FD (Arts) Supporting Children in Primary Education

Our tutors are experienced professionals from a variety of fields within early years, such as education, health, special needs and inclusion and social care.  Your teaching staff alongside lecturers at the University of Wolverhampton are also active researchers and these interests contribute to high quality teaching, curriculum development and innovation which underpin the teaching and learning that you will experience. You will benefit from the latest research in the areas of Childhood and Special Educational Needs such as ‘mental health and resilience,’ and ‘inclusive pedagogy’, ‘critical disability,’ and ‘inclusive practice’. Your teaching team has a range of expertise and practice in Early Childhood, Special Educational Needs, Young People and Families and Education which will help you to make the link between your learning on the course and your experiences and practice. 

This Foundation degree is taught on a flexible basis and allows you to undertake your studies around your working commitments. The university and college work closely together to support students throughout their studies.

You will have the opportunity to use your work-based experiences and complete tasks to accredit your learning in the workplace or use prior certificated learning at level 4 up to a maximum of 40 credits. This will shorten the time you spend studying for this degree.

Resources for modules will be provided by your college; in addition, you are eligible to access University resources. University Libraries are the key source of academic information for students,providing access to a wide range of books, journal, DVDs etc. Each library offers a range of study areas to allow students to study in the environment that suit them best, including group and quiet areas with access to PCs. In addition, the Library enables access to wide range of online information sources, including eBooks, e-Journals and subject databases. See support for Students Based Off-Campus.

The Library also provides students with academic skills support via the Skills for Learning programme . As a student at the University of Wolverhampton you can attend on campus workshops or ask for one-to-one help on a range of skills such as academic writing and referencing. Students can access a range of online skills material at: www.wlv.ac.uk/lib/skills

The University Student Support website offers advice on a variety of matters (careers, counselling, student union advice, etc.) Students can also access these services by booking appointment with the SU, careers, counselling services, etc.

Course Specific Support

You will be allocated a Personal Tutor

Specific assessment support will be factored into each module.

If you have disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties, you can gain a wide range of support from Student Support and Well Being team at the university.

Higher Education academic skills will be embedded throughout the curriculum.

1. Knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles in relation to developing high quality inclusive educational practice to meet the needs of children and families.

2. Ability to apply concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied, including, the expected pattern of children’s learning and development, safeguarding, inclusive pedagogical approaches to promote learning, creative planning of learning opportunities, the curriculum, the learning environment, assessment and where appropriate, the application of those principles in an employment context.

3. Knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in inclusive education and the ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in relation to the ideologies of inclusion, including the diversity of learners and the complexities of the inclusion process.

4. Use a range of established techniques to undertake critical analysis of information, key theories, principles, and issues of inclusive educational policy and to propose solutions to problems as a reflective practitioner.

5. Effectively communicate information, arguments, and analysis in a variety of forms and deploy key techniques of inclusion in educational settings effectively to be able to reflect critically on their own value systems.

6. Gain the qualities and transferable skills for employment in the field of inclusive education, exercise personal responsibility and decision-making and develop existing skills. Acquire new competences that will enable them to assume significant responsibility within organisations.

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

^# Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

Hold a level three qualification (A levels, NVQ level three, NNEB diploma, BTEC National Diploma, Diploma in Child Care and Education).

A minimum of 1 year’s experience supporting children in primary school.

"I am so grateful to you for everything you did for me from the start of my FD until the very last moment of my BA Hons. You will never know what your support meant."

Alex, FD (Arts) Supporting Children in Primary Education graduate

The support I received from tutors has been positive and ongoing. During the pandemic I was worried that I wouldn't be able to support myself through online learning. However, the content available and the extent of resources was great. For me personally the pre-recorded lessons were a turning Point, I was able to pause and make notes. I felt I was able to go at my own pace to comprehend with the modules. Course leaders were also positive and encouraging to my peers at any questions posed to them. This was nice to see as it made tutors relatable to their students and empathic towards them. I felt supported and heard when it came to my communication with the tutors. All my emails are answered, and I felt I was at ease when I needed to ask questions. Tutors have gone above and beyond to support students both academically and personally. The FD has enabled me to link my practice and studies together this has made me and more informed and competent professional. The course it is a commitment to myself to continue with my passion for lifelong learning and working with inspiring children. The course has developed me to have big aspirations and not limit my career options. For this reason, I have decided to continue to complete a top up to level 6. I hope not only to support children but advocate for inclusion, SEN and families. The modules have given me a purposeful outlook on education, children, society and how I play my part to advocate for inclusion in my professional role. I have enjoyed the modules and utilise them in my professional role. I believe this course will enable me to go further in my career and can do the se for my peers. No matter your age or background the course and tutors will support and guide you through whatever your academic goal may be. Simran Rhoad Current Student

 

I have developed my knowledge and working practice on safeguarding, inclusion and being able to link my daily working practice in school to theory. After carrying out various research on these fundamental origins, looking back at a variety of situations through the eyes of theorists, teachers and families has given me an unbiased view to learn from. This foundation degree has really opened my eyes to the true challenges of working in partnership with professionals, families, and pupils. I have learned more about the challenges of following legislation, whilst trying to support families and always safeguard the well-being of the child as the priority. This has led to my working practice standards being improved, my self-belief has greatly increased in making better decisions for pupil’s wellbeing and holistic development. I have enjoyed the experience and now have a renewed hunger to continue my academic and personal development. Joshua Merchant Current Student

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here.

Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.

Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.

Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.

Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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