Certificate of Higher Education in Education Studies (Primary)

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this certificate, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• Some of the factors, principles, issues, theories and research that influence and relate to children’s development and learning, and how these underpin and inform education policy and practices for primary-aged children

• Curricula for primary-age children and related approaches to assessment that support progression in learning

• Some of the ways in which ethnicity, religion, class, gender, and sexual orientation can impact children’s learning and development, and the importance of creating inclusive learning environments

• The needs of a range of pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs, disabilities, those of high ability and those learning an additional language, and knowledge of provision to engage and support them

• The importance of subject knowledge in supporting children’s learning in the core subjects of literacy and language, mathematics and numeracy, science and ICT, and some approaches to supporting children’s learning in these curriculum areas

• Some of the political, legal, ethical and rights frameworks that guide practice with children and support their health, safety, well-being and achievement

• The roles and responsibilities of stakeholders within educational settings, and the central importance of engaging with children’s voices and perspectives.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:

• Analyse and evaluate concepts, theories, policy and practice relating to child development and children’s learning

• Recognise some of the theories and concepts applied in practical teaching and learning contexts, and reflect on the nature of the relationship between educational theory, policy and practice

• Identify different perspectives on educational issues and consider evidence to develop and present arguments and proposals for practice

• Identify and reflect on your own attitudes, experiences and perspectives and those of others, and consider the implications for practice.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:

• Work independently and collaboratively and value the contributions of others

• Develop knowledge and awareness of some activities that can be used to monitor and assess children’s learning and development

• Develop knowledge and awareness of some of the skills needed for teaching and learning, including the promotion of mutually respectful relationships with children, families, colleagues, other professionals and the wider community

• Demonstrate sensitivity and awareness of some of the contextual factors that influence children’s learning and behaviour

• Demonstrate personal and professional conduct based on mutual respect and with regard to appropriate ethical considerations, and develop knowledge of professional standards relevant to their context

• Plan and manage time and tasks, work to deadlines, and articulate their own approaches to learning

• Identify strengths and areas for development, and seek and learn from feedback.

Key skills

On completion of this certificate, you will be able to demonstrate the following skills:

• Read independently and purposefully to identify and critically evaluate relevant information from a range of sources communicate and write accurately and clearly, using the conventions of academic writing for a range of purposes

• Articulate the knowledge, skills and understanding that underpin effective practice in the education of primary-aged children

• Retrieve, organise and interpret information, and present findings

• Use a range of digital technologies for study, participate in online discussions and recognise the role of ICT in supporting practice and continuing professional development

• Develop an understanding of the purposes and processes of research in the area of primary education including the importance of ethical considerations.

This qualification has one stage, comprising 120 credits.

• In Stage 1, you'll study two modules that will provide you with a broad introduction to primary education, childhood studies and child psychology.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Learning and teaching in the primary years (E103)
• Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology (E104)

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.

• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.

• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.

• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.

• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.

• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.

• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Skills for career development

This Certificate of Higher Education provides an effective foundation for further study that may lead to a wide choice of career paths, in particular within education. It emphasises independent thinking, develops communication skills and will help you become a clear and confident writer. Specific skills you’ll develop include:

• Evaluating and communicating information effectively to others

• Use a range of digital technologies effectively for study, online collaboration and to support your continuing professional development

• Planning and managing time and tasks and working to deadlines

• Identifying strengths and areas for development, and seeking and learning from feedback.

Career relevance

A Certificate of Higher Education in Education Studies (Primary) gives you a sound foundation for further study relevant to a range of roles relating to primary education. It is also relevant to other careers within childcare, health, education, play work and working with families and young people.

It will develop your understanding of practices and policies that affect children, and introduce you to many new aspects of the subject. If you’re considering teaching as a career, you’re strongly advised to check with your training provider about their entry policy for initial teacher education (ITE) programmes, as requirements vary between different universities.

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies

• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities

• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students

• Details of each assignment and their due dates

• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details

• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.