CALLING ALL TEACHING ASSISTANTS

23 January 2004

CALLING ALL TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Edge Hill College of Higher Education aims to secure its position as one of the largest providers of Foundation degrees in the country, by recruiting for courses starting in April and September this year.

Teaching and classroom assistants who are seeking to develop their skills are invited to apply for Teaching and Learning Support Foundation degrees, available to those working in both primary and secondary schools.

The courses are aimed at those who have been working in schools, on either a voluntary or paid basis, for at least a year. Foundation degrees, studied over three years, are designed to provide a greater understanding of the role of classroom or teaching assistant, within the wider context of the current educational climate.

Attendance is on a part time basis, one afternoon/evening per week, with sessions based at Edge Hill?s Ormskirk and Chorley Campuses.

A distance learning option is also available for secondary school assistants. The Secondary Blended Teaching and Learning Foundation Degree is new for 2004 and is specially designed for those who cannot commit to regular attendance at a study centre. Using mostly web based teaching, candidates do not need to have highly developed IT skills, and will be supported with eight face to face sessions, per year, based at Woodford Lodge, Chorley.

Peter Townley, Head of Foundation Degree and Education Programmes at Edge Hill, said: "Our first cohort of foundation degree students are set to graduate this year. They will be the first in the country to enjoy the career benefits that the qualification provides. Students will also have the opportunity to apply to progress on to an Honours route in either Primary QTS or Education and Childhood Studies"

Students can 'step off? at various points throughout the Foundation degree and still leave with a qualification. On completion, successful students may also progress to Honours degree level or Qualified Teacher Status(QTS) through further study options.

Visitors are invited to attend an open evening to launch the Secondary Blended option that takes place at the Woodford Lodge Professional Centre, Winsford, Cheshire on Wednesday, 11th February, 5.00pm until 7.30pm.

An Education Open Evening takes place at the Ormskirk Campus on Wednesday 10th March from 6.00pm until 8.00pm.

Alternatively, those interested in any education programmes can call the Enquiries Unit on freephone 0800 195 5063.

ENDS

EDITOR?S NOTES: For further information please contact: Roisin Rowley-Smith PR Manager Tel: 01695 584509 Fax: 01695 584355 E mail: rowlesr@edgehill.ac.uk or pressoffice@edgehill.ac.uk.