Modules
Critical Skills in Higher Education
Engage in discussions that develop some of the key skills necessary to succeed at University and understand how they will be useful to throughout your life. We’ll focus on topics such as critical thinking so you can better understand the need to question what you are told and check it’s validity; a key skill in life as well as study. We’ll learn how to communicate effectively in a range of styles such as developing an academic argument or persuading people to agree with your side of a debate. We’ll discuss the importance and benefits of being able to work well as part of a team, and why this can be difficult to achieve. You’ll learn how to think and write reflectively and understand how this skill can be used to improve both your academic achievements and professional practice. Throughout the focus on all of these topics you’ll come to understand the importance of identifying the skills you develop through University study and how they can be transferred to the world of work.
Perspectives of the Child 1
This module consists of two themes: 1. Physical and Social Development of Children: This theme explores the key concepts and developmental course of social, emotional and physical development. It introduces you to human development theories and safeguarding of children. 2. Childhood as a Construct: This theme explores the ways in which childhood is constructed by societies and communities. The module considers how constructions of childhood have changed over time and how these constructions have been shaped by political, social and economic factors.
Contemporary issues in Social Work
Social work has a deep-rooted history with poverty and continues to work with the most marginalised and disadvantaged communities. Social work is committed to social justice and addressing inequalities, yet there are increasingly punitive and harsh attitudes towards poverty. Poverty is often explained in terms of individual failings, yet social workers come face to face with the lived experience of hardship and survival. You’ll be introduced to the impact of stress, the concept of wellbeing, outcomes and the relationship to deep-rooted inequality across the life course. Critical Social Workers are in a position to challenge dominant narratives and draw attention to the structural inequalities faced by communities. To be able to uphold professional values such as social justice and equity it is important that Social Workers have a keen awareness of individual and social explanations for the growing divide between rich and poor. We’ll emphasise the importance of where you live matters, encouraging you to pay attention to local factors: neighbourhoods and social networks will also be examined.
Introduction to Safeguarding
Contextual safeguarding begins with recognising the signs and categories of abuse and neglect. Our response is informed and guided by law and policy, which involves professional judgement in situations of risk, complexity and uncertainty. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and requires a sound understanding of professional roles and working together. To reflect the reality of practice, you’ll consider case information in staggered, phased stages and complete a case report and case analysis to reflect on the experience of assessment, planning and decision making. We’ll explore the power of the home visit with use of innovative technology to simulate and promote skills in observation and intuition. We’ll build your confidence in recognising the indicators of all types of abuse and how to respond effectively. Categories of abuse often reflect the wider context and can change over time – you’ll explore topical and current issues in relation to safeguarding such as trafficking, female genital mutilation, county lines and cuckooing, alongside the legislation, principles and information sharing and confidentiality.
Assessment
Good news! You don’t need to sit any exams to pass this course.
Throughout the course, we’ll use a range of assessment methods to help you and your tutors measure your progress. These will include case study-based essays, case reports, analysis and reflection.
