Postgraduate Certificate in Dyslexia

British Dyslexia Association Accredited course leading to Approved Teacher Status (ATS) / Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA).

The aim of the course is to improve teachers’ knowledge, skill and confidence to work with pupils who have Specific Learning Difficulties, in particular dyslexia. It would be of interest to practitioners, from any Key Stage, who wish to identify and support pupils in their setting who have dyslexia.

The course is offered on a part-time basis and will be held on Saturdays through the academic year. The modules will be taught through face-to-face teaching sessions (five per module), school based activities and workshops. There will also be regular opportunities for individual or small group tutorials.

Course content

Module 1
Charcteristics of dyslexia and implications for teaching
Theories of causation
Writing learning plans

Module 2
Exploring multisensory intervention programmes
Improving organisation and study skills
Developing Dyslexia Friendly Schools

Module 3
Current research
Psychometric assessments
Writing diagnostic reports

Course Structure

Completion of Module 1 (Insights into dyslexia: reasearch-based practice ) and Module 2 (Teaching and Supporting Learners with Dyslexia) leads to a Postgraduate Certificate and also enables candidates to apply to the British Dyslexia Association for Approved Teacher Status, ATS; a specialist qualification increasingly recognised by LAs and other employers. Subsequent completion of an additional 30 credit module (Dyslexia: Advanced Professional Practice for teachers) leads to the award of Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association, AMBDA.

Those teachers who already hold a recognised Dyslexia/ SpLD qualification at ATS Level may be interested in ‘topping up’ their qualification to obtain AMBDA status.

Candidates may choose to continue with additional modules and work towards their Masters.

Assessment

The course is assessed through a portfolio of evidence, research activities and observations of teaching practice.

Course Requirements

Applicants (with the exception of speech and language therapists and psychologists) should have a first degree and a minimum of two years' teaching experience. Candidates must also have a letter of support from their school and possess a current Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure.