undergraduate programme specification - …€¦ · · 2016-08-31your personal values and...
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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme Title: Youth Work and Theology Awarding Body: Staffordshire University Teaching Institution: Oasis College of Higher Education Final Awards: BA (Hons) Youth Work and
Theology Intermediate Awards: Cert. HE Supporting Work with
People and Communities Dip. HE Leading Work with Young
People Mode of Study: Full and Part-Time Option UCAS Codes: LV56 QAA Subject Benchmarks: With reference to: Youth and Community Work (09) Theology and Religious Studies (07)
JACS Code: L530 Professional/Statutory Body: National Youth Agency
Conveying JNC Recognition for Professional Standing in Youth and Community Work (Final Award Only)
Entry Year: 2016/17
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PROGRAMME AIMS
1. To offer awards geared specifically to the needs of an undergraduate student who requires initial training, so that you can undertake paid positions involving work with young people in public, private, voluntary, community or faith sector organisations.
2. To resource you with a variety of opportunities to develop your full potential by
providing a high quality educational environment with a distinctive emphasis on learning through academic study and practical experience.
3. To provide a rigorous academic education designed to deliver a systematic understanding of applied subject knowledge in youth and community work, social care, theology and religious studies.
4. To facilitate a range of work-based experiences that will enable you to apply theoretical material, develop professional skills and contribute to your capacity as a critical thinker and reflective practitioner.
5. To support the professional formation of students in practical work with young people in community settings and the development of the specialist skills required to contribute to this field of work successfully.
6. To enable you to identify your vocation in serving communities through evaluating
your personal values and religious beliefs; and the theoretical frameworks that inform different approaches to community engagement.
7. To help you to identify career specialism and achieve a high degree of employability
in work with young people.
8. To enhance your capacity to plan, develop and innovate new projects and to develop entrepreneurial skills in designing social enterprise initiatives.
9. To underpin all learning opportunities by providing high quality educational
resources, academic expertise, professional supervision, pastoral support and career guidance.
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What is distinctive about this programme?
A Combination of ‘Youth Work’ and ‘Theology’ The Youth Work and Theology programme is distinct from existing undergraduate studies in Youth Studies or Theology because it provides a vocationally focussed route towards a higher education qualification. Intentional integration of theoretical understandings of youth work with formative practical experience is combined with insights provided by theology grounded in the life of the church, society and the individual. This synergy enables the programme to be a particularly effective in encouraging informed, reflective practitioners.
It offers an undergraduate route for students progressing from traditional ‘A’ levels who wish to explore a vocational route that merges practical work involving young people with the academic study of youth and theology. It also offers a route to support the initial training and professional formation towards formal qualification of new and existing workers in the field of Christian Ministry involving young people and their communities.
Undergraduate study provides a progressive experience (year-on-year) building on core skills for practice and encouraging reflection on practice in order to develop critically informed strategies for personal, professional and work-based development.
A Shared Learning Experience: The award shares generic content within its modules with other students training in the broader field of applied social studies and theology. This reflects the common ground associated with ‘working with people’ in professional and social care settings; and the shared academic interests in exploring subject knowledge related to theology as drawn from the subject benchmarks of theology and religious studies. The first module of the award is an integrated College wide module providing a foundation in the principles, policy and practice of ‘working with people’. The first semester prepares you for an ongoing commitment to professional practice. It is from this foundation that specialist skills are developed in Youth Work and attention is paid to developing a theological understanding that will equip you to work effectively in churches and other Christian faith-based settings. Progression through the remainder of the undergraduate programme develops this further through specialist modules in youth and community work and additional modules that develop the minor route of theology.
The Youth Work and Theology award requires you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of and professional competency in meeting the national occupational standards for youth work. Congruent with the College’s other awards and informed by its ethos the awards have four distinctive features:
1. A holistic view of work with children, young people, families and communities. While you will work towards a specialist award, the programme will encourage you to see the value and place of your specialism in the context of work across different age groups, contexts and communities.
2. An emphasis on praxis. While you work towards the academic requirements of the programme we also expect you to reflect and draw on the practical experience of being based in a fieldwork location throughout your studies.
3. A commitment to professional standards. While you work alongside young people and communities we support you in evidencing competency in the National Occupational Standards for Youth Work. You are required to do this in order for you to be awarded the Professionally Recognised Qualification (JNC) at the end of your BA Hons studies.
