What Makes This Course So Special?
The Postgraduate Diploma in SEN - Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) is recognised by the British Dyslexia Association for the award of Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA and AMBDA FE/HE). It is also recognised by the Joint Council for Qualifications for Approved Teacher Status.
Course Intro
This course is for you if you have Qualified Teacher Status plus teaching experience and are looking to gain a qualification to enable you to apply to the BDA for Associate Membership of the BDA (AMBDA). The course may also be of interest to other approved professionals such as speech and language / occupational therapists and educational psychologists.
The Postgraduate Diploma in SEN - Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) is recognised by the British Dyslexia Association for the award of Associate Member of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA). It is also recognised by the Joint Council for Qualifications for Approved Teacher Status. There are two SpLD modules (outlined below). Teachers who successfully complete both SpLD modules may apply to the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) for consideration of the Approved Teacher Status (ATS or ATS FE/HE). Those who successfully complete both SpLD modules, the SEN Core and Research Methodology modules and 30 hours’ Teaching Practice may apply to the BDA for Associate Membership of the BDA (AMBDA or AMBDA FE/HE).
What you study
To gain a Postgraduate Diploma SEN in SpLD you must pass four taught modules:
• Understanding Learning Difficulties and Disabilities which is taught on the campus or can be accessed via e-learning
• Specific Learning Difficulties
• Managing and Supporting Children and Young People with Specific Learning Difficulties
• Research Methodology
Both SpLD modules focus not only upon specific difficulties in literacy and numeracy, but address the wider spectrum of potentially associated conditions eg. Dyspraxia, Attention Deficit Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome.
The course enables participants to gain knowledge of:
• The vast range of differences within the SpLD continuum
• Current research on the identification of learners experiencing problems with literacy and numeracy
• Assessing individual learning needs, using both standardised and non-standardised methods
• Planning programmes of work for individual pupils based on initial and on-going assessment
• The effects on learning, self esteem and behaviour of SpLD
• Monitoring the progress of learners who may show uneven or intermittent standards of achievement
• A variety of strategies and resources, including ICT and technical aids, for assisting pupil organisation, drafting and presentation of work
• The monitoring, evaluation and auditing responsibilities within school or service, in respect of the quality of provision for pupils with SpLD.
A programme specification for this course is available.
Where Next?
Most students proceed to the MA dissertation, in order to achieve the award of MA SEN. After completing their Masters award, some students take a further qualification in SEN such as a Mandatory Qualification in Hearing Impairment or in Visual Impairment.
If you are interested in the possibility of a higher degree by research, your tutors will be pleased to discuss the opportunities for doing so here at Newport.
Interview Required
There will be an interview for all applicants. Candidates can expect to be asked about their relevant experience, in order to establish that they meet the BDA requirements, and also about their reasons for choosing these modules.
Assessment
The first module is assessed on the basis of a written assignment of 5,000 words (or equivalent). The second module is assessed in two ways;
(a) For students seeking a professional award, the successful completion of 30 hours of teaching experience and assessment of relevant files (equivalent to 5,000 words).
(b) For other participants: One 5,000 word assignment, or the equivalent thereof.
Student Soundbite
“The course has raised my awareness of the nature of specific learning difficulties, and on a practical note, has enabled me to ensure that the methods I use to support such learners is appropriate and effective.”