Theories of Learning, Teaching and Development provides an introduction to the relationship between learning theory and practice. You will develop your understanding of education practice and how a variety of approaches may be evident in different settings to meet individual needs. The exploration of theory in relation to policy and educational practices will put this in context. The module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of basic concepts relating to theories of learning, teaching and development. There is a focus on developmental theories, social constructivist and behaviourist approaches, multiple intelligences, conditions for learning, individual learning styles and theory related to motivation and learning climate.

Children and Young People’s Development and Learning Needs focuses on meeting additional and individual learning needs in relation to legislative procedures and policy within an inclusive education framework. You will develop insight and understanding of specific learning needs, such as dyslexia. In developing an understanding of learning needs for individual children, you will have the opportunity to develop a specific area of interest. You will understand and use terminology associated with additional learning needs and strategies that may be used in order to meet those needs. The module also heightens awareness of diverse needs and will provide you with an understanding of the different roles within the children’s workforce contributing to the development of learning.

Work Based Learning (Schools) requires you to undertake a placement in a primary or secondary school depending upon your pathway. This module will enable you to develop transferable skills appropriate for future employment in an educational or non-educational setting, to gain experience of alternative roles related to primary/secondary education, and to gain practical experience that will underpin your learning in campus-based modules.

Children’s Development Through Curriculum Models develops your knowledge and understanding of the role of curriculum models in children’s learning and development. You will be introduced to the theories, history and current developments relating to curriculum models within education. This will be achieved through a study of the creative curriculum, the child-centred curriculum and the objective-based curriculum.

Creative Approaches to Learning and Development develops your knowledge and understanding of the role of creativity in children’s learning and development. You will be introduced to the theories, history and current developments relating to creativity in education. This will be achieved through a study of both theoretical and professional literature. You will explore creative processes and teaching approaches across a range of curriculum subjects through reading and practical activities. Creativity using ICT and multimedia will be explored and you will be expected to create activities designed to enhance children’s learning and development.

EYFS: Vision and Principles focuses on the importance of strong principles and shared vision in the context of early years care and education as well as on the dimensions of quality which constitute the key characteristics of effective early years practice. You will formulate and articulate a set of personal beliefs and principles in relation to your practice and develop a robust conceptual framework for understanding the nature of early years provision and the underlying social, cultural and political processes which impact on quality.

Planning Assessment and Evaluation of Learning introduces you to the concept of the planning and assessment cycle and the need for assessment and evaluation to impact upon planning. You will be encouraged to reflect on your personal and professional experience of planning, assessment and the current local, regional and national contexts in which you work. The module will explore the current standards and effectiveness debate, political priorities and the media’s view on evaluation, assessment and accountability in theory and practice. You will also identify and interpret a range of sources of assessment data, consider the key features of good practice and experiment with a range of recording techniques to monitor and measure children’s levels of achievement.

Children’s Development Through the Primary Curriculum enhances your strength in various curriculum areas. The module will enable you to develop a strong understanding of children’s development and learning, which will underpin successful support for children’s learning and development in schools and settings.

Learning Outside the Classroom aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of learning outside the classroom. You will be introduced to the cross-curricular benefits of learning outside the classroom, for example on field trips or visiting museums or galleries. The module is designed to further your understanding of how learning outside the classroom contributes significantly to improving children’s personal, social and emotional development.

Personal Achievement and Career Planning allows you to review your workplace experience by evaluating the links between theory and practice. The aim is for you to identify and reflect on your own achievements and potential. You will develop a personal profile and career strategy which includes CV writing, reflection upon your strengths and weaknesses, interview preparation and the assembly of a personal portfolio of work.

Working in a Multi-Agency Environment examines the legacy of the ‘Every Child Matters’ initiative.  The module considers how professionals may intervene effectively using a variety of approaches and working with other agencies. Crucially, you will be encouraged to look at what happens when agencies fail to work together. You will consider the importance of information sharing, look at policy relating to safeguarding and child welfare, consider different models of inter agency working, and reflect on the challenges and benefits of multi-agency models.

Preparing for Research introduces you to research methodology and the importance of completing an initial plan as a means of scaffolding preparation for a future research project. You will focus on the development of critical reading and critical analysis of a wide range of texts.

Inclusion and Support Networks provides an opportunity to evaluate inclusive provision in the workplace. You will be encouraged to devise innovative ways to foster, promote and develop inclusive practice and to apply effective strategies that help to remove barriers to learning and participation. The module will promote good practice in terms of partnership approaches to meeting learning needs, participation, rights, entitlement, voice, access to the curriculum and learning for all children.

Current Initiatives in Supporting Children’s Development examines the major determinants affecting the health economic and social well-being of children, young people and their families. The module will address inequalities and explore interventions aimed at tackling such inequalities to ensure that the best outcomes are afforded to children and young people.

Work-Based Research requires you to carry out a small-scale research project that will inform your practice and may also provide a foundation for Master’s study and further research work. You will discover how to select, justify and evaluate an appropriate set of research tools to carry out your research, gain an appreciation and understanding of ethics, and gather, analyse and present research results in a way that is appropriate to your chosen research methodology.

Safeguarding Children and Young People focuses on Every Child Matters and the current safeguarding agenda to enable children to reach their potential. In the critical analysis of challenging issues, you will expand your knowledge through the integration of research and theory, tackling complex issues and developing problem solving abilities. Working in partnership, communication and collaboration are central to the provision of specific support and services for children and young people and integration of services is central to the ethos of the module. There is a need to fully appreciate the rights of children and young people in law and this module actively fosters this concept.

Applying Theories to Learning equips you with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of teaching and learning and allows you to relate it to your own practice. The module examines theories of learning and allows you to critically review these in relation to practice in educative settings. There is a focus on cognitivism, social constructivism, behaviourist and humanist approaches, learning styles, multiple intelligences, meta-cognition and an exploration of the relationships between teaching for learning and associated conditions for learning.

Contemporary Approaches to Learning within Alternative Educational Settings provides you with an opportunity to consider the potential impact on children’s learning and development in educational settings other than schools. This module will critically examine contemporary approaches and issues related to education that are developed and practised within Alternative Education Settings (AES), such as museums, zoos, galleries, heritage sites, outdoor learning centres and environmental centres. A critical understanding of how these approaches evolve and are influenced by current social, economic and political policy will be established, drawing from both national and international perspectives.

GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent) is now essential.

Pathways in Mathematics, Personal Social Health and Citizenship Education, and Science are no longer available. All associated optional modules for these pathways have been removed, meaning all students will now follow what was previously the Primary pathway.

104-112 UCAS Tariff points are required to join this programme with effect from September 2020 entry.

GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above has been removed from entry criteria.