This Foundation Degree has been developed for Early Years Workers and Teaching Assistants who would like to move into Higher Education but cannot afford to give up paid employment. The programme is aligned with Children’s Workforce Development Council policies and employer requirements across the sector and will focus on the relationship between theoretical understanding and practical knowledge to strengthen subject skill.
Duration:
2 Years Part-Time (120 credits per year)
Days/Times:
Year 1:
Tuesday and Thursday 6pm - 9pm (with an hour of tutorial time available)
Year 2:
Monday and Wednesday 6pm - 9pm (with an hour of tutorial time available)
Fee:
£4000 per year
Validated by:
University of Sunderland
Entry requirements:
- Relevant BTEC National Diploma or CACHE Diploma in Education and Childcare, CACHE CTA3 or equivalent or a relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
- GCSE Maths and English (grade C or above) or equivalent.
- At least two years relevant working/vocational experience in the sector.
All students on this programme should be in employment or have a significant voluntary role in the sector. You will be asked to identify a workplace mentor in or connected to your work setting. The mentor for this programme will not be asked to make assessment or evaluative judgements but to take on the role of a ‘critical and supportive friend’ in the setting.
To pursue the career path into teaching, it may be necessary to study mathematics and science.
You may need to study an additional subject or seek testing from the college where you study.
You can receive further advice from Assistant Programme Leaders based across the University/College partnership.
What careers could I go into?
The programme will help you move forward in a career in children's education. It can enhance your understanding and skills in a range of settings including early years, co-located services and Special Educational Needs, as well as in teaching assistant or support roles. Some students progress down an EYP route and others look to eventually pursue a teacher-training pathway.
- What Will I Study? Year One Modules
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TITLE: STUDY SKILLS
CODE: EDE164
CREDITS: 20
LEVEL: 1
Information research:
Students will be guided towards appropriate ways of finding research resources, using the library and on-line materials. Students will be given opportunities to develop these skills. Students will explore strategies for recording research materials and develop their note-taking skills and will apply research techniques to selecting relevant subject material.
Academic writing:
Students will review the types of writing required during their course of study. Key aspects of essay writing and report writing will be covered as well as the structure and language appropriate to academic purposes. Students will consider the academic conventions regarding referencing and citations and how to use them in their writing.
Critical and analytical thinking:
Students to explore primary texts and review critical works. Students will develop the ability to follow, evaluate and synthesise lines of reasoning and develop criteria for distinguishing fact from opinion, to construct arguments and understand what is meant by a critical and analytical approach.
Time management and organisation:
Students will explore strategies to improve time management and ways in which to achieve an organised approach to study. Students will be encouraged to develop planning skills and practice scheduling assessment deadlines and to identify priorities for action and develop ways of using time, space, information and IT resources for effective learning.
Oral presentations:
Encourage students to build confidence in speaking in class and increase verbal communication skills. Students will develop skills in the planning and delivery of oral presentations.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
These sessions are designed around a participatory model of teaching and learning. Tutors will deliver short presentations that will be followed up with small group work, reading tasks and formative and peers assessment.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Assessment 1
Individual information quest 30% of overall mark
Assessment 2
Individual written assignment 30% of overall mark
Assessment 3
Individual presentation 30% of overall mark
Assessment 4
Individual action plan 10% of overall mark
TITLE: HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING TRANSITIONS
CODE: EDE 166
CREDITS: 20
LEVEL: 1
This module offers opportunity to focus and study on all aspects of children’s and young people’s development within the wider context of the family and society. It seeks to analyse the diverse factors that influence learning and well-being. It aims to give learners a balanced and critical overview of holistic development and learning within a range of contexts supported by theory.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
Students will experience a variety of direct teaching through lectures, group and individual tasks, task analysis, group problem-solving, individual research and self-directed study.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Assessment 1
Compile a portfolio of a minimum of 8 observations that are linked to theory and use as appendices to inform assessment 2
Pass/fail
Assessment 2
One individual assignment (written)
100% of overall mark
TITLE: THINKING SKILLS, CREATIVITY AND PROBLEM SOLVING
CODE: EDE 165
CREDITS: 20
LEVEL: 1
This module offers opportunity to focus and study how children’ and young people’s thinking skills creativity and problem solving skills can be developed through experiencing effective and appropriate learning opportunities.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
Students will experience a variety of direct teaching through lectures, group and individual tasks, task analysis, group problem-solving, individual research and self-directed study.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Assessment 1
Individual work based task 40% of overall mark
Assessment 2
Individual assignment 60% of overall mark
TITLE: DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
CODE: EDE 167
CREDITS: 20
LEVEL: 1
This module considers the key concepts relating to diversity and inclusion in relation to practitioner’s settings and wider society. It considers the importance of these to children and young people’s development as well as legal obligations. Students consider their own practice in this area and ways to improve upon that practice.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
Students will experience a variety of direct teaching through lectures, group and individual tasks, task analysis, group problem-solving, individual research and self-directed study.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Assessment 1
One written assignment
100% of mark
TITLE: CURRICULUM
CODE: EDE 168
CREDITS: 20
LEVEL: 1
The module will introduce students to issues relating to the design, structure and content of a curriculum. Students will begin by exploring the principles and ideas that shape a curriculum before moving on to study the context from which the present curriculum frameworks have developed.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
Students will experience a variety of direct teaching through lectures, group and individual tasks, task analysis, group problem-solving, individual research and self-directed study.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Assessment 1
Group presentationPass/fail
Assessment 2
Individual assignment 100% of final mark
TITLE: SOCIAL CONTEXT OF CHILDHOOD
CODE: EDE 169
CREDITS: 20
LEVEL: 1
This module considers the idea that childhood is socially constructed; that social factors are likely to influence children’s experiences and life chances and consider the possible ways that settings and practice can reduce negative impacts from these social factors.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