4. A concern for ministerial formation. While you reflect on your learning and journey through the award we will provide support as you explore how Christian faith influences decision making and calls us to participation in faith communities.
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Other undergraduate awards sharing modular content with this award include:
BA (Hons) Children and Families Work and Theology
BA (Hons) Church, Community and Theology
The BA (Hons) in Youth Work and Theology Balancing Academic Study and Practical Experience
The BA (Hons) in Youth Work and Theology provides a comprehensive and integrated programme of academic study, professional formation and practical assessment with a clear focus on reflective practice. This is achieved through the requirement to be placed in a work-based location throughout the programme and undertake additional practice placements to extend and evidence knowledge, skills and understanding of the diverse range of opportunities in youth work. It is underpinned by a continuous ‘taught’ programme with the requirement to attend College each week during 4 teaching blocks for 24 ‘teaching days in each academic year; a number of ‘undergraduate seminar days’, a residential school on commencement of each academic year, and supplementary professional mentoring.
Fieldwork Experience Central to the undergraduate course experience is the fieldwork placement requirement. You are encouraged to develop critically reflective practice by engaging in a variety of settings during the programme under the guidance of trained placement supervisors. The fieldwork practice also provides the context in which evidence demonstrating competence in youth work and the application of theology is collated. All students are required to complete a minimum number of fieldwork hours (888) in work with young people, of which at least 50% must be with 13-19 year olds and the remainder in work that informs professional formation of work with young people. The undergraduate course requires you to accumulate these hours within the following parameters:
Placement type Minimum
Contact Hours Level 4
Minimum Contact Hours
Level 5
Minimum Contact Hours
Level 6
Total Contact Hours
Main Placement: 240 240 240 720
Observations: 40 Not required Not required 40
Additional: Not required 100 100 200
Cross-Cultural: Not required 40 (block placement) 40
Total hours: 280 360 360. 1000
Taught Lectures, Seminars and Tutorials Oasis College operates four teaching blocks of 6 weeks in the academic year where you will attend College for one full teaching day (9am-5pm) that involves a combination of lectures and seminars. There are additional days in between each teaching block when you will also attend College for undergraduate seminar days which address contemporary issues that are not part of the formal curriculum. You may also attend College on additional days to meet with your learning group, module tutor or year tutor.
Professional Mentoring A further aspect of the programme is the allocation of a professional mentor to each student. The professional mentor is usually a JNC qualified practitioner (or an appropriately experienced and trained worker) in the field of youth work and is paid by the College to offer sessional mentoring. You will meet for sixteen, 1-hour sessions with your professional mentor during the programme (one in the first semester, and three in each semester thereafter), and the mentor
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offers objective and impartial guidance on professional development. At the end of each semester the professional mentor signs a record of attendance form to confirm their view of your professional engagement and development. This forms part of your professional competency assessment.
The Attributes of a Staffordshire Graduate at Oasis College
Your undergraduate award is validated and quality assured by Staffordshire University. The University seeks to ensure that ‘The Staffordshire Graduate’ is an individual with the personal attributes and expertise that today's employers look for; and possesses the keys skills required to innovate through enterprise and entrepreneurship. The undergraduate awards at Oasis College aim to produce graduates that embrace the qualities of ‘The Staffordshire Graduate’ and add value through a focus on the provision of social sector services provided by churches and agencies motivated by Christian values and beliefs. As a Staffordshire Graduate of Oasis College of Higher Education you will:
o Have an understanding at the forefront of knowledge in your chosen field Oasis College graduates will hold a critically informed view of the role of Christian agencies and local churches in social care, community education and religious beliefs.
o Have developed the skills of independence of thought, the ability to solve problems through inquiry-based learning and critical analysis Oasis College graduates will be characterised as highly reflective practitioners, assessing personal and professional practice on a daily basis in order to improve outcomes for people; and will have developed the skills for independent social research.
o Be an effective team worker, communicator and presenter and confident in the use of digital information technologies Oasis College graduates will be well rehearsed and confident communicators in individual, small and large group settings; and employ digital information technologies.
o Understand the importance of being entrepreneurial and creating opportunity Oasis College graduates will be familiar with the opportunities, principles and practices of social enterprise companies; with a concern for social responsibility and sustainability.
o Be prepared to be work-ready and employable Oasis College graduates will be experienced practitioners following three years of practice-based learning, making them the first choice for employers as highly qualified and experienced professionals in their chosen field of work.
o Have an understanding of emerging culture, global citizenship and the need to re-assess learning for life-long success amidst significant social and economic change Oasis College graduates will be committed to continuing personal and professional development through accountable relationships; and take seriously their impact as global citizens with a responsibility to address injustice and seek peaceful solutions to conflict.
o Have developed an understanding of Christian vocation in contemporary society Oasis College graduates will have a clear sense of what influences Christian identity in work and ministry settings, will understand how Christian beliefs shape personal values, and how to use the Bible responsibly in Christian ministry.
