Foundation Degree In Playwork Yr 1 (HEFCE) (I) (Mon & Tues 10-2)

Foundation Degree In Playwork Yr 1 (HEFCE) (I) (Mon & Tues 10-2) AAA0118

Is it for me?
This newly designed Foundation Degree provides a much needed opportunity for learning at level 4/5 and enhances the career structure and professional status for current playworkers or young people keen to enter at Foundation Degree level.
Gateshead College is committed to widening access to lifelong learning, as part of a consortium through Northumbria University.

What do I need?
For entry to Year 1 of this programme, students should normally fulfil one or more of the following qualifying criteria
3 'C' grades at GCSE or equivalentwhich must include English Language and Mathematics or evidence of the appropriate functional qualifications at Level 2. Together with one of the following :

• A minimum of 6 unit Level 3 (AS/AZ/AVCE) or 1 A Level
• BTEC National Diploma or Certificate in Early Years
• NVQ Level 3 in Playwork or Children's Care Learning and Development
• Teaching Assistant Level 3
• Level 3 Childminding (ECP) or Playwork Practice

Or

• HEFC and /or relevant level OCN Access programmes
• Mature students will be accredited with experimental learning where it is apparent that the student is likely to be able to successfully complete and benefit from the programme of study
• International students with IELTS score of 6.5 or above or equivalent

ALSO
All students must be either currently employed or have access to a placement as a Playworker. All placements must be fully supported by a workplace mentor in the training environment
Please note that acceptance on to some courses may be subject to a satisfactory police clearance. Further guidance will be given by the course team at interview or induction
A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to studying on this course, a number of factors will be taken into consideration

What will I study? Year 1 -120 credits
There are three work based learning modules (WBLM) two generic modules and one playwork module

• Planning for Creative Play (WBLM)
• Playwork Theory in Practice (WBLM)
• Reflective Playwork Practice (WBLM)
• The Playing Child and Practicing Playwork
• Self Development and Study Skills
• Social Issues in Childhood

Year 2 - 120 credits

• Professional Playwork on Context (WBLM)
• Planning for Innovative Practice (WBLM)
• Professional Practice and Ethics (WBLM)
• Professional Skills in Play
• Play and Social Issues
• Contemporary Issues in Playwork

Case study:
My name is Amy and I'm just coming to the end of the first year of the Foundation Degree in Playwork. I work for Gateshead Council's Play Development Service and applied for the job after completing a joint honours degree at university. My employer suggested I do the foundation degree in playwork to help my professional practice at work. Through the course I've been able to develop a much clearer understanding of the role of the playworker and it has really impacted on my role at work - I'm now involved in training new members of staff in the values and assumptions of playwork practice.

Where will I study?
Baltic Campus
You'll be based at our fantastic £39million Baltic campus on the quayside. The campus has a prime location on Gateshead quayside, and state-of-the-art facilities including a Jacuzzi, gym and sauna, a 200 seat theatre, state-of-the-art classrooms, training kitchen and restaurant, refectory, bistro and vending areas.

How will I be Assessed?
This will be carried out using a variety of methods which may include:

• Written Assignments
• Discussions
• Case Studies
• Workplace Assessments
• Presentations
• Role Play
• Professional Diaries

They are designed to assess your acquisition of knowledge and skills and will at times be fully supported by a group and individual tutorial systems

What are the career opportunities?
Foundation Degrees appeal to a wide range of students and anticipate tht most applicants will be seeking to open up new career opportunities by building on their Level 3 qualifications. Successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Playwork will help students develop their current practice or provide further opportunities or progress onto:

• Year 3 of the BA Joint Honours Children, Play and Playwork and Professional
• Year 3 of the BA (Hons) Learning in Families, Schools and Beyond

Progression Requirements
Students wishing to progress onto year 3 of any of the above named progression routes will be required to:
a) apply through UCAS during Year 2 of the current programme
b) successfully complete the Foundation Degree in Playwork with an overall score of 50% or above
c) take part in a selection interview in order to establish the students and capacity to benefit from further study via the particular route chosen

Financial Information
Fees shown are for year 1 only.
We aim to make studying at college as easy and stress free as possible. We can offer you information, advice on guidance on the different loans, grants and financial assistance available. Visit our financial information pages for more information.

How do I apply?
You can drop in to our Baltic Campus to complete an application form.
An interview is required for this course.