Description
This qualification is only available until 31 December 2017.
To claim this qualification, you must complete the required 240 credits by this date.
If you have any questions about your eligibility for this qualification, please contact the Centre for Qualifications and Ceremonies on +44 (0)1908 653003 or by email.
Classroom and teaching assistants and classroom support staff represent one of the fastest growing occupational groups in the country. If you’re a classroom or teaching assistant (or in an equivalent school support role) the DipHE in Primary Teaching and Learning will extend your skills in the classroom, develop your professional knowledge and expertise and boost your career opportunities. It combines work-based learning with academic study to develop the knowledge and skills needed to support primary-aged children in their school learning. To study this DipHE course, you’ll need to be an experienced classroom or teaching assistant, experienced volunteer or equivalent working with children in primary schools (age range 4 to 11 years and up to age 12 in Scotland).
This Diploma of Higher Education will be of particular interest to those living and working in Scotland. The same programme of study is also offered as the Foundation Degree in Primary Teaching and Learning (G02).
Planning your studies
Whether or not you’re new to study with the OU we recommend that you start with a module at Level 1 and that you complete your Level 1 study before going on to Level 2.
For this diploma you must start your studies with Supporting learning in primary schools (E111) (or Supporting learning in primary schools: APEL route (EZL111), followed by the second compulsory Level 1 module Learning through enquiry in primary schools (E101) . This module builds on your learning in the first module (E111) and asks you to reflect on selected themes more deeply through carrying out workplace activities and enquiries.
Entry requirements – We recommend that you have some previous experience as a classroom assistant or volunteer classroom assistant (or equivalent) before you start E111.
During your studies, you will need to be working directly with children in a primary school for a minimum of five hours a week in order to complete the work-related and work-based assignments in this DipHE. Your school must provide confirmation of the number of hours you work; verify your role in the school; and agree to provide appropriate support for your studies for the work-based learning modules.
Anyone working in a school will need to meet the ‘fit person’ criteria for doing so, as required for the setting and country in which they are working, including obtaining the necessary criminal record clearance (e.g. Disclosure Scotland, or equivalent). It is the responsibility of you and your employer to ensure that you meet these requirements, rather than the OU.
For information on who to contact for criminal record clearance and further information on the foundation degree, please refer to the Childhood and Youth website.
Students studying in Continental Western Europe are eligible to study this diploma providing you meet the entry requirements outlined and that you are working in a school that follows the National Curriculum.
There is a time limit for studying this DipHE. The minimum study time is two years, which would be the equivalent to full-time study and would require exceptional commitment to studying. You must obtain the required 240 credits for this DipHE, including any credit transfer, within either seven years of starting the first OU module or within seven years from completion of the study that is the basis of a credit transfer award, whichever is the earliest, and by 31 December 2017.
You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 80 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you. Before being awarded any intermediate qualifications, we advise you to check that you’ll have sufficient new credits to qualify for your diploma of higher education.
Career relevance and employability
The DipHE in Primary Teaching and Learning is relevant to classroom assistants and other kinds of classroom support staff. It may also be helpful if you’re thinking about training to be an early years or primary teacher. Your choice of optional module at Level 2 can be used to support this goal. 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.
This DipHE course will enable you to develop your existing practice with children and be more aware of the theories that give rise to effective teaching and learning. Students report that their studies can make them more prepared to take part in educational discussions in their schools, and more confident at contributing as valued professionals. Some have also stated that their studies led to paid employment and promotion.
Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.
Modules
For this 240-credit diploma you require:
120 credits from the following compulsory modules:
| Level 1 compulsory modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- The discontinued module E111 (or version EZL111)
|
60 |
|
- Learning through enquiry in primary schools (E101)
|
60 |
|
And 60 credits from the following compulsory module:
| Level 2 compulsory module |
Credits |
Next start |
- Subject knowledge and professional practice in primary schools (E207)
|
60 |
|
And 60 credits from the following optional modules:
| Level 2 optional modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- Childhood (E212)*
|
60 |
|
- Equality, participation and inclusion: learning from each other (E214)
|
60 |
|
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules ED209, K204, K218, U212
*Compulsory module if you wish to progress to the BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies (B23).
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution we may be able to give you credit for this study that you can count towards this Open University qualification. You can find out more on our Credit Transfer site. If you make a successful claim for transferred credit it may affect your choice of modules so you are advised to investigate this option as soon as possible.
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules you will be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Primary Teaching and Learning and will be entitled to use the letters Dip HE (Open) after your name.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
How to register
If you want to study for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of
our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the
module you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that module.
During the registration procedure you will be asked to declare which qualification you are studying towards.
See a full list of modules available for this qualification