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Why choose the School of Education
Ofsted – we are a ‘Good’ provider with Outstanding in Quality of leadership and management across our partnerships.
95% of our Education and Teaching graduates are in employment or further studies 15 months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2023)
Over 90% of students across all courses are employed within the first six months of graduation
100% of our undergraduate Primary Education graduates have secured jobs by the end of their course
Our Early Childhood Education course ranks 8th in its subject table for graduate prospects on track (Complete University Guide, 2024)
All teaching-training staff have QTS and were previously employed as teachers and/or head teachers; we also have teaching staff who are school governors or active members of their national subject associations
About the course
If you are a teaching assistant - or occupy a similar educational role - and wish to work towards a professional qualification this flexible Foundation degree can put you on the path to a career in teaching.
Designed to suit your existing work commitments this part-time course builds on the experience you have already gained in the classroom to develop the knowledge skills and expertise you need to work with pupils other adults and teachers.
You learn using a variety of approaches including lectures seminars tutorials workshops and the virtual learning environment. You are also encouraged to share your experiences with other students through peer self-support.
Why choose this course?
- It combines academic study with practical experience allowing you to develop your skills and abilities through work-based tasks and observed classroom practice
- You learn locally on a part-time basis which makes it easier to fit study around your existing work or family commitments
- Successful Foundation degree students have the right of direct entry to one of the University of Bedfordshire's BA (Hons) top-up courses: Applied Education Studies Applied Educational Practice or Applied SEND
- It is your first step to following a Primary PGCE Schools Direct or SCITT route to Qualified Teacher Status (if you have the required GCSE grades in Maths English and Science)
- It enhances your career opportunities through achieving a formal qualification specifically designed for support staff working in educational settings
with Professional Practice Year
This course has the option to be taken over four years which includes a year placement in industry. Undertaking a year in industry has many benefits. You gain practical experience and build your CV, as well as being a great opportunity to sample a profession and network with potential future employers.
There is no tuition fee for the placement year enabling you to gain an extra year of experience for free.
*Only available to UK/EU students.
with Foundation Year
A Degree with a Foundation Year gives you guaranteed entry to an Undergraduate course.
Whether you’re returning to learning and require additional help and support to up-skill, or if you didn’t quite meet the grades to pursue an Undergraduate course, our Degrees with Foundation Year provide a fantastic entry route for you to work towards a degree level qualification.
With our guidance and support you’ll get up to speed within one year, and will be ready to seamlessly progress on to undergraduate study at Bedfordshire.
The Foundation Year provides an opportunity to build up your academic writing skills and numeracy, and will also cover a range of subject specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree.
This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will need to successfully complete the Foundation Year to progress on to the first year of your bachelor’s degree.
Why study a degree with a Foundation Year?
- Broad-based yet enough depth to give you credible vocational skills
- Coverage of a variety of areas typically delivered by an expert in this area
- Gain an understanding of a subject before choosing which route you wish to specialise in
- Great introduction to further study, and guaranteed progression on to one of our Undergraduate degrees
The degrees offering a Foundation Year provide excellent preparation for your future studies.
During your Foundation Year you will get the opportunity to talk to tutors about your degree study and future career aspirations, and receive guidance on the most appropriate Undergraduate course to help you achieve this; providing you meet the entry requirements and pass the Foundation Year.
Course Leader - Karen Siddons
I joined the University of Bedfordshire following 20 years working within the Early Years and Education sector.
I started my career working in a residential school for children with profound and multiple educational and health care needs.
My experience within Early Years and education spans a wide range of provision to include Nursery manager, Child minder, classroom assistant and lecturer.
I have extensive experience within the classroom and have worked in both HE and FE, delivering Early Years study programmes.
Course Leader - Karen Siddons
I joined the University of Bedfordshire following 20 years working within the Early Years and Education sector.
I started my career working in a residential school for children with profound and multiple educational and health care needs.
My experience within Early Years and education spans a wide range of provision to include Nursery manager, Child minder, classroom assistant and lecturer.
I have extensive experience within the classroom and have worked in both HE and FE, delivering Early Years study programmes.
Course Leader - Karen Siddons
I joined the University of Bedfordshire following 20 years working within the Early Years and Education sector.
I started my career working in a residential school for children with profound and multiple educational and health care needs.