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PROGRAMME OUTCOMES BA (Hons) Youth Work and Theology
What will this programme teach me to do? At the end of your studies (Level 6) you should be able to:
These outcomes are drawn from the national benchmarks for Youth and Community Work
(QAA, 2009) and the national benchmarks for Theology and Religious Studies (QAA, 2007).
Knowledge & Understanding
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects relating to values, beliefs, concepts, practical
skills, and the socio-political context of youth work, informed by current thinking in social science and theology.
Learning Evidence a range of keys skills required to advance knowledge and have developed the skills necessary
for working professionally within the discipline; and the ability to manage own learning using the full range of resources available for youth work and theology including the selection, evaluation, and use of
scholarly reviews and primary sources.
Enquiry Apply established techniques for enquiry when working with young people and communities; undertake
reasonably straightforward research tasks with minimum guidance and challenge evidence to support conclusions/recommendations, reviewing their reliability, validity and significance.
Analysis Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, concepts and data to make judgements about the efficacy of
practices within youth work and theology that will provide evidence for improving professional practice; and show a critical awareness of scholarship in the field of social science and theology including an
appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge.
Problem Solving Address complex problems with confidence when working with young people and faith communities,
identifying appropriate questions, knowledge, tools, and methods; and making professional use of others in the field to arrive at a solution – or a range of solutions – to a problem.
Communication Engage effectively in discussion, debate, presentations and in the production of detailed and coherent
written material that address specialist and non-specialist audiences on key areas of professional practice including professional practice involving young people and faith communities.
Application Exhibit originality and personal responsibility in complex and unpredictable contexts, calling on
innovative and standard techniques to address theoretical and/or practical challenges in youth work.
Practical skills will evidence competency for professional practice in youth and community work.
Reflection Improve personal performance through reflective practice and exercise initiative for continuing professional development in youth work; and demonstrate personal responsibility for professional
conduct, incorporating a critical ethical dimension into reflections on theory, theology and practice.
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CURRICULUM AND SUBJECT BENCHMARKS
Subject Benchmarks The programme curriculum has been designed to address the subject benchmark statement for Youth and Community Work (QAA, 2009) at Honours level (level 6 of the national qualification framework) and the related professional standards for youth work practice (NOS, 2012). In addition, the programme curriculum will address the subject benchmarks for Theology and Religious Studies (QAA, 2007) at Honours level (also level 6 of the national qualification framework). This reflects the vocational context within which youth and community work is targeted for this programme, namely Christian church and agency settings. The core subject knowledge, understanding and key skills for these benchmark statements can each be summarised into five areas of knowledge and practice. These are described below and are fully incorporated into the programme outcomes listed elsewhere. These ten areas of knowledge and practice are addressed through the twelve modules that form the taught curriculum for the programme. The chart on the following page illustrates where core knowledge and practices are explicitly addressed at modular level. This discrete combination of subject disciplines is framed as a conventional joint honours programme where the curriculum guides students through a systematic study of core modules.
Subject Benchmarks for Youth and Community Work (QAA, 2009) The core areas of knowledge and practice can be summarised as follows:
1. Work in and with communities 2. Work with young people, working with adults 3. Approaches to learning and development 4. Development of community-based organisations 5. Professional practice
Subject Benchmarks for Theology and Religious Studies (QAA, 2007) The core areas of knowledge and practice can be summarised as follows:
1. Comprehend and engage with Christian traditions in varied forms 2. Discuss and debate the theological, political, social, textual, ethical and institutional
expressions of Christianity 3. Comprehend the classical sources and historical interpretations of Christianity 4. Evaluate a range of key sources that influence Christian belief and practice 5. Demonstrate competence in key methods associated with the discipline
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CURRICULUM AND SUBJECT BENCHMARKS The relationship between core areas of subject benchmarks and the taught
modular programme.
