Term dates for the College and University Centre academic year 2024/2025 are now available online.
FdA Childhood Education
The FdA Childhood Education is an exciting opportunity for you to study education provided for children 3-11 years of age. You will gain all of the necessary skills to understand how to provide the support and guidance needed for a career in Childhood Education.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
This course is focused on Primary School teaching but will teach the importance of the transitions from EYFS to key stage 1 through to key stage 2. It provides an introduction to a wide range of topics associated with childhood education including some of the more complex issues surrounding children and education today. The programme will enable students to develop their own teaching strategies and practice from this knowledge base. You will develop your understanding of childhood education through making clear and consistent links between theory and your own practice whilst undertaking a professional work placement.
Please be aware that due to government changes in June 2022 within the Early Childhood Benchmark statement by QAA, the FdA Childhood Education course is no longer on the approved list for providers for Early Years Practitioner Status for the Department of Education. Therefore, the foundation degree qualification does not cover graduates to be included within ratios within early years settings. The University Centre and the Education Team are working with the University of Plymouth to re-approve the programme to include the requirements to ensure that graduates will be able to have Early Year Practitioner Status in the future and help meet the industry need.
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Excellent Tutor Support
Embedded Vocational Practice
Professional Progression Links
Trips to Alternative Learning Environments
Experienced Teaching Staff
Excellent Professional Progression
Previous students of the FdA Childhood Education course have been able to successfully apply for a place on local SCITT Programmes, third-year top-ups on a range of Bachelors Degrees and have felt well prepared for Level 6 study.
Working With Local Settings
Our students undertake a work placement in the first and second year of the course, utilising links with local Primary Schools, Nurseries and Special Schools. We have dedicated links to TPAT Schools and provide a range of support to find the best placement for you
Continuing Professional Development
Alongside the foundation degree, we offer additional opportunities to increase your professional development through courses including Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding, Makaton and have links to undertake Forest School training.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
This programme has been designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge base required to work in their chosen specialism or other graduate opportunities. It is also a platform from which students can undertake additional academic and in some instances professional vocational qualifications.
First Year
- The Psychology of Teaching and Learning
- Professionalism and Interpersonal Relationship
- Theories of Childhood Education
- Professional Practice (Compulsory Placement)
- Curriculum, Curriculum Planning and Age Phase Transition
- Special Education Needs and Disability
Second Year
- Education and Society
- Alternative Learning Environments
- Curriculum: English & Mathematics
- Curriculum: Science & Technology
- Critical Professional Practice (Compulsory Placement)
- Educational Research
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
The FdA Childhood Education prepares you for employability in the sector as it increases your understanding of children’s learning and development. There are bespoke modules that focus on the planning and delivery of curriculum subjects. The vocational practice enables you to develop your confidence in the classroom. Graduates are suitably prepared to pursue careers in primary school teaching, childcare management and nursery supervision. We have lecturers teaching on the course who were former students themselves and have completed their Bachelor’s Degree and post-16 PGCE.
Following the 2-year foundation degree, we have direct entry pathways into a number of top-up third years including:
- BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at University of Plymouth
- Flexible Learning Early Childhood Studies (FLECS) at University of Plymouth
- BA (Hons) Education and Training at Truro and Penwith College
- BA (Hons) Human Behavioural Studies at Truro and Penwith College
- BSc (Hons) Applied Social Science at Truro and Penwith College
- Course in Early Years Teacher (EYT) for those students who want to work with younger children at University of Plymouth
Assessment Arrangements
Assessment for this course is 100% coursework. Assessment is through a variety of methods to suit the module, these include; Academic essays, Seminars, Reports, Research and Reflection.
There is a compulsory work placement element to two of the modules, Professional Practice and Critical Professional Practice. It is compulsory to fulfill and evidence 80 hours of work placement in the first year and 120 hours of work placement in the second year. However, students are required to make links with practice throughout all modules and assessments.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) Maths, English and Science at Grade C (4) or above.
Together with one of the following:
- A minimum of 48 tariff points at A Level or equivalent Level 3 qualification
- Access to Higher Education: Considered on an individual basis
- Level 3 qualifications achieved in the workplace will be taken into consideration
- National and Advanced Diplomas in a relevant subject
Applications from mature students without academic credentials will be considered on an individual basis but must prove they are capable of Higher Education study.
Prospective students will be required to successfully complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which was formerly known as Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).
Additional Information
UCAS COURSE CODE: X310
DURATION: 2 years full time / Part-time route available
LOCATION: Truro & Penwith College
AWARDING BODY: Univeristy of Plymouth
Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.
What you could earn
Potential Salary
£54,765
Entry Level Salary
£19,994
Average Salary
£39,807
Annual openings in Cornwall
79
Potential Salary
£65,663
Entry Level Salary
£13,383
Average Salary
£38,712
Annual openings in Cornwall
37
Potential Salary
£45,211
Entry Level Salary
£11,460
Average Salary
£29,095
Annual openings in Cornwall
16
Potential Salary
£61,108
Entry Level Salary
£18,600
Average Salary
£29,243
Annual openings in Cornwall
7
Potential Salary
£42,920
Entry Level Salary
£12,727
Average Salary
£21,260
Annual openings in Cornwall
8
Potential Salary
£33,522
Entry Level Salary
£5,579
Average Salary
£17,456
Annual openings in Cornwall
14
Potential Salary
£21,351
Entry Level Salary
£6,976
Average Salary
£14,031
Annual openings in Cornwall
