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Foundation Degree
Primary Education
- Duration:
- Two academic years
- Start Dates:
- September each year
- Attendance:
- Part-time - one afternoon and evening
- Venue:
- The course will be offered locally by East Berkshire College
- Key Contact:
- Alison Wheatley
- Tel:
- 01753 793366
- Email:
- Alison.Wheatley@eastberks.ac.uk
Is this course suitable for me?
The Foundation Degree in Primary Education is a new, updated programme for teaching assistants working in primary schools who wish to develop their practice. This two-year course, run at East Berkshire College, builds on the college’s experience of running similar degree programmes since 2001. In addition to developing your skills in supporting the core and foundation subjects of the National Curriculum, you will also be learning strategies to:
- safeguard children’s welfare
- support children’s behaviour
- support children’s additional needs
- assess children’s progress.
The course is underpinned with a study of child development. The work-based element of the course means that there is a blend of theory and practice. With this foundation degree, you would be able to progress to an honours programme (e.g. BA Hons Practice Development) and, from there, to a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) course or a Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP).
Overview
A Foundation Degree is equal to the first two years of a three year Honours Degree at a UK university. It can be achieved in two years by part-time study because it is work-based and in an applied discipline. There is also an option to take stand alone modules as short courses in order to build to the award of Foundation Degree or enhance your knowledge in key areas.
Currently about 50,000 students (mostly adult and part-time) are following Foundation Degrees in England. Subjects range from Working with Children and Young People to Community Development and Early Years! Almost all Foundation Degrees offer progression to an Honours Degree, and Bucks New University offers a top-up to a BSc Honours degree in practice development.
The key features of a Foundation Degree are:
- The development of specialist technical knowledge and skills
- Learning structured around your employment
- The development of motivated and qualified students who will benefit from increased career opportunities
- You can continue to earn while learning – there is no need to give up your job to do a Foundation Degree
- Partnership input and support from both academics and practitioners
Structure
- Flexible and diverse study methods including work based learning, lectures, seminars, tutorials,
distance learning and on-line support
- Students will study in the workplace and will be have an allocated Mentor to support their learning in practice
Content
Year I modules (4 per semester)
- Developing Your Role as a Teaching Assistant (both Semesters)
- Educational Issues and Practice 1
- Supporting English in the Primary School
- Supporting Mathematics in the Primary School
- Supporting ICT in the Primary School
- Special Educational Needs
- Behaviour Management
Year 2 modules (4 per semester)
- The Effective Teaching Assistant (both semesters)
- Supporting the Foundation Subjects and Religious Education (both semesters)
- Educational Issues and Practice 2
- Science in the Primary School
- Observing and Assessing Children
- Safeguarding Children
Entry requirements
- To be working in a primary school at least 3 days a week
- To have at least 3 years experience of working with children
- To have a relevant Level 3 qualification
- To have the support of the school in releasing you to attend college 1 day a week
Please note that, although GCSE qualifications are not required for this course, entrance to formal teacher training (e.g PGCE) requires GCSE grades at C or above in English, Mathematics and Science.
Employment opportunities
Bucks New University offers a ‘conversion to honours’ programme BA (Hons) Practice Development. The course has been developed as a work based course to develop skills in analysis and evaluation, with students being supported to undertake substantial projects in the place of work, with a focus on practice development.
With this foundation degree, you would be able to progress to an honours programme (e.g. BA Hons Practice Development) and, from there, to a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) course or a Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP).
How to make an application
For an application pack or for further information and advice contact:
Alison Wheatley
Teacher Training Administrator
East Berkshire College
01753 793366
Alison.Wheatley@eastberks.ac.uk
Students funded by the NHS or other employer
If the cost of your course is being funded by your employer, please contact your education lead or manager for guidance as to how they would prefer you to make an application.