Module Code and Title
QAA
Benchmarks
Core Areas for Youth and
Community
Work
QAA
Benchmarks
Core Areas for Theology and
Religious
Studies
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Level 4
OASS40001
Perspectives, Principles and Policy in Social Care and Professional Practice
OASS40002
The Christian Story: Bible and Belief
OASS40004
Understanding and Working with Young People
OASS40003
Practicing the Christian Story
Level 5
OASS50010 Informal Education and Inclusive Intervention with
Young People
OASS50009
Immersion in the Christian Story
OASS50005
Transforming Communities
OASS50008
Managing, Supervision and Staff Development
Level 6
OASS60014 Research Methods and Dissertation
OASS60013 Living the Christian Story
OASS60016 Contemporary Issues in Youth Work
OASS60015 Leadership, Vision and Social Enterprise
Note: Fieldwork practice runs concurrently with modular teaching and is also assessed against national occupational standards as illustrated on pages 15 - 17 of
this programme specification.
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FULL TIME PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, MODULES AND CREDITS
SITS COURSE CODE: UOLN-09993/ UOLN-10051 AWARD CODE: 08L91801 AREA CODE: L91801UG
FULL-TIME
L E
V E
L
4
Semester
1
Semester
2
CORE
OASS40001 Perspectives, Principles and
Policy in Social Care and Professional Practice
[30]
CORE
OASS40002 The Christian Story: Bible and Belief
[30]
CORE
OASS40004 Understanding and Working
with Young People
[30]
CORE
OASS40003 Practicing the Christian Story
[30]
[To progress to Level 5 all assessment components and credits must be passed]
L
E
V E
L
5
Semester
1
Semester
2
CORE
OASS50005 Transforming Communities
[30]
CORE
OASS50010 Informal Education and Inclusive
Intervention with Young People
[30]
CORE
OASS50008 Managing, Supervision and
Staff Development
[30]
CORE
OASS50009 Immersion in the Christian Story
[30]
[To progress to Level 6 all assessment components and credits must be passed]
L E
V E
L
6
Semester
1
Semester
2
CORE OASS60016
Contemporary Issues in Youth Work
[30]
CORE
OASS60013 Living the Christian Story
[30]
CONDITIONAL CORE
OASS60014 Research Methods and
Dissertation OR
OASS60024 Research Methods and
Research Project
[30]
CORE
OASS60015 Leadership, Vision and Social
Enterprise
[30]
Potential Awards: Cert. HE [120 credits] - comprises all level 4 modules for the award Dip. HE [240 credits] – the above plus: all level 5 modules for the award BA [Hons] [360 credits] – the above plus: all level 6 modules for the award Progression: In order to progress from one stage of an award to another i.e. Cert.HE to Dip. HE, Dip.
HE to BA [Hons], a student must obtain a Pass in all modules and all assessment components.
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PART-TIME Semester 1 Semester 2
L
E V
E L
4
Year 1
Year
2
CORE
OASS40001 Perspectives, Principles and
Policy in Social Care and Professional Practice
[30]
CORE
OASS40004 Understanding and Working with
Young People
[30]
CORE
OASS40002 The Christian Story: Bible and
Belief
[30]
CORE
OASS40003 Practicing the Christian Story
[30]
Semester 1
Semester 2
L
E V
E L
5
Year 3
Year
4
CORE
OASS50010 Informal Education and
Inclusive Intervention with Young People
[30]
CORE
OASS50009 Immersion in the Christian Story
[30]
CORE
OASS50005 Transforming Communities
[30]
CORE
OASS50008 Managing, Supervision and Staff
Development
[30]
[To progress to Level 6 all assessment components and credits must be passed]
Semester 1
Semester 2
L E
V
E L
6
Year 5
Year
6
CORE OASS60013
Living the Christian Story
[30]
CORE OASS60015
Leadership, Vision and Social Enterprise
[30]
CORE
OASS60016 Contemporary Issues in
Youth Work
[30]
CONDITIONAL CORE
OASS60014 Research Methods and Dissertation
OR OASS60024
Research Methods and Research Project
[30]
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HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED? The teaching and learning strategy seeks to combine both traditional and contemporary teaching and learning principles. This is evident in curricular content, teaching and learning methods and modes of assessment across the Youth Work and Theology programme. Teaching and Learning Aims The overall teaching and learning strategy of the programme aims to enable you to attain the programme outcomes and to make progress towards understanding and realising your own goals, some of which may be in addition to the set outcomes. To achieve this aim opportunities are created for:
An introduction to each knowledge and professional skill area of the learning outcomes through a tailored induction programme at the beginning of each academic year and at commencement of each module of learning.
