodation tasks on the farm. We will also need to take photographs of yourself carrying out various activities as part as your coursework evidence. 

Homework: 

At least an hour per week. It is essential to have the ability to work independently on the coursework component. 

End of Year 9 Success Criteria: 

Year 10 will focus on animal welfare and animal handling. You will explore welfare laws, health and safety, and demonstrate animal handling techniques in a range of scenarios. Year 11 will focus on the signs of animal health and symptoms of ill health, and the setting up, maintenance and cleaning of animal accommodation. You will build your practical skills in all areas and produce a practical log of evidence. 

Course Title: 

BTEC Level 1/2 

First Award in Animal Care 

Examination Board: 

Pearson 

Level: 

Level 1 equivalent to 3 grade at GCSE (only awarded in case of failure to achieve Level 2 pass) 

Level 2 equivalent to 9 – 4 grade at GCSE 

Assessment details: 

75% continuous assessment through assignments, projects and practical tests. There is also an examination making up 25% of the final outcome. The course is graded pass, merit or distinction. 

Career and other important information: 

Successful students will be able to progress on to Level 3 animal care or other land based and science qualifications, followed by university or employment within the sector. Career options include Animal Care Assistants, Animal Welfare Officers, Veterinary Nursing, Animal Trainer, Groomer.

SUBJECT LEADER: MRS C MATTHEWS / MRS SPREADBOROUGH