IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY. Highlands. Opportunities Achievement Success. Childhood Studies Degrees

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1 Highlands Opportunities Achievement Success IN Childhood Studies Degrees

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3 Introduction Plymouth University in partnership with Highlands College offers unrivalled expertise and experience in helping you the learner gain OPPORTUNITIES, ACHIEVE your goals and enjoy your learning SUCCESS. We understand that you are an individual, with unique aspirations and goals. Studying on our Childhood Studies Degree courses gives you access to: Tutors with unrivalled industry and academic experience Work-based learning within the childcare sector Unrivalled networking opportunities with our industry partners Study at a leading university. Plymouth has been named as one of the UK s top 50 universities in The Sunday Times University Guide FdA in Childhood Studies This exciting foundation degree is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of childhood studies from birth to 16 years. This programme aims to help you become a knowledgeable, creative, committed and enthusiastic advocate for young children and their families. The childcare sector in Jersey is very active and there are currently about 850 staff employed in it. In future, there will be an increasing demand for professionals who have trained to the highest levels in this area. Taking this programme will put you at the forefront ofdevelopments in your profession. This degree is designed, run and monitored by Highlands College in close partnership with Plymouth University, which already offers similar courses in the UK. It is ideal for people who aim to work in the higher positions in Jersey s childcare industry or start their own business in the long term. It would appeal to school leavers who wish to study to a higher level without leaving the Island but, equally, it provides an excellent path for existing professionals to continue their development in this rewarding, quickly changing sector. You will study the most important subjects for those working with children of all ages, including theory and observations of children s learning, children s rights and welfare, and disability and inclusion. During your second year you will learn about multi-agency working, management and leadership skills and research methodologies. You will be taught by experienced academics and professionals who are experts in their fi eld. 3

4 Why a Plymouth University Degree at Highlands About us With a mission to be the enterprise university, Plymouth is a dynamic and innovative environment within which to work and study, transforming lives through education, world-class research and innovation on a global stage. Plymouth University has been shortlisted for one of the most coveted and prestigious awards in the national higher education sector. The institution has been named among six fi nalists for the 2012 University of the Year accolade, in the annual Times Higher Education Awards. We are committed to delivering an outstanding student experience and enjoy a reputation for excellence in teaching and learning alongside world-class research. Together with a research-informed curriculum, we embed employability skills throughout a student s journey with us. This approach is replicated at our partner colleges around the UK, including Highlands College. Our students emerge as highly employable graduates with an impressive skills base. Studying for a Plymouth degree in Jersey gives the benefi ts of a Plymouth approved curriculum which is tailored to the local market. Skilled teachers Feedback from current students is universally positive about the high standards and approachability of the teaching team. In the Plymouth University Partner Colleges Undergraduate Student Perception survey, 100% of fi rst year students stated that they found staff are good at explaining things ; 100% of students were satisfi ed with the quality of the course, and over 90% agreed that the course has helped me to present myself with confi dence. Our core team are all experienced teachers with over 40 years experience between them. We also draw on a pool of experienced visiting lecturers from the Island s Childcare sector. Crucially, we insist that anyone delivering a module on any of our courses has a nationally recognised teaching qualifi cation, ensuring the highest standards of achievement and academic integrity. Ongoing support We recognise that at higher education level students are on a journey toward full independence and this is refl ected in the large amount of support which is delivered in the fi rst year, gradually being reduced as students develop their skills as independent learners. We believe in small class sizes, prioritising quality over the sheep-dip approach favoured by some institutions. Students also have the support of a personal tutor, a work-based learning tutor and, of course, their placement coach in the placement organisation. Varied teaching methods Teaching is via a variety of methods from traditional lectures and seminars to small group challenges, including participation in organised events to apply theory to practice. Teaching and assessment is integrally linked to the work placement, allowing students to apply and embed what they have learned in the classroom. Classrooms are well-equipped with interactive whiteboards and internet access. Higher education students have access to their own study space as well as the College library and Learning Resources Centre. Students also have access to electronic resources and learning support material through Plymouth University s web-based student portal. 4