Independent study through directed learning tasks for each module that will encourage you to own your learning and work with peer learning groups.
Access to academic staff, in addition to module leaders, that have accumulated professional experience and academic expertise in relevant fields.
You to autonomously (but with guidance as needed) employ professional and academic interests in pursuing practice experience of your own choice.
Delivery Style The programme’s teaching and learning distinctiveness lies in:
The sustained consideration of taught content through a regular pattern of weekly sessions and directed learning during teaching blocks.
The tight integration of skill and knowledge requirements across the modules. The close relationship between taught content and practice requirements. The raising of professional issues and standards to the level of critical reflection. All modules are delivered through weekly taught sessions at Oasis College of Higher Education, London, over a period of 6-12 weeks. Modules are delivered on a single teaching day each week. Teaching days run from 9am to 5pm and include a range of taught lectures, seminars and guided activities. You will generally work towards the learning and assessment requirements of one module at any one time. This pattern of teaching on a single day each week over the life of the course allows you to arrange your fieldwork requirements around this fixed point of contact and access the College for independent study around fieldwork practice. The taught sessions combine ‘traditional’ teaching and learning methods (for example, formal lectures and seminars) with a variety of ‘contemporary’ approaches (for example, learning action sets, problem based enquiry and the use of on-line blogs/journals). Delivery is sensitive to the needs of the target market, and includes practice-based workshops; small group work; interactive lectures; simulations; case studies; discussions with professionals in the field; and debates. All modules are supported by ‘directed learning’ through on-line resources and interactive tools that allow you to continue engaging with learning resources, staff and your peers between taught sessions. On-line resources, such as Blackboard, also provide back-up should you miss a taught session during a module. Directed learning is important in all modules, as it enables development of subject and key skills, and preparation for written and oral assessment tasks.
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Attendance Attendance is required for 100% of taught sessions and for all required fieldwork practice elements. If you are absent from a taught module for more than 20% of sessions for a reason other than certified personal illness or without the approval of the module leader you may be deemed to have withdrawn from the module, be excluded from further teaching and refused the opportunity to submit assessment. You may therefore need to seek permission to retake the module at the next opportunity or complete additional assessed work. Any absence from fieldwork practice activity must be compensated at a later date to secure the fieldwork practice requirements for the programme; prolonged absence may result in the termination of a fieldwork placement (in line with fieldwork agreements) and/or withdrawal from the award on the grounds on non-participation in required teaching and learning activity. Teaching Staff All modules are led by an employed member of the Oasis College academic staff team. Module leaders will have relevant academic expertise and professional experience within the field of study and practice. Contributions from the wider staff team and external practitioners will be common to ensure an informed view of contemporary issues, and to draw on current research and practice developments. Staff are committed to facilitating teaching and learning in a relaxed and informal way, and you will be strongly encouraged to participate during taught sessions. Undergraduate Seminar Days In order to secure currency and respond to contemporary issues the College runs a series of undergraduate seminar days each academic year. These are run at the end of each teaching block (2 days in each semester) and provide an additional source of learning outside of assessed modules. Undergraduate seminar days are attended by students at all levels of study in the College and therefore provide an opportunity to share learning with practitioners across awards and levels of study. The days provide a rich source of learning and allow for content to be shaped around additional areas of teaching and learning identified by students across the College’s portfolio of programmes of study and for the College community to draw together in dialogue. Additional Research Seminars and Lectures To complement the undergraduate experience Oasis College also sponsors a range of research seminars and issue based lectures in London that are publicised and promoted to you as supplementary opportunities during the course of your study programme and, as alumni, once you have graduated from the award.
