July AAQ news and Updates for HSC, ECD and Medical Science

AAQ information and updates for HSC, ECD and Medical Science July 2025 from Subject Advisor

Welcome, this is the first update specifically for the new AAQs in HSC, ECD and Medical Science. .

I wanted to provide you with information as you are beginning to plan to teach the new AAQs in Health and Social Care, Early Childhood Development and Medical Science.  I will hopefully publish an update most months with any new information or resources that might be helpful. 

Information

We have looked at the Pearson Set Assignment briefs for all areas (HSC, ECD and Medical Science) and have decided to make some very small alterations. These will be mostly wording and making instructions clearer.  You will be able to see these soon. 

Check your subject and the PSABs for any updates that have been made. None of the updates will affect your planning or teaching. 

Planning and Teaching Guide

There is lots of useful information for you when planning your teaching and learning. 

This Planning and Teaching Guide complements your Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification  specification, Pearson Set Assignment Briefs (PSABs), Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs) and the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Alternative Academic Qualification Administrative Support Guide. This Planning and Teaching Guide provides:
• an overview of dates and deadlines for key events and activities relevant to qualification delivery – from registration to assessment and review of marking – throughout the academic year
• suggestions for planning and delivering your course including induction and unit sequencing
• creative and realistic teaching and learning ideas as well as links to resources for each unit to support and inspire you in creating a dynamic learning environment to keep your students engaged and motivated to learn.
• wider delivery support such as guidance on study programme planning and descriptions and links to qualification resources and materials. 

You can find them under Teaching and Learning for each subject. 

Planing and Teaching Guide HSC

Planning and Teaching Guide ECD

Planning and Teaching Guide Medical Science

Calling all BTEC Teachers!​

Are you planning to deliver the NEW BTEC Nationals AAQs and the BTEC Level 3 Technical Personal Trainer qualification from September 2025 and want to get ahead of the curve with our new BTEC Transferable Skills Framework.​

Join our online event where we will explore the framework - developed in collaboration with employers, higher education, and FE teachers – supports the development of four essential skill clusters: ​

🤝 Inter-personal​

🧠 Solving Problems​

⏳ Managing Yourself​

📚 Effective Learning​

You’ll get hands-on with the Transferable Skills wheel, understand the performance descriptors, and discover two innovative approaches to embedding these skills into your teaching practice.​
Whether you're delivering the new qualifications or just curious about how to better support your learners' future success, this session is for you!​

🗓 Date: Tuesday 9th July​
🕒 Time: 3:30–4:30pm​
📍 Location: Online​
🎤 Delivered by: Jenny Stafford-Brown​
🔗Register for the event

Quality Assurance Process

The new AAQs have a very similar Quality Assurance process to the BTEC Nationals that you are familiar with. 

The Centre Guide to Quality Assurance has everything that you need to understand the process. 

Centre Guide to Quality Assurance

You can read more about the Quality Assurance Process and how to get some help and support . 

Quality Nominees