Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Student Profile
 
This programme is designed for people who wish to gain an understanding of principles and practice teaching / classroom assistant roles and gain an accredited award relevant to employment
 
Aims
 
The aims of the course are to provide comprehensive knowledge and skills appropriate the conduct of a classroom support role, and to participation in a wide range of classroom support activities.
 
Accreditation
 
The course provides two accreditation opportunities: 
1.      ASET Level 2 Teaching Assistant certificate [which does not require an in-school placement] or
2.      ABC level 2 Certificate for Teaching Assistant [requiring a 60 hour in-school placement].  The ABC option provides a qualification listed on the National Qualifications Database and is an approved qualification for employment as a classroom assistant.
 
Study Method
 
The course is designed for study by distance learning.  Students receive course manual, assignments and studyguide plus tutor support by mail and email.  You can start at any time and plan your studies over a period of up to one year from the time of registration.  
 
Candidates for the ABC qualification must in addition arrange an in-school placement of at least 60 hours during the course.

Assessment
 
Each unit is followed by a written assignment, which is submitted and marked by your tutor.  ABC Students will also sit a one-hour multi-choice test.
 
Course Duration
 
Students may register at any time and have a full year to complete their studies.  The course will take around 210 hours of study to complete.
 
Pack/Course Contents
 
·         Studyguide
·         Comprehensive study notes for each element of the course
·         Self-assessment activities
·         Assignments
·         Tutor support
·         Assignment marking & feedback
·         Accreditation

Course Structure
 
The course provides two routes to an accredited award:
 

An ASET Level 2 Teaching Assistant Certificate can be awarded for candidates completing the four MANDATORY units listed below plus THREE OPTIONAL units

An ABC Level 2 Certificate for Teaching Assistants can be awarded for completing the four MANDATORY units listed below, plus THREE OPTIONAL units, together with an in-school placement of at least 60 hours.
This dual approach to accreditation gives students who are not currently able to undertake an in-school placement an opportunity to complete an accredited award.  Students who gain an ASET certificate may subsequently complete the ABC qualification once they are able to undertake an in-school placement.
 
The placement for the ABC qualification will require students to undertake a minimum of 60 hours practice in-school, under the guidance and supervision of a qualified teacher.

 
MANDATORY UNITS

UNIT 1 Supporting the Teacher


Element 1. The learning environment
Element 2. Pupil behaviour
Element 3. Observing and recording


UNIT 2 Supporting the Pupil


Element 1. Care and support
Element 2. Health and hygiene
Element 3. Child protection


UNIT 3 Supporting the Curriculum


Element 1. The National Curriculum
Element 2. Planning, evaluating and assisting
Element 3. pupils during all learning activities


UNIT 4 Supporting the School


Element 1. Legal requirements
Element 2. School organisation
Element 3. Policies and procedures


OPTIONAL UNITS

UNIT 5 Supporting ICT in the Classroom


Element 1. Preparation and Maintenance of ICT Equipment
Element 2. Supporting the Use of ICT Equipment
Element 3. Keeping Pupil Records


UNIT 6 Supporting Pupils with Special Education Needs


Element 1. Inclusion and Special Educational Needs
Element 2. Support for Learners


UNIT 7 Supporting Literacy Development 
 

Element 1. Supporting the Development of Reading Skills
Element 2. Supporting the Development of Writing Skills
Element 3. Supporting the Development of Speaking and Listening Skills


UNIT 8 Supporting Numeracy Development 

Element 1. Supporting the Development of Number Skills
Element 2. Supporting the Development of Problem Solving and Data Handling Skills
Element 3. Supporting the Understanding of Measures, Shape and Space


UNIT 9 Working with Others


Element 1. Working in Teams
Element 2. Working with Colleagues
Element 3. Working with other Professionals and Parents