The foundation degree in Teaching and Learning is an academic programme which embeds work-based learning throughout. Our students are working or volunteering in learning support roles in primary, secondary or special schools locally. They bring their practice based experience into the higher education classroom, sharing their experiences and learning together as they apply psychological and educational theory to their practice. The foundation degree curriculum is holistic in its approach to supporting children and young people’s learning and development. We place a strong emphasis on supporting learners with special educational needs and disabilities, and becoming a reflective practitioner.

In October the Level 4 students joined their peers from the FdA Early Years Care & Education programme to visit We the Curious, Bristol’s children’s science museum to explore ways of embedding science into the school day. Then in November the Level 5 students from both programmes visited Cardiff for a couple of days, we spent time in a special school, Welsh medium primary school and at Cardiff Metropolitan University reflecting on the differing learning experiences these settings offered. Later in the academic year we will again be out and about visiting alternative learning settings locally to appreciate the range of employment opportunities for students wanting to work with children and young people.