Assessment of Theoretical Knowledge and Competence
The undergraduate programme aims to support learning through a range of different forms of assessment, with a particular focus on practice-related learning and professional competency (involving the completion of a professional practice handbook in addition to traditional academic assignments). Each module emphasises particular elements of the professional competencies and supports you to accumulate evidence towards professional standards. All forms of module assessment are clearly presented in printed module handbooks where assignment descriptors include the required task, structure, presentation, links to professional competencies and hand-in requirements. Learning outcomes for each module are assigned to individual assessment components and broken down into individual assignment criteria that
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clearly articulate the threshold levels required to pass an assignment based on the university learning outcomes for the award and the specific learning outcomes for the particular module. Assessment Strategy The assessment strategy employs a number of assessment tools to assess the full range of learning outcomes for the programme (academic and professional skills). The assessment tools are therefore designed to support and test the development of the diverse range of skills, knowledge and understanding required of a professional working within the fields of youth work and theology. In addition to the traditional essay, there are a number of other written and oral tools used to test and support learning. Where essays are required, this is modelled on the published paper to the extent that this is the main method of professional discussion in the social sciences and theology. Other written assignments will include action plans, audit reports, reflective assignments and journal entries to demonstrate professional competence in line with competencies associated with youth and community work. Oral presentations will include individual and group seminar presentations. The variety of assessment tools reflects the professional nature of the programme and the requirement for you to demonstrate competency using a range of communication skills. Presentations, essays and other written assignments have a clear structure facilitating the presentation of an analysis or clear line of argument that focuses directly on the subject under review. Essays, written assignments and presentations follow academic conventions and employ Harvard referencing. The titles of all forms of assessment are designed to reflect the learning objectives and planned skill enhancements of that module as included in the module descriptor. Most modules require at least two pieces of assessment, such as a professional journal entry/report and an essay or presentation; these have been developed to evidence your professional and academic competence. Throughout the undergraduate programme, formative feedback is regularly provided in the taught sessions, in group seminars, in one-to-one tutorials, and in discussions relating to formal assessment feedback. Overall professional competence for the programme is assessed on the completion of a Professional Development Portfolio comprising Fieldwork Practice Reports assigned to six modules. Professional competency is the sum of these assessments (written and practical) involving placement supervisors, fieldwork tutors and professional mentors focussed on set tasks within the assessment framework. All relevant fieldwork-based assessments must be passed in order to progress between levels and to pass the award. Feedback on Assessment from Tutors The team, in line with the faculty strategy, regards this as a key aspect of your learning. The team normally operate within a framework which comprises: 1. Informal feedback on approx. 20% of a draft assignment if requested by you at
least 1 week in advance of submission deadlines. 2. The return of written work to you within a maximum of 20 working days of
submission. 3. Provision of written commentary comprising:
clearly illustrated performance in line with assessment criteria
summary of overall strengths and weaknesses development targets for improving performance
4. The opportunity to receive further verbal feedback from tutors as requested.
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THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT APPROACH
The Integrated Approach for Professional Development The full integration of practice-based learning within the overall programme structure is crucial for your professional development, success and credibility. You are required to demonstrate competency in the required professional skills, knowledge and understanding of your chosen specialism. These competencies are embedded in modules across all three levels of the programme and represent progressively higher levels of professional ability. The general expectation of your contribution to practice-based fieldwork can be summarised as: At Level 4: To work alongside existing work with young people At Level 5: To take responsibility for an activity/project involving young people At Level 6: To take a supervisory and co-ordinating role in a wider work involving
young people and the wider community.
The Framework for Professional Competency The College’s competency framework has been developed in line with the National Occupational Standards for Youth Work (NOS, 2012). These NOS, together with the addition of a ‘Ministry’ competency (area F), provide the structure within which skills, knowledge and understanding are assessed. These six key areas for professional competency are illustrated in this functional map:
Values and
Beliefs
A. Work with young people, children and
families
B. Facilitate personal, social and educational
development
C. Promote inclusion, equity and participants
interests and wellbeing
D. Develop strategy and
practice
E. Develop, lead and manage self
and others
F. Engage in ministerial
formation and delivery
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The Structure of Professional Competencies Fieldwork competencies are represented at three levels: 1. First Order Functions – The six key areas, or groupings, of skills expected of a
professional working in this field (as illustrated in the map above) 2. Second Order Functions – Subsets of each first order functions that provide more
specific reference to the behaviours required to meet the NOS for that function. There are twenty-two subsets in total.
3. Third Order Functions – These are specific activities related to each subset that detail things a person will ‘do’ in fulfilling the second order function.
The list of first and second order functions is included in the table that follows. A full list of third order functions is provided in the award handbook to assist you in identifying supporting evidence.
