Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE and Skills)

This new qualification has been developed to enable those working or intending to work in the Further Education and Skills sector (FES) to gain a full teaching qualification by meeting the occupational standards developed and approved by employer representatives and other stakeholders across the FE sector.  This sector includes further education (FE) colleges, adult and community learning settings, work-based learning environments, and other educational institutions that provide vocational, technical, and professional education.

This qualification also covers all aspects of teaching in the Further Education and Skills (FES) sector and maps fully to the Level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher occupational standard (ST0149).

The course is delivered in a blended format, with face-to-face sessions at the Warrington campus being held every week, although Hybrid options are available within the programme.  Tutorials can be conducted face to face or online to support ease of accessibility.  Observations must take place in the trainee teachers/trainers workplace setting.

Sessions are on Tuesdays 4.30 - 7.30pm every week during term time, and there is an expected additional 1.5 hours a week of independent study through blended learning. In addition to this, you will be expected to conduct additional wider reading and research to support your assignments.

This qualification can meet the needs of a range of trainee teachers and trainers, including the following:

• Individuals who are not currently teaching and training but who can meet the practice requirements, including the observed and assessed practice requirements of the qualification.  Individuals who are currently teaching and training and who can meet the practice requirements, including the observed and assessed practice requirements of the qualification.
• Individuals currently working as assessors who wish to achieve a teaching qualification and who can meet the practice requirements, including the observed and assessed practice of the qualification.

Candidates who successfully complete this qualification will take an analytical and practical approach to all aspects of planning, delivering, and assessing inclusive teaching and learning. Whilst doing this, you will embed theories and principles in education and training and demonstrate them in your practice. You will develop skills in teaching in the traditional classroom as well as online.

Throughout this course you will be assessed using a variety of methods including assignments, presentations, practical observations of teaching practice, small scale practitioner research, and specialist practitioner observations.

You will be expected to conduct an element of wider reading and research to support your progression through the qualification.

Students who enrol on the course are supported to achieve their best and gain their qualification. The course is well structured and designed to meet your needs, enabling a balance to be achieved between the course workload and your normal daily commitments. The course is offered through hybrid increasing accessibility. To celebrate your success upon gaining the qualification, you will take part in a graduation ceremony, so get ready to wear your cap and gown!

On completion of this qualification, progression routes could include foundation degrees and BA honours degrees in subjects related to education. Teaching must be placed within the post-16 education sector.

Those who achieve the Level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills)  and are progressing to higher education accredited qualifications at Level 6 or above, can have their Level 5 credit recognised in line with the higher education institution’s arrangements for the recognition of prior learning.

This course could lead to employment within the FE sector.

All candidates, whether pre-service or in-service, must have access to 100 hours of teaching, 50 hours per academic year.

Previous students have secured employment as dual professional teachers in a variety of subject specialisms.

The course is delivered in line with Equality and SEND legislation. The classroom is an inclusive learning environment, and students with SpLDs can be referred for additional support outside of the classroom, within the college.

We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if required, as well as a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed. Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

The college offers a range of flexible learning opportunities to students. Our tutors are highly experienced and skilled in their specialist professional sectors and enhance the courses they teach on with their excellent industry links. Regular work experience and further study is undertaken by the tutors to ensure their involvement in the industry remains updated.

•  Access to additional 20 hours placement in a secondary setting to complete CPD
•  Obtain a DBS Disclosure prior to enrolment

You will also be required to provide a reference, such as from a previous course leader/teacher.

You will be expected to complete literacy, numeracy, and digital skill initial assessments during the first couple of weeks of starting the course, to support individual development in these areas.

You will typically have one of the following:

• A minimum of a level 3 qualification in a vocational subject (related to your chosen teaching specialism) (64 UCAS points) AND appropriate relevant work experience – mature students who have appropriate work experience in a related sector or role and/or have professional qualifications in a related industry are welcome to apply.
• A degree in your subject specialism (academic subjects)
• AND
• A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE English (Language or Literature) or level 2 equivalent
• A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE maths (or level 2 equivalent)
•  Non-native English speakers who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English, need to demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to the levels identified below, before being recruited to the programme. The programme is both taught and assessed through the medium of English.
• Students must meet the following minimum criteria:
• 19 years of age and above
• Able to demonstrate an ability to study at level 5
• Suitable level of digital competency to ensure they can meet the requirements of the qualification

You will be required to present proof of the above requested qualifications in order to enrol.

You will need to complete an initial assessment to determine if a level 5 qualification is appropriate and achievable.

 Additional requirements include:

Access to 150 hours teaching practice over the full term of the course – this must be arranged by yourself and be in place prior to enrolment

Students applying to study on a Higher Education course can apply for a HE student loan.

Find out more information on finance support and enquiries.

The cost of the course is £2997, per academic year.
This course does not come under the remit of student finance; therefore, you cannot apply for a student loan to fund it.
However, you can apply to undertake the level 5 Diploma in Teaching (FE & Skills) through an apprenticeship route Learning and Skills Teacher level 5.
For further finance support and enquiries please visit https://www.wvr.ac.uk/higher-education/higher-education-funding-supp