FdA Childhood Education
The FdA Childhood Education is an exciting opportunity for you to study education provided for children 0-11 years of age. You will gain all of the necessary skills to understand how to provide the support and guidance needed for a career in Childhood Education.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
This course is focused on Primary School teaching but will teach the importance of the transitions from EYFS to key stage 1 through to key stage 2. It provides an introduction to a wide range of topics associated with childhood education including some of the more complex issues surrounding children and education today. The programme will enable students to develop their own teaching strategies and practice from this knowledge base. You will develop your understanding of childhood education through making clear and consistent links between theory and your own practice whilst undertaking a professional work placement.
Please be aware that due to government changes in June 2022 within the Early Childhood Benchmark statement by QAA, the FdA Childhood Education course is no longer on the approved list for providers for Early Years Practitioner Status for the Department of Education. Therefore, this foundation degree qualification does not cover graduates to be included within ratios within early years settings. If you require this to be an option, please apply for the FdA Early Years Practice which is recognised as full and relevant.
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Excellent Tutor Support
Embedded Vocational Practice
Professional Progression Links
Trips to Alternative Learning Environments
Experienced Teaching Staff
Excellent Professional Progression
Previous students of the FdA Childhood Education course have been able to successfully apply for a place on local SCITT Programmes, third-year top-ups on a range of Bachelors Degrees and have felt well prepared for Level 6 study.
Working With Local Settings
Our students undertake a work placement in the first and second year of the course, utilising links with local Primary Schools, Nurseries and Special Schools. We have dedicated links to TPAT Schools and provide a range of support to find the best placement for you
Continuing Professional Development
Alongside the foundation degree, we offer additional opportunities to increase your professional development through courses including Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, Makaton and have links to undertake Forest School training.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
This programme has been designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge base required to work in their chosen specialism or other graduate opportunities. It is also a platform from which students can undertake additional academic and in some instances professional vocational qualifications.
Modules: Stage 1/Stage 2
Stage 1:
- TRUR1301 Psychology of Learning and Development
- TRUR1302 Interpersonal Relationships and Teamworking
- TRUR1303 The Educational Theory of Teaching
- TRUR1304 Curriculum, Planning and Assessment
- TRUR1306 Special Educational Needs and Disability
- TRUR1308 Professional Practice within a Primary Setting
Stage 2:
- TRUR2304 Education and Society
- TRUR2305 Alternative Learning Environments
- TRUR2306 Curriculum: English and Mathematics
- TRUR2307 Primary Curriculum: Science and Technology
- TRUR2309 Educational Research
- TRUR2311 Critical Professional Practice within Primary Education
Methods of study: The course is taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars and practice portfolio workshops. Assessments are through essays, reports, presentations, curriculum resource planning and professional practice portfolio reflections and evidence.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
Upon completion of the FdA Childhood Education, students may be suited to work in a variety of settings and these opportunities within the education sector. Students undertaking the FdA Childhood Education may alternatively progress onto the following degrees:
- BA (Hons) Education and Training (Truro & Penwith College)
- BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (University of Plymouth)
- BA (Hons) Education Studies (University of Plymouth)
- BA (Hons) Human Behavioural Studies (Truro & Penwith College)
- BSc (Hons) Applied Social Science (Truro & Penwith College)
Other institutions may also offer appropriate third year choices and students are encouraged to discuss other options with their Personal Tutor. Applications for progression will be subject to availability and must be submitted by the given deadline.
Employability: The FdA Childhood Education prepares you for employability in the sector as it increases your understanding of children’s learning and development. There are bespoke modules that focus on the planning and delivery of curriculum subjects. The vocational practice enables you to develop your confidence in the classroom. Graduates are suitably prepared to pursue careers in primary school teaching, childcare management and nursery supervision. We have lecturers teaching on the course who were former students themselves and have completed their Bachelor’s Degree and post-16 PGCE.
Assessment Arrangements
Assessment for this course is 100% coursework. Assessment is through a variety of methods to suit the module, these include; Academic essays, Seminars, Reports, Research and Reflection.
There is a compulsory work placement element to two of the modules, Professional Practice and Critical Professional Practice. It is compulsory to fulfill and evidence 80 hours of work placement in the first year and 120 hours of work placement in the second year. However, students are required to make links with practice throughout all modules and assessments.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) Maths, English and Science at Grade C (4) or above. Together with one of the following:
- A minimum of 48 tariff points at A Level or equivalent Level 3 qualification
- Access to Higher Education: Considered on an individual basis
- Level 3 qualifications achieved in the workplace will be taken into consideration National and Advanced Diplomas in a relevant subject
Applications from mature students without academic credentials will be considered on an individual basis but must prove they are capable of Higher Education study.
Additional Information
UCAS course code: X310
Duration: 2 years
Awarding body: University of Plymouth
How to apply:Â Visit UCAS
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