Foundation Degree in Education (for Teaching Assistants)

Foundation Degree in Education (for Teaching Assistants)
Foundation Degree
Introduction
This existing Foundation Degree is a new qualification which has been designed for teaching assistants who are currently working in any type of school to study part-time to gain a nationally recognised qualification building on experience with a focus on extending knowledge and developing practical skills.
The Foundation Degree builds on your work experience and will involve support from your employer via a mentor
The Foundation Degree is validated by Staffordshire University and is delivered by the College in partnership with the institution.
It is open to Teaching Assistants from all types of schools (First, Primary, Secondary, private, special and colleges).
Comments from the present students include
"When first looking for a course to attend there were alot that would meet my requirements but non were recommended as much as this one"
I have really enjoyed the course so far"
"I have found it very helpful in the work I do"
For the year three students, graduation takes place at Trentham Gardens each July alongside other Staffordshire University Graduates.
Course Content
Modules studied at level one (Certificate level) include:

• Personal Professional Development and the role of the Teaching Assistant
  
• Growth, Development and Learning
  
• Working with the core curriculum
  
• Behaviour Management
  
• Practical Mathematics and ICT
  
• Practical Science and Technology
  

Modules studied at Level 2 (Intermediate Level) include:

• The Teaching Assistant and concepts in Education
  
• Literacy and Learning
  
• Learning Mathematics
  
• Understanding Science and Technology
  
• Inclusive Education
  
• Individual Research Project

Entry Requirements

• Three GCSE grades A-C and one of these must include English
  
• One pass at GCE advanced level
  
• OR NVQ3 equivalent, CACHE level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistants

If you do not have these qualifications and are over 21 and have relevant work experience in schools, other entry criteria may apply.
For advice on this, please contact the College.It is assumed that the student is working in a school for at least two days each week - paidorvoluntary.
Duration
Three years part-time study one evening a week at College (3 hours).
The Foundation Degree is work based and many tasks are carried out in the workplace with the support of a school based mentor.
Time also has to be allowed at home for research.
Assessment

• A Personal Development Portfolio has to be produced over the three years
  
• There is an assignment task at the end of each module
  
• Research tasks
  
• The school based mentor will monitor school progress
  
• Some observations will take place of the students progress in the workplace
  
• An end of year 2 timed assessment

Progression
After 3 years you will have a Foundation Degree and you have have the letters FDTA after your name.
The qualification counts as 260 credits towards a full Honours Degree which may be taken in the 4th year (at Staffordshire University).
Students are then qualified to progress onto a teacher training programme! Above all you as a person will feel proud having letters after your name.
Fees
The Foundation Degree course costs £960 per year.Funding may be available from the Local Eduaction Authority, but some students may be supported by their schools and grants may be available This may be discussed
at interview.