Activate Learning External Award
Exciting new introductory teaching qualification 2015-2016
Did you know we have worked closely with Ascentis to create an External Activate Learning Level 3 Award in Education and Training?
Empowering and transforming people is our core business. We have been working closely with Ascentis Awarding body to design a highly specific qualification to meet all learners needs and help you to understand your key roles and responsibilities as a teacher and trainer.
You have told us that you have various commitments and that you would prefer to complete a longer more self paced Level 3 Award in Education and Training that uses blended learning.
You have advised us you would like as little travel as possible as you have other commitments including work and family that are big priorities in your life in addition to this course.
To address this, you will be asked to complete an online Google Form to check your course suitability by your tutor and will be able to have an a phone interview to review this.
Please read this SMORE to find out if this is a suitable course for you.
Course Overview
Who is this Activate Learning Award In Education for?
The External Bespoke Active Learning Award in Education and Training is for;
- External Candidates who would like a bespoke blended introductory teaching qualification to meet their individual needs that fits around their working hours and lifestyle.
- New members or existing members of Activate Learning Staff who do not already hold any teaching qualifications and are not currently completing the PGCE, or the Internal Bespoke Activate Learning Award in Education and Training that begun on 23/02/16
- Members of Activate Learning business support staff who are interested in gaining a qualification to support you with teaching, training or supporting learning.
What is the Activate Learning Award in Education and Training?
The Award in Education and Training is an introductory course for those who wish to teach or train in the learning and skills sector which includes (all post 16 education, including FE, adult and community learning as well as work based learning and offender education). This can be internal or external teachers or business support staff who have an interest in training or teaching. Although the course does not provide fully qualified teacher status like the PGCE it's ideal for staff who need comprehensive introduction to the role and responsibilities of teachers and trainers.
When will the Activate Learning Award in Education take place?
The 10 week Activate Learning Award in Education and Training will begin Monday 14th March -Monday 6th June 2016. It is a weekly course that requires a commitment of 3 hours each week for the class session which is blended and is made up of online, and face to face sessions. In addition there is a 3 hour requirement of independent study each week. However please note this is only a recommended independent time and it may take you personally less or more time.
Do I need any specialist qualifications to get on this course?
Entry to the course is via an application form, completion of a Google Interview Form, and completion of a writing assessment. After having completed the application, Google Interview Form, and you have sent the initial assessment to the course leader Sian Cabrera (scabrera@activatelearning.ac.uk). You will be called for a (phone) interview or email from the Course Leader/Tutor Sian Cabrera who will provide you with feedback.
To enter the course learners should have a background in the subject(s) you wish to teach and ideally have GCSE English (grade A*-C) and Maths or equivalent or experience of this subject. You will also have to provide an original copy of your qualifications related to your subject specialism and English and Maths on your induction day.
Units
Roles, responsibilities and relationships in education and training
Understanding and using inclusive learning in education and training
Assessing learners in education and training
Your views count! and you have helped us to plan this bespoke course to meet your group needs
Your views have helped us plan your course...
The course will be a mixture of face to face and online sessions.
You have advised us that you would like minimal travel and as many online sessions as possible as you have busy changing schedules and need to be able to juggle other commitments around your studies therefore we have created a course that will require you to complete minimal face to face sessions, and more self directed studies so where possible you can work through learning at your own pace at a time that suits you.
However we will have a scheduled support slot each week where you can gain help and support using Google Hangouts and Google Community to engage in some collaborative class discussions.
Our course location
Wk 1 :Induction Physical Session
Wk 5 :Reading Planning Session
Wk 7 :Oxford Micro-teach Session
Email: scabrera@activatelearning.ac.uk
Website: http://www.activatelearning.ac.uk/
Location: To be confirmed
Phone: 01865 550740
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ascentis External Activate Learning Award
How can I apply to come on this Activate Learning Award in Education and Training?
External Candidates : Candidates that are not employed by Activate Learning
- Download our application form (Chrome users, please right mouse click and select "save as link..." and save this to your desktop)
- Complete all fields within the form
- Save it using the grey "save form" button at the bottom
- After saving the form, do not email within Adobe PDF
- Return it to us via email (Enquiries@cityofoxford.ac.uk) and CC scabrera@activatelearning.ac.uk andusing Outlook, Gmail, Hotmail or another online provider.
- Alternatively drop it into Learner Services. (but please scan and send a copy to Sian and Papiha if you do this).