5 The University Centre at Highlands Placement coaches During the FdA Childhood Studies Degree you will be allocated an experienced placement coach who will guide you through your work experience whilst out in industry. The role of the coach is to ensure that the student is provided with guidance, support and feedback to enable them to develop and apply theory learned in the classroom within a real life childcare environment. Creative assessment tools Recognising that learners are all different, we assess students using a range of methods from reports and academic essays, to group and individual presentations and practical case studies. This helps students to develop their academic skills, observations and activity planning as well as developing the soft skills that our partner organisations tell us that they expect in graduate hires. Importantly, the refl ective diary/portfolio that students keep during their extensive work placement forms a critical part of the overall assessment. Students are encouraged to engage in dialogue, with their coach and those around them at work, to refl ect on and learn from this unrivalled experience. Practical assessments A distinctive feature of the Childhood Studies Degree is on the emphasis of developing knowledge and skills central to the role of the aspiring leader. All modules have embedded practical assessments to complement the strong vocational focus of the degree course and to give the student the opportunity to deal with real life issues and projects, including regular work placements. On successful completion of your work placements during the FdA programme you will be certifi ed with a Licence to Practice in Jersey with team leader status, recognised by Childcare Registration, Education Sport and Culture. 5

6 FdA Childhood Studies Syllabus Level 4 Modules (Stage 1) HIGH1027. Professional Development This module is designed to give students the skills and confidence to make the most of the college and work based elements of the programme. It covers such areas as: communication; time management; team working; study skills; objective setting; and learning while working through practical engagement in a range of childcare environments. HIGH1018. Understanding Children s Learning and Development This module introduces important theories of children s development. There is particular emphasis on the role of play, social and emotional development, language, motor skills and schemas. Observational techniques will be studied and used to analyse children s development in the light of theory. HIGH1020. Children s Rights and Welfare The focus of this module is the lives of children in Jersey and the UK; exploring key social and political issues that affect their lives and of their families. The infl uence of international agreements on the Rights of the Children on Jersey and UK legislation will be investigated covering legislation that supports child protection. HIGH1021. Today s Child Children s lives today are diverse in experience. This module examines family patterns and social factors which infl uence these experiences. Comparative studies are used to develop awareness of historical and social constraints. HIGH1022. Include Me! Perspectives on Disability and Inclusion This module introduces key perspectives on disability, inclusion and exclusion; critically examining historical and cultural views. It challenges participants to examine their own attitudes and values. HIGH1023. Provision for Children This module introduces patterns of provision for children, locally and in the UK and compares this with provision from around the world. Curriculum frameworks and approaches to include Te Whariki, Montessori, Steiner and Reggio Emilia will be considered alongside different approaches to care environments. Work-based Learning Work-based learning is made up of 360 hours over a two year period and will provide you with opportunities to explore and develop ways of learning from practical engagement in a range of childcare environments. It will enable you develop key organisational skills and job knowledge, take on increasing responsibility and to make well founded decisions about your future career. It will also offer you the opportunity to gather evidence to contribute towards both the Professional Development and Management Modules. Your WBL Tutor and Work Mentor will carry out a detailed job analysis to identify the knowledge and skills you will be expected to develop. They will also agree how your learning process will be supported. The WBL Supervisor will visit you regularly while you are undertaking work-based learning and will discuss your progress with you and help you to sort out any issues that may arise. Level 5 Modules (Stage 2) All of the modules delivered in Stage 2 build upon the modules studied in Stage 1 HIGH2015. Child Development is for the Future Adult A child s self-esteem is key to their future; heredity, experiences, the environment and those around the child all contribute and infl uence their holistic development. The formation of a child s self concept and gender identity will be studied in addition to emerging theories on emotional intelligence. HIGH2016. Who Am I? Research fi nds that even before birth learning occurs and that children continue to be active learners. Building on the successful observational methods of earlier scientists such as Vygotsky and Piaget students will be encouraged to critically appraise research and develop connections between theories studied. HIGH2017. Children in Society (Research Module) Using the psychological and sociological research framework from year 1, students will analyse some of the ethical issues that may arise when involving children as research participants. A small scale research project will form the assessment mode for this module. HIGH2018. Multi-agency working and the impact on Children This module looks at the importance, challenges and methods of multi-agency working in meeting the needs of children. The legislation and Codes of practice that guide teams will be examined. HIGH2019. Physical Movement in the lives of Children Many approaches to learning promote the use of movement to develop cognitive constructs and consider outdoor play as essential for ensuring children s well-being. Different philosophies will be examined and historical and international perspectives compared. 6 HIGH2020. Children s Workforce Management and Leadership This module builds on the knowledge and skills of interpersonal and group behaviour acquired in year 1, and knowledge gained in other modules in the course, to an in depth focus on the principles and practice of management, leadership and change in the children s workforce.

