I chose to enrol onto the FdA Early Childhood Education course at Carshalton College due to the suitable and flexible timetable. I could attend the lessons around work, and the helpful and informative enrolment was very encouraging.
The Early Childhood Education degree is perfect for me as I work in early years and wanted to use my passion for caring and educating children in their early years to further challenge myself and progress my professional and personal development. My first impression of Carshalton College was it was well organised and very student orientated with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
The most enjoyable aspect of the course for me was gaining a more in depth and varied perspective into the wider issues children face in society. Examining and evaluating the historical and current pioneers and theorists of early childhood education and how their ideas underpin and help to continually evolve current and future practice.
I feel very lucky to have been given a tutor who is very supportive and encouraging with a wide range of knowledge and experience of working with children and their families in different roles. When I had what she referred to as a ‘wobble’ at the start of the course she was very understanding and approachable and gave me the confidence and motivation to carry on.
The lessons are very informative and engaging with students' opinions, shared experiences and discussions relevant to the course and wider social issues encouraged and validated. With interesting and thought-provoking set reading relevant to the module handed out weekly to further our understanding and perspective of a given subject matter.
The teaching, PowerPoints, module handbook and accompanying briefing sheet is very helpful in supporting my understanding of the tasks set and the criteria to meet. As well as fairly timed formative feedback that was helpful and encouraging that ensured I had further support and guidance with regards to my work before submission.
When beginning the course, I had my doubts about being able to fit in the study time needed around working, raising a family, housework and looking after a new puppy. However, I found having a proactive attitude towards the work and setting myself a realistic study timetable with support from my family helped me to apply myself to my work. Having felt the benefits of the reward when I managed to hand in my work on time to the best of my ability knowing I tried my best to get the best grade I can. Further allowing me to fully enjoy my free time when the final module of the year is submitted.
I have seen a change in my confidence professionally in my workplace setting since beginning this course. My newly gained knowledge and perspective enables me to further explore different avenues of understanding how each individual child learns incorporating their wellbeing and inclusion. Contributing to me being a more confident and knowledgeable practitioner able to implement more theories from the early childhood pioneers effectively into my practice.
I am looking forward to furthering my studies at Carshalton College by continuing onto year 3 and completing the BA Hons year then I hope to gain Qualified Teacher Status.
My advice for any potential students looking to enrol on this course would be do not delay just do it! Embrace and enjoy the challenge and do something for yourself. A proactive attitude and a strict study timetable ensuring all your work meets the deadlines will mean the workload will be enjoyable and not too overwhelming.
Finally, and most of all good luck and if you are enthusiastic about your role in early years this course is just what you need.