Internal Activate Learning Candidates
Initially you need to have a meeting with your current line manager to confirm they are happy to financially support you in completing this qualification, as the funding will come from their department budget. Your manager will need to then liaise with your head of learning. After having had confirmation that both your Head of Learning and Manager are happy to fund the qualification, please fill in an application by visiting the link below:
http://www.cityofoxford.ac.uk/get-advice-and-apply-OX and following the instructions provided.
This will require you to:
- Download our application form (Chrome users, please right mouse click and select "save as link..." and save this to your desktop)
- Complete all fields within the form
- Save it using the grey "save form" button at the bottom
- After saving the form, do not email within Adobe PDF
- Return it to us via email (Enquiries@cityofoxford.ac.uk) and CC scabrera@activatelearning.ac.uk andusing Outlook, Gmail, Hotmail or another online provider.
- Alternatively drop it into Learner Services. (but please scan and send a copy to Sian and Papiha if you do this).
In addition to this if you haven't already done so please complete the following interview Google Form.
Finally if you haven't already done so please complete the following Initial Assessment. This will require you to read this initial assessment task and spend 30 minutes writing. Please handwrite this task and send it to scabrera@activatelearning.ac.uk as soon as possible (preferable 24hour-48 hours of receiving this Smore).
After having completed this task the course leader will contact you over the phone or via email to confirm feedback and if you have a place on the course.
Note # Please apply early, no late initial assessments will be accepted 3 working days before the course start date.
Who will fund this qualification?
The cost of this qualification is £499. This includes your registration fee.
External Candidates
You are liable for the full course fee's please be prepared to pay this is cash or via card. If you wish to get your company to pay for this qualification, please get your manager to confirm on letter headed paper that they will be funding the course and submit it to our learners services contact centre (any campus) and then finance will be able to invoice them for this amount. Once you have completed an enrolment form form (provided at the same time and payment has been received you will be able to access all the course services.
Internal Candidates
- If your learning manager and head of learning is happy to fund the full amount of the qualification then your department will be charged for the full cost of the course.
In order to confirm funding please get an email from your head of learning and email this to Papiha Whitehouse as soon as possible no later than 9am 10th March 2016 . You will need to send an email to Papiha.Whitehouse@reading-college.ac.uk.
- If your manager and or head of learning does not agree to fund this course. (For example if teacher or training is not a significant part of your role). You can still privately fund the qualification yourself. To do this you will need to liaise with Advice and Admissions (formerly learner services) on 01865 550 550 about the full costs or to discuss any financial arrangements.
What is the format of this qualification?
The qualification will be blended, some of your sessions will take place virtually online and some of your sessions will take place face to face. The guided learning hours for this qualification is 48 guided learning hours. You will be expected to complete an additional minimum of three hours each week completing independent learning and assessments. However, this can be less or more than depending on your own productivity, knowledge and experience.
What units would I study if I completed this qualification?
You would study three key units within this qualification;
Unit: Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Education and Training (RRR)
This unit is about the role of the teacher or trainer in planning, managing and delivering, assessing and evaluating learning in line with our strategic plan. You will also investigate relevant legislative requirements and responsibilities such as creating a healthy, supportive environment, providing equal opportunities and encouraging co-creation and its importance in generating confident 21st century learners. We will based this on how our Activate Learning Philosophy to understand how the content applies to a real life learning establishment to support you.
Unit: Understanding and Using Inclusive Teaching and Learning Approaches in Education and Training (UIL)
This unit aims to develop understanding and use of inclusive teaching and learning approaches to meet the needs of learners. It examines our learning philosophy and learning cycle and how we use this to plan and create a inclusive learning environment that engages and motivates learners. It requires you to deliver a short 15 minute micro-teach session and evaluate your own inclusive delivery and practice. This session will involve you delivering a micro teach to your colleagues on your course.
Unit: Understanding Assessment in Education and Training (ALET)
This unit aims to develop understanding of how different types and methods of assessment are used in Education and Training. It will examine the need for assessment of and assessment for learning and will look at ways to involve learners in assessment and the requirements for assessment record keeping. It will also investigate how e- assessment and virtual learning can be used to engage learners in self directed study. Again we will use our organisation as a case study for this unit to help you understand what this looks like in a learning organisation.
How will I be assessed on this course?
You will be assessed using a variety of inclusive methods include a 15 minute micro-teach (you will deliver for colleagues), a written evaluation action plan of your unit (including a peer and self assessment), on-line assessments ( including a forum, leaflet, online tasks, a written essay and workbooks. In addition you will be expected to keep an online reflective blog/ journal throughout your course.
I would like to book time off over the half term, however when will I find out exact course dates and an assessment schedule?
