Photos: Students Health & Social Care Learning
Students from the Berkeley Institute registered in the Health and Social Care Signature Learning Programme are “provided opportunities to gain experiential learning outside of the classroom as part of their BTEC curriculum.”
A spokesperson said, “Students engaged in either of the Signature Learning Programmes at The Berkeley Institute have the opportunity to earn ‘micro-credentials’ and certifications from awarding bodies, for example, First Aid and CPR through the Red Cross, ACCA Global Accounting designations, City and Guilds qualifications, IGCSE, and BTEC [Business and Technology Education Council].
“The health and social care, business and sports courses promote the importance of visits to worksites and guest speakers to enhance teaching of the core content. The opportunities allow our students to see, in action, what they would be doing in their chosen career.
“April 2025 was an exciting time for students registered in the Health and Social Care courses. Not only did they participate in engaging presentations, but also visited King Edward VII Memorial Hospital to see the different areas and departments, and most importantly become aware of the number of positions that exist in the various professions needed for the effective operations of our only hospital.
“Students toured the blood bank and the immunology lab. They witnessed blood being drawn and separated into the component parts in the centrifuge. Students also witnessed how the parts of blood are stored and were able to see freshly prepared slides of tissue under the microscope. They also had their blood types tested which enhanced the teaching of the unit on blood covered in the classroom.
“An information session was facilitated by Berkeley Alumni and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Daria Symonds, along with her colleagues, who shared information about the work EMTs do in the community and provided insight on the work of EMT staff before they hand patients over at the hospital.
“Members of the Community Intellectual Disability Team visited The Berkeley Institute to speak with students about their work with adults with disabilities in the community. The presenters included a psychologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, social worker, vocational rehab therapist, nurse and speech therapist. They shared all about their jobs and the real impact their work has on their clients and the wider community.
“These experiences give students insight into a host of opportunities that are available in Health and Social Care for students who choose to pursue this signature pathway at The Berkeley Institute and beyond.
“The application of high school classroom knowledge in real-time career settings helps bridge the knowledge gap. Chemistry is now not only letters and numbers, but how those elements work together to create a prescription. Learning about nutrients becomes translates into understanding what an athlete needs to reach optimal performance.
“Signature Learning equips students with vital skills for further education, workforce readiness, and excellence in their chosen pathways. Signature Learning Partnerships deliver authentic, real-world learning experiences and prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.”