My experience within Early Years and education spans a wide range of provision to include Nursery manager, Child minder, classroom assistant and lecturer.
I have extensive experience within the classroom and have worked in both HE and FE, delivering Early Years study programmes.
What will you study?
Introduction To Higher Education Study
What are the key skills and knowledge that are necessary to succeed in higher education?
The unit aim is to introduce you to higher education study by:
Introducing you to the academic processes and structures of your University, online and College setting.
Giving you specific instruction on the key skills in preparing and producing assessments at Level 4 and beyond.
Showing you how to develop the necessary knowledge and study skills that will allow you to reach your academic potential.
Helping you develop as an independent learner and understand the importance of a pro-active approach to your study.
Developing Learning
This unit aims to examine the issue of how our understanding of child development and learning is informed by research and theory and pedagogy.
How can knowledge of theory and research on child development and learning inform our policies and practices in supporting babies, children and young people’s individual development?
The work-based elements will enable the synthesis between the theoretical concepts studied in the unit and the practice and policy you are working with. This unit interconnects with all units in Level 4, and will support your future learning in core units in levels 5, and 6 if you choose to progress to the BA (Hons) Progression Awards.
Inclusive Practice And Send
To what extent is education inclusive?
What are the barriers to inclusive education?
How are children with SEND supported within education?
This unit aims to explore both historic and contemporary perspectives, policy and practice relating to inclusive education. The work-based elements will enable the synthesis between the theoretical concepts studied in the unit and the practice and policy you are working with.
This unit enhances understanding gained in The Developing Learning Unit at Level 4.
Developing English And Mathematics (Wbl)
English and Mathematical skills underpin much of modern education from Early Years to Post-Compulsory Education. It is important that you develop your understanding of these areas and reflect upon how you develop appropriate skills to support children and young people’s needs.
The unit aims to:
- Highlight the role of the development of English and Mathematics across all phases of education.
- Consider how work based observation and reflection can help develop your practice.
- Draw links between what happens in practice and what is described in theory.
Environments For Learning
Creating an environment which maximises opportunities for learning for all children is at the heart of education policy. Those working in educational and Specialist SEND settings are charged with establishing a safe and stimulating environment for pupils, rooted in mutual respect. This unit will explore the theory and practice of learning environments to enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of, and their skills in, creating such environments.
Developing Mathematics
This unit encourages an investigation of varying pedagogical approaches to the teaching and learning of mathematics. You will investigate mathematical thinking, processing and problem solving in a classroom context.
Wider strategy and research will be considered and applied to your work with children, focusing on their ability to problem solve and succeed with mathematics. Practical intervention will be considered and practice-based elements of problem solving, mathematics and reasoning will be developed.
This unit compliments English Theory and Practice.
English: Theory And Practice
How do theoretical frameworks in the teaching of English inform current practice in the classroom?
This unit will use a range of theories on the teaching of language (synthetic phonics, whole language approach, genre theory, literacy as a social practice) to investigate and inform current practices in schools and Early Years settings.
Reflections On Practice
This unit seeks to enhance the long-term professional and personal development of educational professionals through a process of reflection and improvement. You will be required to identify current strengths and areas for further development in your academic studies and your professional work
How will you be assessed?
Assessments will help you to reflect upon your practice and that of your workplace. This course aims to provide a range of assessment methods to support the diverse needs of all learners. Assessments include essays case studies portfolios presentations reflections on work-based learning. The assignments will build directly on the teaching sessions and you will be supported by lecturers to develop your individual assignment through tutorials and in class activities. Developmental assessment opportunities are offered in the form of peer assessment and individual/group tutorials. Substantial guidance is provided on how to complete the assignments on the university virtual learning environment (BREO) and in assessment handbooks workshops seminars and assessment Briefs. Throughout the course you will be able to use your workplace setting as a source of information and context for assessments and be able to undertake research that will contribute to other assessments.
Careers
This course is your first step to following a Primary PGCE School Direct or SCITT route to Qualified Teacher Status (if you have the required GCSE grades in maths English and science). There will be a transition programme of events and activities to help you prepare for this.
For those who do not wish to progress on to the full degree you have various options in employment in education - for example as a teaching assistant or higher-level teaching assistant; SEND support; or teaching and learning support within a school in Reception or key stage 1.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
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