Please note ; all the usual vacations and statutory holidays are observed in this qualification. However you will be given a full assessment schedule on the first induction week 1 of your assessment schedule. You will have official assessment deadlines that will require you to regularly submit work. You will also be given access to to a course handbook that will give you an overview of assessment policy and procedures you will need to adhere to.Every week you should plan for 6 hours of study (minimum) a week. However the following days you will not be expected to physically attend a session; 28th March (Bank Holiday, and 29th-8th April will be independent study week so you won't need to physically attend this week. Monday 2nd June is a bank holiday, so you will not have to complete the class session this week you will be able to complete a self paced session anytime the rest of the week in your own time. 30th May-3rd June is an independent assessment write-up week you won't need to physically attend this session.
What assessments would you need me to complete during the interview stage? and how can I prepare for these?
As with any initial teacher training qualification you will be required to have an assessment in your literacy and numeracy. If you feel you need to brush up on your English and Maths there is a wealth of interactive resources here: http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/interactive-resources/literacy. Please do not worry if it's been a while since you completed any literacy and numeracy tests. This is designed as a supportive process to help us plan for any support needs you may have. As part of the initial assessment you will be asked to complete a 30 minute reading and writing task.You will not have to complete a maths assessment however we will ask you to show your current maths qualifications. (ideally you will have a C in GCSE maths or equivalent).
Will I need to complete regular reading for this course?
Yes you will be expected to consult a wider variety of references from different sources on this programme and add them to your official assessments. However, do not worry you will be provided with support about how to reference your work in your induction. We will ask you to Harvard Reference your work in all official assessments due to the course being at level 3 standard.
How would I be able to progress after having completed this qualification?
The exact progression route you take after completing the course will be unique to your job role and individual career aspirations. For example, if you are contracted as a teacher, then you could progress onto our PGCE. If you are an assessor you may wish to complete an Activate Enterprises assessor qualification.
If you are an experienced teacher, you may wish to play a more active role in sharing your practice with others in your organisation and may want to take on more roles and responsibilities e.g internally we have a Pass it On Programme you could contribute too. EXternally you may wish to contribute to an AOC meeting or local or national Teach Meet session or AOC networking meeting.
If you are a learning support practitioner you may wish to contribute to stretching and challenging your self to take on training responsibilities e.g internally this could mean contributing to the Business Support Pass it on Programme. If you are a trainer externally you may wish to train other staff in your organisation in line with strategic objectives or contribute to a new staff induction programme.
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How could I prepare for this course?
You can prepare for this course by ordering the following book ' Award in Education and Training' you can find this book in our library or buy it here http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1473912210/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1446274357&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1DYHT5WWSRXTJE7Z8N0F . It would be a good idea to read and familiarise yourself with this book in advance of the course. You can also watch the following video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFNkBsJca0c to help you consider your upcoming micro teach session. Also it would be good to have a think about what topic you would like to do your micro teach topic.
If you are a new teacher, then you can also read these Frequently Asked Questions for New Teachers by Anne Gravells http://www.anngravells.co.uk/info/faq.html to give you further support on other questions you have about this qualification and the wider further education context.
Who will be teaching the course and who will be my tutor?
Sian Cabrera will be your course leader and course tutor. However, we would like to get a range of professionals to contribute to this course who will provide an enriching and varied experience for you. To ask about anything not listed here, please contact the course leader and tutor Sian Cabrera on 01865 5 (50740) (Oxford) 50222 (BBL) Reading (54319) or email her on scabrera@activatelearning.ac.uk as soon as possible .
What is the exact days / times of face to face lessons and online lessons?
These are the provisional schedule of how the face to face and online session dates are likely to look:
Week 2 : 21/03/16 Online 10:30am-1:30pm
Week 3 : 12/04/16 Online 10:30am-1:30pm
Week 4 : 18/04/16 Online 10:30am-1:30pm
Week 5 : 25/04/16 Face to Face - Reading 10:30am-1:30pm
Week 6 :- Online Self paced session ~ WB 02/05/16 (can take place any time this week self paced due to bank holiday the work will need to be completed by the following week~)
Week 7 :09/05/16- Face to Face - Oxford or Reading Micro-teach Session 10:30-12:30 & 1:30-4:30pm note you will only need to attend one of these session of you have difficulty attending. both (minimum 5 people required in am/pm session) Your tutor will be at Oxford and James Kieft will be observing at reading for you.
Week 8 :16/05/16 :Online 10:30am-1:30pm
Week 9: 23/05/16 :Online 10:30am-1:30pm
Week 10: 06/06/16 Online: 10:30am -12:00pm