Course Summary

This course is for school students, where the school has agreed to fund the placement, or for electively home educated young people.

The BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Animal Care (601/4530/4)* has been developed to provide an engaging introduction to the animal care sector, a vital sub-sector within the land-based industry and the UK economy.

Students will have the opportunity to learn the technical knowledge and skills needed in the industry, developing their skills in our purpose-built animal care unit which houses small mammals, wallabies, meerkats, alpacas, exotics and much more.

This course is delivered over two years, starting in Year 10, and students will study at Broomfield Hall one day a week.

If you are home educated, you can also apply to study GCSE Maths and English with us.

*qualification featured on the DfE KS4 Performance Tables

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements: you just need a strong interest in working with animals.

You will be assessed during the first term at College to ensure this is the most suitable course for you, with fall-back options available.

Course Content

You will need to complete two mandatory units:

• Animal Health – develop your understanding of animal health, disease and parasite prevention to provide the best possible care for animals

Weighting: 25% of the course

Assessment: External examination

• Animal Handling – learn how to work confidently, safely and effectively with a variety of animals through practical assignments linked to health and safety, animal welfare legislation and industry guidelines

Weighting: 25% of the course

Assessment: Internal

You will also need to complete two optional units from the following:

• Animal Welfare – learn how to advise, promote and encourage responsible animal ownership

Weighting: 25% of the course

Assessment: Internal

• Animal Housing and Accommodation – explore how to select and prepare animal accommodation in line with the animals' needs, including how to select appropriate housing and bedding

Weighting: 25% of the course

Assessment: Internal

• Principles of Animal Behaviour – learn about animal behaviour through observation, explore the signs of abnormal animal behaviour and learn how to provide enrichment in the environment to act as stimuli

Weighting: 25% of the course

Assessment: Internal

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed through a mixture of internal assignments and an external examination. All four units must be successfully completed to gain this qualification.

Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?

Students must wear steel toe-cap boots or wellies and a labcoat (purchased through Derby College Group) for practical sessions. During the winter months, a warm coat for outdoor practical sessions is also advised. You will be required to supply your own writing materials.

What can I do after this course?

Further Study

Upon completion of the qualification, and depending on the grades achieved and other qualifications achieved, students may wish to progress to:

• A Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care
• A Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management
• An apprenticeship programme at Level 2 or 3
• A-levels

You will be able to access advice and guidance while studying at the College to learn more about the post-16 opportunities available for you.

Careers

Further study can lead to a variety of careers within the animal industry, including:

• Dog groomer
• Zoo keeper
• Animal unit technician
• Farm worker
• Conservationist

For more information, email the 14-16 team at 14-16@derby-college.ac.uk

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