Teaching and Learning Support (Primary) (FdA)

Overview

This is a 3 year part-time Lancaster University validated course designed as a professional development qualificationfor Primary School Teaching Assistants who want to further their understanding, knowledge and skills across the ever-changing primary curriculum. It is recognised by Head teachers and Governors alike as a successful, relevant qualification that impacts positively on teaching and leaning in schools.

Students taking part on the course get involved in a range of trips and activities. Past students have enjoyed trips to a Steiner School near York looking at alternative philosophies of teaching and learning. Students on the course also take part in a range of team building activities and socialise as a group at organised events – this helps you to learn from colleagues and other students in both informal as well as formal settings.

As well as your placement, you will be able to take part in a 2 day placement in a different primary school. Our students often tell us this is a valuable insight into the way that different primary schools operate. All staff teaching on the course are former or existing Primary school practitioners who are able to bring a wealth of valuable experience, real-life examples and case studies into the classroom.

What Will I Study?

In Year One, you will study a common core of introductory modules designed to familiarise you with differing approaches in supporting the teaching and learning of primary English, Literacy, Mathematics, Science and ICT to help you apply key theories, concepts and skills to the primary classroom. There will be opportunities to draw upon established and current primary age educational theories through the How Children Learn module. The ReflectivePractitioner will develop students’ understanding of personal development planning rationale and practices.During Year two, you will study how the challenging area of Special Education Needs and Inclusive Teaching and Learning practice impacts upon your teaching and learning support and explore aspects of the Humanities elements of the Primary Curriculum. Additionally, you will begin to research educational issues that affect teaching and learning and engage in your own Research Project following the Research Methods taught module.In Year Three, you will examine the Creative elements of the Primary Curriculum and develop Digital Skills for the 21st Century Classroom. You will become familiar with the Assessment methods used in schools and complete an analysis of a case study on the Future of the Primary Sector. Work based Learning will enable learners to consider, explore and examine the key attributes needed to become an effective and reflective practitione.

Entry Requirements

You will need a Level 2 Qualification or GCSE at Grade Cor above in both English and Maths; one years experience working in a Primary school for at least one day each school week and have the signed support of a Headteacher to allow you to carry out a placement for one day a week, for three years. We invite all candidates to an interview. You’ll need a clear current CRB certificate

More information about UCAS tariff points

Modules

• Supporting Teaching and Learning in Literacy
• Supporting Teaching and Learning in Mathematics
• How Children Learn
• Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Teaching and Learning practice
• Supporting Teaching and Learning in Science
• Supporting Teaching and Learning in ICT
• The Reflective Practitione
• Research Methods
• The Role of Assessment in Supporting Learning
• Supporting Teaching and Learning in Humanities
• Supporting Teaching and Learning in Creative Subjects
• The Future of the Primary Sector
• Educational Issues Affecting Teaching and Learning in the Primary Sector
• Developing Digital Skills for the 21st Century Primary Classroom
• Research Project
• Work based Learning

How will I be assessed

During the course you will be assessed by a variety of methods including coursework, written assignments, reports, poster presentations, electronic presentations and portfolio building. Additionally there will be a series of tasks to complete and analyse from your Primary School placement or employment.

Where Next?

The Foundation Degree is recognised as quality award in the primary school sector. It can lead both directly and via top-up qualifications to careers in:

• Primary School Support
• Teaching
• Learning Mentoring
• Educational Management/Administration
• HLTA
• Family Support
• Behaviour Management

Validated by

Lancaster University

Duration

Three years part-time

UCAS Code

Apply Direct

Programme Specification

Download the Programme Specification for this course.

Additional Documents

Frequently Asked Questions
The route to Qualified Teacher Status via the Foundation Degree in Teaching and Learning Support
The Role of the Mentor
Supplementary Application Form

Getting in Touch

For more information about this or any other degree-level course phone 01254 29-25-94 (Option 2) or email he-admissions@blackburn.ac.uk. Our friendly Admissions team will be able to give you more information about the course or may direct you through to the Course Leader where appropriate.

How to Apply

This is a part-time course. You’ll need to apply directly using our own application form to take part in the programme. The form is available to download here along with Guidance Notes as to how to complete the form. You should save the completed form and then email it to he-applications@blackburn.ac.uk. You can also send us a hard-copy to the address on the front of the form. Once we’ve received your application form we’ll send you a postcard so you know we’re processing your application.