Which Course is Best for Teaching?.
Do you have ambitions of becoming a secondary school teacher? Do you want to help nurture and develop children in their early school years? If so, there are various teaching courses that can provide a stepping stone towards your ideal career. The first thing you have to ask yourself is what area of teaching do you want to work in?
Many people like to begin their path as a teaching assistant, whereas others want to work in a secondary school as a teacher in a specialist subject. For those who want to go into teaching later in life, many feel that going back into study isn’t an option for them. Particularly if they have a family or cannot afford not to work full-time.
The introduction of flexible online education now makes requalifying more accessible. So the alternative option is to enrol on accredited online teaching courses, but there are many to choose from. Below, we have explained some of the many available courses and what is involved in them.
Types of Teaching Courses
Many learners who have zero experience working in education generally choose to begin their career journey with an online teaching assistant course. One of the great things about starting this way is that you can help to nurture and support children and young people in their academic and social development. Regardless of the education level of the student, each can benefit from professional support.
A teaching assistant is responsible for carrying out various duties depending on the educational setting they’re working in and the age of the students. Predominantly, a person in this role will work one-on-one with students and oversee group activities both indoors and outdoors. If you feel that you would thrive in this role, then Stonebridge Associated Colleges offers a range of online teaching assistant courses.
Are Online Teaching Assistant Courses Recognised?
The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning is accredited by the NCFE, a National Awarding Organisation, and the Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education (CACHE). Regulated by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), this course is nationally recognised. Upon successful completion, you will be a qualified teaching assistant, which means that you can apply for a school position.
How Long is a Teaching Assistant Course?
If you opt to take the above course through Stonebridge Associated Colleges, you have the benefit of tailoring your study time around your existing schedule, and you can complete it within one year. One of the many impressive things about studying online teaching courses is that you can study around your existing schedule.
It is important to note that the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning can only be achieved through a combination of written assignments and real work experience. If you don’t already work in a suitable educational environment, then you will need to arrange a placement. During this part of the teaching course, you will be observed and receive the support you need.
Can You Study a Teaching Degree Without A Levels?
If your main ambition is to become a full-time teacher in a secondary school or college, then you will need to obtain an undergraduate degree or equivalent to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Universities tend to list a certain number of A Levels as part of their entry requirements, but if you don’t have A Levels, there is another way.
Stonebridge Associated Colleges, one of the UK’s leading distance learning providers, has a solution that you may benefit from. The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education) will give you all the foundation knowledge you need to embark on degree-level study.
You don’t need any prior qualifications to secure a place on this Access to HE Diploma. However, when it comes to apply for your degree you must have GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 9-4 or C and above. Which, if you don’t have already, you can acquire with equivalent Functional Skills qualifications.
Plus, the degree you intend to study likely needs to be in the Humanities or Social Science sectors. Keep in mind, though, that individual universities can set their own entry requirements, so it is important to check with the university of your choice beforehand.
If you haven’t acquired A Levels during your academic learning, the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education) is widely regarded as an equivalent to A Levels. Depending on the points you accumulate during this online teaching course, you could potentially earn the equivalent of 3 A Levels.
Most universities accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas, so you could be on your way to achieving your career goals if you enrol on this online teaching course. Your learning journey is made up of multiple modules, some of which include:
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Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships in Education – To perform at the highest level, you need to understand the professional relationships between teachers and trainers. This unit will help outline these principles and explain the importance of continued professional development for fellow teachers and other staff
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The Developing Child – It is important to have an understanding of the various stages of child development from birth to the age of 18. You will also learn about cognitive development during this stage, as well as the factors that affect physical, social, and emotional development
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Disability and Special Educational Needs – You may end up working in a school that has children or young people with special educational needs. To ensure that they get the best support possible, you will need to know the various types of special educational needs and disabilities, and how best to help these students thrive
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Safeguarding in Education – The safety of children and young people in schools is paramount. During this unit of your online teaching course, you will learn the relevant safeguarding legislation and guidelines, as well as how to recognise abuse. You will also be taught the importance of applying the Codes of Practice in the classroom
You will be assessed through a series of end-of-unit assignments, which will be based on each individual module. Once you have submitted them, your tutor will give you feedback so that you can progress through the rest of the online teaching course. The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Education) is a Level 3 Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), so it is a nationally recognised qualification that will make you eligible for a university place.
How Long is a Teaching Course?
All students undertaking Access to Higher Education courses through Stonebridge Associated Colleges can achieve their qualification in less than a year. The beauty of learning an accredited course online is that you can learn at your own pace and from your own home. In fact, you can undertake this learning journey anywhere in the world!
How Much is a Teaching Course?
The cost of your online teaching course depends on which one you choose to study. Though, if you opt for an online teaching course at Stonebridge Associated Colleges, you will be offered flexible payment options to suit your budget. If you progress to study an undergraduate degree, then it will take at least three years for you to complete the course full-time.
Start Your Journey Today!
If you are interested in stepping into the education field and are unsure what teaching courses are best for you, then get in touch with our Career Advisors by calling 0121 392 8288. Alternatively, you can get the information you need about online teaching courses by contacting the support centre.
