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What you will study
This is a two year, part time programme and you will study three, 20 credit modules each year.
Year 1:
Principles of Teaching, Learning and Assessment You will be introduced to teaching and learning in the further education and skills sector. Features of effective teaching, especially contemporary learning theories and evidence-based approaches for learning, teaching and assessment in further education and skills will be explored. There is a particular focus on establishing high expectations for all learners, including: raising aspirations, teaching learners with special educational needs, supporting learners with potential barriers to learning. The module also supports your transition into higher education, especially regarding assessment.
Professional Practice 1: The Beginning Teacher You will learn about roles and responsibilities in the further education and skills sector and how to work effectively and efficiently within the context of your work-based placement setting. This will include harnessing input from a range of expert colleagues – including your pastoral mentor and subject specialist mentor – to progress your specialist subject knowledge and subject pedagogy. Development in this respect will be underpinned by the application of evidence-based approaches to learning, teaching and assessment so that all learners receive high-quality teaching. Reflection on your teaching practice, including knowledge and understanding of the learners that you will teach, will also contribute to the development of your values-based identity as a teacher in the further education and skills sector.
Professional Practice 2: The Enquiring Teacher You will deepen your subject and pedagogical knowledge, including threshold concepts, troublesome knowledge and core skills, and knowledge of the setting you are working in. You will learn how to support the different needs of learners, underpinned by knowledge and understanding of the learners you teach. You will apply contemporary learning theories and evidence-based learning strategies so that all learners receive high-quality teaching. You will develop and utilise digital skills to enhance learning.
Year 2:
Reflecting on Teaching, Learning, and Assessment You will carry out an action research project, working with colleagues and external stakeholders to secure better learner outcomes. You will be supported to develop and deploy key research skills, including the identification of a relevant research issue, identification and analysis of literature in the field, and evaluation of research methodologies with a view to using the most effective approach for their context. You will also develop your oral communication skills through the dissemination of your findings to peers and other stakeholders.
Professional Practice 3: The Reflective Teacher You will learn about the role of assessment data in evaluating and reviewing learning plans, including the identification of gaps for groups of learners. Wider themes and drivers, ideologies and curriculum models are introduced, including responses in curriculum to changes in society. The impact on college and sector priorities from external policies is examined through the lens of subject and setting specialist teaching. Professional Practice 4: The Independent Teacher Through this module you will become aware of the wider aspects of teaching in the further education and Skills sector. You will learn about pedagogies employed in different settings and gain insight into the employment practices of various settings. The impact of emerging technologies on specialist subject teaching and subject pedagogy is explored and you will support learners as they prepare for work and further study.
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Entry Requirements
Minimum Standards in English, mathematics, and digital literacy
-Candidates will have Level 2 in both maths and English. Please see approved list of Level 2 qualifications. -Trainees must be able to demonstrate digital skills at Level 1 as a minimum. This will be assessed by an interview task.
Subject specialist knowledge
-Candidates will have a qualification of Level 3 and above in the subject they wish to teach. -Candidates applying to teach vocational subjects should demonstrate relevant professional experience. This will be assessed at interview. -In exceptional circumstances, candidates without a Level 3 qualification, who have been recommended to the course by their employer, will provide evidence of industry qualifications and/or substantial professional experience.
Placement
-You must already have teaching, either paid or unpaid. -We will ask your employer to sign an agreement for: 250 hours placement, which includes 150 hours of teaching over two years, Two mentors: subject specialist mentor and pastoral mentor and Permission to run some online sessions with your students: 10 hours per year
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Assessment
You will be assessed in two main ways: via academic assessments and the assessment of your teaching practice.
You will submit assignments for each academic module, gaining Level 4 and Level 5 credits as you progress through the course. A range of assessment methods will help you to evidence your knowledge, skills and behaviours.
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Moving Forward
The successful completion of this course equips you for employment as a teacher in the further education and skills sector. This qualification also meets one of the eligibility criteria that may enable you to apply to undertake professional formation, which leads to Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS). Eligibility criteria for professional formation is stipulated by the Society for Education and Training (SET) and published annually. See SET QTLS eligibility criteria here for more information. Your teaching career can take you on to a very rewarding and exciting professional journey involving learning and teaching, leadership and management, curriculum development, research and advisory roles.