The module will be taught through lectures, with group work, individual tasks, individual tutorials and seminars to further student learning.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Assessment 1
Individual assignment
100% of overall mark - What Will I Study? Year Two Modules
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TITLE: LEGISLATION AND SOCIAL POLICY
CODE: EDE 271
CREDITS: 20
LEVEL: 2
This module considers child well-being and related concepts and considers the nature of social policy. The module also considers social policy initiatives that may promote and undermine child well-being.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
The module will be taught through lectures, with group work, individual tasks, individual tutorials and seminars to further student learning.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Assessment 1
Group presentation 50% of overall mark
Assessment 2
Individual assignment 50% of overall mark
TITLE: SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION
CODE: EDE 272
CREDITS: 20
LEVEL: 2
This module offers the opportunity to consider the wide diverse meaning of safeguarding families, children and young people in practice. This module will look at historical perspectives and theory which has influenced practices since the post war period. It will encourage learners to identify and evaluate roles, responsibilities and functions of practitioners and multi-agency services.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
Students will experience a variety of direct teaching through lectures, group and individual tasks, task analysis, group problem-solving, individual research and self-directed study.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Assessment 1
Individual PowerPoint presentation
20% of overall mark
Assessment 2
Individual investigative project
80% of overall mark
TITLE: WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
CODE: To be confirmed
CREDITS: 20
LEVEL: 2
This module teaches the core principles of effective leadership and management in and educational setting and the characteristics of an effective workshop. It will consider what is an effective manager; their roles, functions and factors affecting their relationship and performance within the setting. The emphasis on this module sees successful leadership and management as a crucial process in helping organisations achieve harmonious change and self-development.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
Teaching will comprise a series of lead lectures form both staff and practitioners. In-depth research into the curriculum models will be expected and this will be supported by the workplace. Knowledge and management theory will be developed through lectures and case studies. Seminars will comprise group presentations on curriculum themes, followed by discussion groups.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
The students will carry out a SWOT analysis of the current leadership and management issues relating to their setting.- Written Report: Students will then produce a report based on their findings that responds to the challenges within their setting
- Action Plan/Smart Targets: The students will then produce an action plan with clearly identified SMART targets which will make recommendations for change.
Students will produce one written report (100%) of 3500 words (supported by SWOT) which responds to the direct challenges within leadership and management of meeting the needs of legislation and government initiatives within their setting. The student's report will have clearly identified SMART targets for improving practice.
TITLE: LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES
CODE: EDE 274
CREDITS:20
LEVEL: 2
The module develops broader understanding of the impact of government initiatives on the development and use of learning technologies that support learning. It investigates validity of Learning Technologies as an effective means for supporting cross curricular activities, differentiated activities and individual learning.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
Teaching will comprise of lead lectures, seminar workshops and presentations. Wherever possible, students will be asked to use the workplace setting as the basis for consideration of the learning outcomes and the building up of the assessment materials.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Assessment 1
Individual assignment
20% of overall mark
Assessment 2
Individual production of a Learning Technologies strategy for a learning Environment
80% of overall mark
TITLE: PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN
CODE: EDE 275
CREDITS: 20
LEVEL: 2
The emphasis of this unit as a pre-requisite to Module 6 ‘Innovative Design Project’, is to gain an understanding of how to prepare for a self-directed research task
Learners will develop an understanding of the issues of research methodology and the aim and rationale of social research within their chosen area.
Learners will demonstrate awareness of the methods of social research by applying it to their practical and academic work. The unit will provide students with an opportunity to participate in a range of research experiences, for example, statistical analysis, interviews, participation observations, designed to encourage greater awareness of the benefits of research and innovative design to children, families and settings.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
The content of the module will be delivered through a variety of learning strategies, and will focus on the student's personal introspection on their perception of research within society. The module will explore a range of scenarios to present students with an opportunity to analyse specific issues within the context of the indicative content, where the use of discussion, interactive learning, simulation and exercises and workshops will be utilised.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Assessment 1
Individual PowerPoint presentation
40% of overall mark
Assessment 2
Individual research task and report
60% of overall mark
TITLE: INNOVATIVE PROJECT
CODE: EDE 276
CREDITS: 20
LEVEL: 2
PRE-REQUISITES: EDE 275 Project Design and Development
During the course of this module, students will complete the project for which they have developed a proposal and a literature review in EDE 275 Project Design and Development.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
The majority of teaching and learning hours will be spent in self directed research and study, with seminars to introduce the module and group and individual tutorial support from tutors.
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Assessment 1
Individual project
80% of overall mark
Assessment 2
Individual reflection
20% of overall mark
How will I be taught?
The programme is run over 3 x 10 week terms and 2 modules will be delivered concurrently each term (e.g. Yr 1, Term 1 - Tuesday = Study Skills, Thursday = Human Development)
How will I be assessed?
By formal written essays, reports and project design proposals, group presentations, poster presentation, portfolio building, reflective journal and workplace investigations.
Where can I go next?
Final stage of a BA (Hons) Education and Curriculum Studies at the University of Sunderland.
Is there financial support available to help with my studies?
As a Part-Time student, you could get financial help through the Fee Grant, Course Grant and other sources. All you need to do is to obtain a form (PTG1), complete and return it to Student Finance England and your entitlement** will be assessed according to your circumstances.
If you are starting your course after August 2011, the PTG1 application forms should be available from July/August 2011.
For further information about Part-Time funding and to download the application form, visit www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
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Tel: 0800 092 6506
Associate Programme Leader: Philip Marshall
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