FdA Early Years Practice
The FdA Early Years Practice is a brand new course, specifically designed to provide an opportunity for you to focus your studies on the educational experience provided for children aged 0-5 years of age. You will gain all of the necessary skills to understand how to provide the support and guidance needed for a career within the Early Years sector.
Why Choose This Course?
This course will develop your understanding of child development making clear links between theory and practice and the importance of work placement, in collaboration with employers. A strong emphasis on linking theory to practice will be undertaken during year 1 to provide a solid foundation through which students are able to progress into year 2 and each work placement modules. This course offers students the opportunity to achieve Level 3 Early Years Educator status alongside the FdA as the course has been mapped to the new 2024 Department for Education Early Years Educator status and is recognised as a full and relevant qualification for working within the Early Years.
You will explore key theories within the practice of teaching and the development of learning, these include theoretical perspectives from both past and current contexts. The course helps students to explore the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, examining the issues and practicalities related to planning and assessment, and provides opportunities to look ahead to the National Curriculum to support developing curriculum knowledge and pupil transition. The course has a strong educational and curriculum emphasis and supports a range of new educational initiatives and policies. The course encourages key teaching, learning and communication skills, relevant to employment within the Early Years.
What Will I Learn?
This programme has been designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge base required to work within the Early Years 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
- TRUR1305 Early Years Curriculum, Planning and Assessment
- TRUR1306 Special Educational Needs and Disability
- TRUR1308 Professional Practice within the Early Years
Stage 2:
- TRUR2304 Education and Society
- TRUR2305 Alternative Learning Environments
- TRUR2306 Curriculum: English and Mathematics
- TRUR2308 Leading in the Early Years Curriculum
- TRUR2309 Educational Research
- TRUR2311 Critical Professional Practice within the Early Years
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 Early Years Practice, students may be suited to work in a variety of settings and these opportunities include, but are not limited to working as reception class support, Nursery Practitioner and can count in Level 3 staff:child ratios.
Students undertaking the FdA Early Years Practice 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 Early Years Practice prepares you for employability in the Early Years sector as it increases your understanding of children’s learning and development. Some modules are shared with the FdA Childhood Education to develop support and confidence when supporting transitions. There are stand-alone modules that focus on the Early Years planning and delivery of curriculum subjects and professional practice continues throughout both years to enable you to develop your confidence in the setting and as an Early Years Practitioner. Graduates are suitably prepared to pursue careers in a nursery, preschool or other Early Years provision.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English 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. Prospective students will be required to successfully complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS).
Additional Information
UCAS course code: X311
Duration: 2 years
Awarding body: University of Plymouth
How to Apply:Â Visit UCAS
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