Mental Health: Individuals & Society - Cambridge Advanced National Extended Certificate (AAQ)

Students should submit applications by 19 December 2025.

Applications will remain open throughout the year and late applications will be considered; however, students should be aware that they may not receive their preferred choices if a late application is received.

Once applications have been received, all applicants will be invited for an interview to discuss their application and ensure that their subject choices are suitable.

We look forward to welcoming you into our sixth form and to you playing an active part in the life of our Academy.

This course will enable you to develop knowledge, understanding and skills that will help prepare you for progression to undergraduate study and is relevant to mental health and wellbeing, within the broader health and social care sector.

You might be interested in this qualification if you want to learn key knowledge and understanding in the subject and apply what you learn to practical, real-life contexts, such as:

• Understanding the range of factors that can influence our mental health and the potential effects they can have.

• Identifying strategies that can be implemented to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

• Exploring existing provision and services involved with improving, maintaining and promoting healthier populations and environments.

• Using monitoring tools to understand individuals’ mental health and wellbeing, and considering the factors that influence us and the strategies that can be used to effectively improve the lives of individuals.

• Understanding societal attitudes to mental health and how they have changed over time.

• Understanding the impacts of social media and global issues on mental health and wellbeing

Mandatory units

Fundamentals of mental health and the individual

Mental health, wellbeing and society

Supporting and promoting mental health and wellbeing in organisations

Community-based support for mental health and wellbeing

Optional units

Supporting mental health and wellbeing with physical activity

Supporting mental health and wellbeing with outdoor and creative activities

Cambridge OCR Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification Cambridge Advanced National in Mental Health: Individuals & Society (Extended Certificate)

For this qualification, students must complete 5 units:

• Two mandatory externally assessed units

• Two mandatory NEA units

• One optional NEA unit

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and maths.

Through a combination of theoretical study and hands-on experience, you will develop the necessary knowledge and skills that can support progression to higher education mental health and wellbeing study.

The qualification will help you develop independence and confidence in using skills that are relevant to the sector and that prepare you for progressing to university courses where independent study skills are needed. You will develop transferable skills that can be used in both higher education and other life and work situations.