Tyne Metropolitan College Childcare Students Working in the Community with Stephenson Memorial Primary School
As part of their course students studying on the 2 year Diploma in Childcare and Education course at TyneMet College have been given a brief, based on the Forest Schools approach to early years teaching and learning. Over the coming year students will be designing and delivering environmental activities which will promote primary school children’s literacy skills.
A Forest School is an innovative educational approach to outdoor play and learning. Their philosophy is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. By participating in engaging, motivating and achievable tasks and activities in a woodland environment, each participant has an opportunity to develop intrinsic motivation, sound emotional and social skills. These, through self awareness can be developed to reach personal potential.
The two fold brief stated that students were to transform an outdoor area of a primary school and then deliver lessons to the children in their new environment. The theme of improving literacy and looking at international approaches to play and learning in the outdoors, will cover the core content of Unit 7 of the Diploma in Childcare and Education course ‘Play and Learning’. Following this, students will support the practical element of Unit 7 with research relating to pioneers and theorists in the Childcare industry and make comparisons of the approaches they used.
The students will be working with one nursery and two reception classes and the sessions delivered will last between 30 to 45 minutes.
Lynsey Carr a Reception Teacher at Stephenson Memorial Primary School, was a key facilitator in this collaborative teaching and learning programme. Lyndsey is an ex TyneMet student who completed her HEFCs (Higher Education Foundation Certificates), qualifications she needed, to gain access to Northumbria University’s Primary Education course. Input and support from another Reception Teacher, Stephanie Pawlette, has also added to the success of the collaborative programme.
Warick Stephenson, Head of Care, Sport and Leisure, TyneMet College, said:
“Having the opportunity to offer students a suitable practical experience to support their course content in actual relevant environments is something that TyneMet is able to offer. The College works closely with the local community and has established good working links with local industry. This strategy is key to supporting the College’s commitment to providing outstanding education and training for the benefit of students, the local area and employers.”
Emma Overton, Head, Stephenson Memorial Primary School, said:
“We are thrilled to develop links with Tynemet College, and the Environmental Literacy project ties in perfectly with our vision for school improvement. I can’t wait to see the impact of the project.”
For advice and guidance on courses available at TyneMet College and Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College, call 0191 229 5000, email enquiries@tynemet.ac.uk or alternatively visit the website www.tynemet.ac.uk
ENDS
Photo:
Left to Right – TyneMet Students, Jenny Goodwin, Emma Howe, Kayleigh Bradley, Molly King and Rebecca Porter
