Learning Support FdA

Overview

This career-focused course is ideal for students who are currently employed in (or have access to) a Learning Support environment. The course will develop a personal approach to practice by furthering your understanding of education.

You will be encouraged to draw upon your existing skills, knowledge and experience as well as recognise your strengths and resolve personal professional development needs. The course modules are designed to give you the necessary expertise and knowledge to confidently tackle problems in a range of working environments and to put your studies to use in the real world.

A number of Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) standards are embedded in the intended learning outcomes of some of the Year 1 modules. As such they may be used by students to support the knowledge and understanding that is required in order to achieve HLTA status.

Preparation for assessment or the HLTA assessment process itself is not an element of these modules. Students would be required to undertake this component with the Regional Provider of Assessment through liaison with their Local Authority.
As well as being available at the University of Worcester on a full-time basis, the programme is also available at:

Click on the links above to view the course on the partner college's website.

About Foundation Degrees

If you want a course that combines academic theory with practical work experience, a Foundation degree is ideal.

A Foundation degree offers a varied mix of work-related skills and underpinning knowledge and gives you a good preparation for further study or employment. Employers work with us to design the courses, which ensures that they are up to date and relevant in today’s dynamic work environment.

A Foundation degree can be taken either full or part-time and credit can be given for relevant previous experience. You don’t always need formal qualifications to get started.

Course work can be geared to both paid and voluntary work. When you successfully complete your Foundation degree you may wish to progress directly to the third year of a BA/BSc (Hons) degree.

Entry Requirements 60 UCAS Tariff points.
Plus current/recent experience of working with learners, minimum two years, AND employed within an appropriate educational setting
A Criminal Records Bureau disclosure is required for this course
You may also be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority
Applicants with no formal qualifications may be considered for Mature Student Entry Routes

Preparing for Study
Literacy & Numeracy
Science & IT
Child Development
Understanding Learning Support
Managing Challenging Behaviour
Partnerships in Education
Wider Aspects of Disability
Introduction to Research Methods
Inclusion in Theory & Practice
Supporting Additional Needs
School-based Study (double module)
Talking & Listening with Others
Meeting the National Agenda
Evaluation

Written assignments, individual and group presentations, case studies and portfolios
Problem-based learning and workplace investigation skills

UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education in the UK.

Learning Support FdA X300 C FdA/LSpt

This course is run in partnership with the Herefordshire College of Technology (C).

For the latest information, check the UCAS website at www.ucas.com

This course will support employment in a range of educational settings and with a wide range of learners including mainstream and special schools, educational support services, such as the Learning Support and Behaviour Support Services. The course provides a sound basis for further study at degree level.

Student Profile:

Abigail Stiles
Learning Support FdA
Hometown: Tenbury Wells

"Signing up for a degree course was a major step for me as I have a young family and a part time job. My lecturers have been extremely supportive and the foundation course fits in well with my schedule. I am currently employed as a teaching assistant and only four months into the course, I can see how my new knowledge is benefiting my job and my students."

What can the course offer me?

This taught course will give you the opportunity to study across a wide range of modules within the subject, including disability awareness, supporting students with literacy and numeracy difficulties, child development, counselling, managing behaviour and supporting people with learning difficulties.

Is this the right course for me?

If you are working in schools as a teaching assistant then this course is for you. The course is designed to be work based, so you can earn while you study!

What study facilities are available?

The University of Worcester has great links with local schools and this ensures that you will be well supported during your practice experience. Many of the staff on the course are also practicing professionals and so have first hand experiences to draw on and can relate well to your situations.

What skills can I develop?

This course will enable you to develop your professional understanding of how children think and learn. You will hone your planning and organisation skills, the ability to turn theory into practice and then evaluate and become creative in your thinking to ensure that you always engage the children in their learning.

What are the career opportunities?

It is expected that graduates from the Foundation degree in Learning Support either go on to further study at Honours degree level and possibly onto a career in teaching. Those of you for who further study is not on the agenda then careers in learning support in schools, with local education authorities or private educational settings are open to you.

Request a Prospectus

How To Apply >>

Professional Development

Professional Development Leaflet [PDF]

To receive a copy by post please email study@worc.ac.uk

Download:

Learning Support FdA Leaflet [PDF]

Find Out More:

Tutor Contact Details

Herefordshire College of Technology
Contact: Jean Bourne
Email: bournej@hct.ac.uk

University of Worcester
Contact: Gwenda Scriven
Tel: 01905 855404
Email: g.scriven@worc.ac.uk

General Admissions Enquiries

Admissions Office
Tel: 01905 855111
Email: admissions@worc.ac.uk