The Assessment of Professional Competency The College requires you to complete a sequence of reports that comprise a Professional Development Portfolio as practice evidence for your professional qualification. The second order functions, listed in the table that follows on the next page, are those undertaken in achieving the relevant first order function. The assessment of first order functions is spread over the three levels of the award, and involves progressively more complex functions. One first order function is assessed per semester through a Professional Practice Workbook, which provides evidence of your work in practice. The Professional Development Portfolio is considered complete when all 6 workbooks have been completed (one per semester). In these workbooks, you are required to complete a Practice Report that requires you to reflect on the skills, knowledge and understanding of allocated second order functions, and collect relevant supporting evidence. Placement supervisors are required to provide feedback on practice, and you must complete weekly placement diary entries. Professional Practice Workbooks do not carry academic credit and are zero rated but must be passed in order to complete the module that the workbook is tied to. This system provides a clear schedule for evidencing competency as you complete each module of learning, and secures the integration of continuing practice-based learning within the modular framework of the award.
First order functions and their linked modules:
First Order Function Linked Module (and Level)
A. Work with Young People, (Children and Families and Churches)
and Communities
Transforming Communities (Level 5)
B. Facilitate personal, social, and
educational development
Perspectives, Principles, and Policy in Social Care
and Professional Practice (Level 4)
C. Promote inclusion, equity, and
participants’ interests and well-being
Understanding Working with Young People (Level
4)
D. Develop Strategy and Practice Leadership, Vision, and Social Enterprise (Level 6)
E. Develop, lead, and manage self
and others
Managing, Supervision and Staff Development
(Level 5)
F. Engage in Ministerial Formation
and delivery Living the Christian Story (Level 6)
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The Marking and Classification of Professional Practice All individual assessment components assigned to professional competency are marked using conventional percentages. The pass threshold of 40% applies in line with existing University standards. Once passed a competency need not be re-assessed. If you fail a component then normal University regulations apply in relation to referral and resubmission (however, all individual components must be passed to progress through each level and to qualify for professional recognition). The overall standard achieved for Professional Practice is based on the average mark for assessments assigned to professional competency. Professional practice is given the final classification of:
Pass (average mark 40-49%) Pass with credit (average mark 50-59%) Pass with merit (average mark 60-69%) Pass with distinction (average mark 70%+) Classification for Professional Practice is provided through a College Certificate that will also act as formal notification of the award conveying JNC recognition with endorsement as a professionally recognised qualification in Youth Work from the NYA.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Entry Requirements (including IELTS score)
What qualifications would I need to join this programme?
The entry requirements for the award are normally: Applications are invited from persons aged 18 or over at the beginning of the undergraduate programme. Each student is assessed on their own merit and a number of factors are taken into consideration:
Relevant practical experience of work with young people, typically this will equate to at least 2 years voluntary experience.
References from voluntary agencies or employers.
Recent studies and qualifications. Students need to demonstrate they can work at Higher Education level. Students will normally have gained five good passes at GCSE and two good ‘A’ level passes – however, students with at least 3 years comparable work-based experience will be given equal standing.
For details of UCAS tariff points please see the current online prospectus at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate/
Applicants must also demonstrate they are ‘safe to practice’ and meet Independent Safeguarding Authority standards through the Disclosure and Barring Service clearance procedure.
All applicants are required to attend and successfully pass an interview day including: personal interview, written exercise and fieldwork assessment.
All international applicants are required to have a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.0 in all individual components.
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Disability Statement Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/disabled_students/index.jsp
AWARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Course Start: The Youth Work and Theology Undergraduate Programme accepts entries to begin in the September of each academic year - there is no mid-year entry.
Applications: Applications for the Youth Work and Theology Undergraduate Programme can be made in one of two possible ways:
a) Applications through UCAS by following this link: www.ucas.ac.uk. This method can be used if students are still completing the required entry qualifications at the time of applying to the College (e.g. they are completing their A2 level) and/or they wish to apply to a number of Colleges/Universities and be considered for a range of possible courses.
b) Applying direct to the College by using the Undergraduate Application Form. If a student only wishes to apply to Oasis College and already meets the entry requirements, or they are a mature student, they can use the application form, downloadable from the Oasis College website and available from: Oasis College of Higher Education, 1 Kennington Road, London. SE1 7QP Successful applicants will be enrolled with Staffordshire University via electronic record of prior acceptance.
Data and Barring Service (DBS) Clearance All applicants are asked to declare any criminal convictions on applying to the programme and will be required to complete the DBS process prior to commencing placement. Any convictions that disqualify students from working with children or vulnerable adults will result in the withdrawal from the programme,
Professional Standards and Code of Conduct As this is a professionally qualifying programme, all students will be required to sign an agreement to abide by professional standards and the College code of conduct on registering with the programme. The failure to abide by professional standards or the code of conduct may result in disciplinary procedures and possible disqualification from the programme.
