Foundation Degree in Education (Teaching Assistant)

Course Documents

Course sheet

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Level 5 Wisemore Campus 84 weeks Higher Education (Part Time)

With the growth in classroom size and the need for more one-to-one support for pupils / students, the role of those supporting learning and teaching in schools and colleges has becoming increasingly important – resulting in a need for well-qualified support staff who can demonstrate a wide range of skills, knowledge and understanding.

Local authorities, head teachers and colleges recognise that current and future demands on such support staff necessitate education and training which not only meets the needs of the employer, but that which offers the opportunity to develop personally and professionally. To meet these needs, we have created this new and exciting Foundation Degree qualification.

The course is designed to enable those engaged in work with children and young people, supporting learning in a variety of ways to work towards a recognised qualification at a higher education level. Research has shown that teaching and learning support assistants are an essential part of the effective education of children in schools.

This Foundation Degree is intended for those who are currently employed in a support capacity within a primary or secondary school and it has been designed to build on and acknowledge your existing professional skills.

It aims to improve the confidence and effectiveness which you bring to your work, and prepare the ground for progression onto career possibilities including primary school teaching. This Foundation Degree is a highly regarded qualification within the field. It has been designed in consultation with employers and other education practitioners.

The Foundation Degree offers comprehensive coverage of the knowledge and skills required by those supporting learning and teaching. It is practical and focused on the workplace.

The course is based on an integrated work and study pattern and also includes two stages of learning (academic Level1/C and 2/1), each level comprising 15 and 30 credit modules in total 120 credits.

The course d

Entry Requirements

Applicants for the Foundation Degree in Education must:

• be employed for a least 10 hours per week, or equivalent to 2 days per week (or the equivalent in a voluntary capacity) in an appropriate role and setting

• normally have three GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C or above, including English Language

• ideally have obtained, a pass in an appropriate A Level or NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent)

Students may also choose to complete the pre-entry qualification offered by Staffordshire University – HE Study Skills Orientation module.

Applicants over 21 years of age and with experience of working with children or young people (equivalent to at least one year full time) who do not satisfy the formal academic requirements noted above but are deemed to be
suitable, may be offered a place on the course.

A letter from the applicant’s head teacher, principal or head of department should accompany any application.

This letter must support the application by confirming the applicant’s involvement with children or young people and state that every effort will be made to support the applicant in undertaking the work based activities required by the course.

All applicants must have a clean CRB check.

Progression

Holders of the Foundation Degree in Education (Teaching Assistants) will be entitled to add FdA after their names. It will be possible to progress from the Foundation Degree in Education (Teaching Assistants) directly to an Honours Degree in Education.