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City of Peterborough Academy

Child Development- Key Stage 4

What is the course about?

The Cambridge National in Child Development covers all aspects of child development and parental responsibility, from conception to five years. Students develop the essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to create the best conditions for a child’s development and well­being.


The course content

This qualification is for learners aged 14-­16 who wish to develop applied knowledge and practical skills in child development. It is designed with both practical and theoretical elements, which will prepare students for further qualifications in Child Care, Health and Social Care, Psychology, Sociology and Biology.  
 
The course is split into 3 units: 
 
Unit R057 : Exam 
You will learn the essential knowledge and understanding for child development, covering reproduction, parental responsibility, antenatal care, birth, postnatal checks, care, conditions for development, childhood illnesses and child safety. This will be assessed by short and longer answer questions. 
 
Unit R058 : Coursework 
You will gain knowledge of the equipment needs of babies and young children and an understanding of the factors to be considered when choosing appropriate equipment to meet all of these needs. They will also gain knowledge of nutrition and hygiene practices and will be given the opportunity to evaluate dietary choices.  
 
Unit R059 : Coursework 
Here you will gain knowledge of, and skills in, developing activities to observe development norms in children up to the age of five. This unit will include researching, planning, carrying out activities with children and observing and reviewing these activities, as well as an understanding of the development norms and the benefits of play in child development. 


What might the subject lead into?

Child development provides an excellent foundation for a career working with young children in many sectors, including education, health and social care. Jobs may include: child psychotherapist, children's nurse, community development worker, counsellor, educational psychologist, speech and language therapist.