7 BA (Hons) Childhood Studies programme structure Fulltime mode of study Year 1 Honours Degree (Level 6) Module code Module title No. credits Term HIGH3006 Honours Project 40 credits 1,2 & 3 HIGH3007 Consultancy in childcare 20 credits 1&2 HIGH3008 Strategic, operational and multiagency management 20 credits 2 & 3 HIGH3009 Curriculum, planning & assessment 20 credits 1 HIGH3010 Key issues in childhood and youth studies 20 credits 2 Total 120 Credits 7

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9 BA (Honours) Degree in Financial Services Bright prospects Employability We want you to be in a good position to face the demands of a tough economic environment. Our courses and work experience opportunities allow you to develop transferable skills needed to meet the changing needs of employers, the economy and society. We seek to strengthen your professional practice by building your own portfolio to help you refl ect and prove your worth to employers. We are committed to providing opportunities for our students to develop abilities and skills which will enhance their employability. These opportunities are available to students at every level of study, regardless of their own personal circumstances. Primary objectives Underpinning this strategy are fi ve primary objectives: To maintain the University s position as the Island s leading institution for student employability; To improve the overall quality of graduates fi rst employment destinations as evidenced by our success in relation to students gaining jobs with their placement provider; To incorporate employability-related skills and training activities across all academic disciplines and other relevant areas; To establish and maintain high quality, fully coordinated links with leading local graduate recruiters. The University aims to achieve these objectives by:- Continuing to embed higher-level, subject-specifi c, intellectual and transferable skills within the academic curriculum; Increasing and enhancing opportunities for workrelated learning; Preparing students for employment in a global economy; Recording personal development. Developing employability attributes A set of core attributes are routinely outlined by employers as indicators of their needs and as ciphers of graduateness. These relate to world of work behavioural practices, such as reliability, good timekeeping, confi dence and complex problemsolving, and, no less importantly, to soft skills such as communication, teamworking ability, the capacity to operate independently and to demonstrate contextual sensitivity, including intercultural awareness. Recognition of the value of these attributes, and of their pertinence to HE learning within and outside the curriculum, underpins the ambitions of the University s Employability Strategy. We have a proven track record in students securing employment in a related job role on graduation. 9

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11 Application process Admissions For the minimum entry requirement is 240 UCAS points from a minimum of two A Levels or equivalent (e.g. BTEC Extended Diploma) or 24 International Baccalaureate points plus GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above. Other level 3 qualifi cations will be considered and mature applicants with relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis. All candidates will need to have a successful interview. You will also need to demonstrate a clean police record check for your work placement. Cost Tuition fees for new students for the academic year will be How to apply All applicants are required to complete an application form and submit a personal statement. A specifi c task relevant to the course applied for will also be set which will be discussed at the interview stage. Grant means tested support for fees and living expenses is available from the Education, Sport and Culture Department - please contact Tel for more information. Lynn Blakemore Programme Manager for FdA and BA (Hons) Childhood Studies Lynn.blakemore@highlands.ac.uk Innes MacLagan University Centre Manager Innes.MacLagan@highlands.ac.uk Jane Herlihy University Centre Administrator Jane.Herlihy@highlands.ac.uk Application forms can be downloaded from or can be collected from Student Services at Highlands College. For further information on any of our courses direct your questions and queries to the team. 11

12 Highlands Opportunities Achievement Success Highlands College, PO Box 1000, St Saviour, Jersey, JE4 9QA Tel: (01534) Design & Print by Energy Media Tel (01534)