Further information about the award can be found in the relevant Student Handbook and on the University Website. This includes information about learning outcomes at levels below honours,
student support, and academic regulations. ==================================
THE STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE OF OASIS COLLEGE
The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the University passionately believes is necessary for success in the 21st century. The Staffordshire Graduate is a reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, prepared to contribute in the world of work. The table below indicates where, within your award, these characteristics are addressed:
Modules listed are illustrations of how University and College attributes are addressed progressively from levels 4-6, where appropriate
AWARD TITLE: BA (Hons) Youth Work and Theology
Characteristic Award Module(s) including level and number of credits: ALL 30 Credits
Method of Assessment
Work-ready and employable
OASS40001 Perspectives, Principles and Policy in Social Care and Professional Practice
Fieldwork Practice Report
OASS50008 Managing, Supervision and Staff Development Fieldwork Practice Report
OASS60015 Leadership, Vision and Social Enterprise Fieldwork Practice Report
Understanding of enterprise and
entrepreneurship
OASS50008 Managing, Supervision and Staff Development Report (Financial Budget)
OASS60015 Leadership, Vision and Social Enterprise Group Project (Social Enterprise Proposal)
Understanding of global issues and their place in
the global economy
OASS40002 The Christian Story: Bible and Belief Journal
OASS50005 Transforming Communities Assignment
OASS60016 Contemporary Issues in Youth Work Essay
Communication skills OASS40004 Understanding and Working with Young People Journal
OASS50010 Informal Education and Inclusive Intervention with Young
People
Essay
OASS60013 Living the Christian Story Group Seminar
Presentation skills OASS40003 Practicing the Christian Story Group Presentation
OASS50008 Managing, Supervision and Staff Development Individual Presentation
OASS60016 Contemporary Issues in Youth Work Group Presentation
The ability to interact confidently with
OASS40003 Practicing the Christian Story Group Presentation
OASS50008 Managing, Supervision and Staff Development Report
(On Supervision Practice)
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colleagues OASS60015 Leadership, Vision and Social Enterprise Group Project
Independence of thought OASS40003 Practicing the Christian Story Essay
OASS50010 Informal Education and Inclusive Intervention with Young
People
Essay
OASS60016 Contemporary Issues in Youth Work Essay
Skills of team working OASS40004 Understanding and Working with Young People Journal
OASS50008 Managing, Supervision and Staff Development Fieldwork Practice Report
OASS60015 Leadership, Vision and Social Enterprise Group Project
Ability to carry out inquiry-based learning and critical
analysis
OASS40004 Understanding and Working with Young People Group Project
OASS50005 Transforming Communities Fieldwork Practice Report
OASS60014 Research Methods and Dissertation Research Report (Dissertation)
Skills of problem solving and creation of opportunities
OASS40001 Perspectives, Principles and Policy in Social Care and Professional Practice
Assignment
OASS50005 Transforming Communities Journal
OASS60015 Leadership, Vision and Social Enterprise Fieldwork Practice Report
Technologically, digitally and information literate
OASS40001 Perspectives, Principles and Policy in Social Care and Professional Practice
Assignment
OASS50005 Transforming Communities Journal
OASS60015 Leadership, Vision and Social Enterprise Fieldwork Practice Report
Able to apply Staffordshire Graduate attributes to a range of life experiences
to facilitate life-long learning
OASS40004 Understanding and Working with Young People Essay
OASS50005 Transforming Communities Journal
OASS60013 Living the Christian Story Fieldwork Practice Report
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ADDENDUM FOR DELIVERY AT A PARTNER INSTITUTION
This section should record any matters within the programme specification which do not apply to the delivery at the partner institution. It should also note any differences in delivery, course content, module choice etc.
Name and location of partner
Oasis College of Higher Education London
Partnership Context
Oasis College holds a collaborative agreement with Staffordshire University in the delivery of higher education programmes from level 3 to 8.
Awards to be offered at partner
Cert. HE Supporting Work with People and Communities Dip. HE Leading Work with Young People BA (Hons) Youth Work and Theology
Aims / Learning Outcomes
As detailed in the programme specification
Curricula As detailed in the programme specification
Teaching and Learning
As detailed in the programme specification
Assessment As detailed in the programme specification
Admissions Criteria
As detailed in the programme specification
Specific Regulations
As detailed in the programme specification
Date of completion
All of the above sections should be completed as appropriate for each partner organisation.
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