FdA Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Foundation Degree (Level 5) in Nottingham. Classes run at Basford, part-time during the day over three years. The course is fee-paying, though various bursaries may be available for some learners. You'll study while working in a school, covering literacy and numeracy support, assessment for learning, child development, and professional practice. The course is designed for people working in Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2 settings. It can also support you toward Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status. You'll need to work at least ten hours a week in a suitable school role throughout.
Who this course is for
If you're currently working in a school in Key Stage One or Two, this course will allow you to progress your career towards Qualified Teaching Status (QTS) (following successful completion of the foundation degree and a top-up year to achieve a full degree.
Entry requirements
You will need a minimum of 48 UCAS points from: At least two A Levels at A2; BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma; International Baccalaureate; Access to HE Diploma. Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff. We would expect students to be working at (or to demonstrate competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy.
What you will learn
You'll develop study skills and apply them to current educational initiatives.
You'll explore personal development and professional practice in a school setting.
You'll learn how to support pupils' literacy and numeracy skills.
You'll understand anti-discriminatory practice in education.
You'll study assessment for learning and how to use it in the classroom.
You'll examine child development and wellbeing.
You'll learn how to support science teaching across the curriculum.
How you will learn
You'll attend daytime classes at Basford on a part-time basis over three years. Learning combines classroom sessions with work-based practice in your school role. Assignments are linked to the Key Stage you work in, so your study connects directly to your day-to-day responsibilities. Your employer will need to provide a statement of support confirming they can meet the full range of workplace requirements for the programme.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Basford will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to be working in a Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2 school role for a minimum of ten hours per week, and your employer will need to provide a written statement of support before you begin.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Teaching assistant: support pupils across Key Stage 1 and 2 classrooms.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA): take greater responsibility for planning and delivering lessons.
Special educational needs (SEN) support assistant: work with pupils who need additional support.
Learning mentor: guide and motivate pupils with pastoral or academic needs.
Cover supervisor: manage classes in a teacher's short-term absence.
What you could study next
BA (Hons) Education top-up degree: a one-year top-up after the FdA takes you to a full honours degree, which is a step toward Qualified Teaching Status (QTS).
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): with a full degree, you can train as a qualified teacher through a PGCE programme.
HLTA assessment: you can pursue Higher Level Teaching Assistant status alongside or after this course.
