Course Dates

Autumn: 11th Oct - 3rd Dec

Spring: February - April

 

Award: Continuing Professional Development Certificate

“This course was well researched interesting and practical”

Teacher

Enhancing Learning and Teaching

Course Overview

This specialised course has been developed by ICEP Europe in collaboration with Down Syndrome Ireland.

The most common cause of a learning disability, Down syndrome is a genetic condition which results from an extra chromosome. Children with Down syndrome have enormous potential, but it is only relatively recently that we have leaned how to optimise this potential. Changing attitudes and values, as well as policy and legislative developments are increasing the numbers of pupils with Down syndrome being included in mainstream classrooms. This positive trend looks set to continue into the future and it is crucial that teachers and schools are prepared to respond effectively to the unique learning needs of these students.

Being aware of the strengths and needs of pupils with Down syndrome enables teachers to devise appropriate instructional programmes and supports which promote engagement, progress and success in learning. The main focus of this course is to build the capacity of teachers and schools to provide appropriate educational experiences which are tailored to the individual needs and strengths of students with Down syndrome. There is a strong emphasis on practical evidence-based approaches which are directly applicable in the classroom and across the whole-school context.

Who is this course aimed at?

While this course is primarily designed for teachers and allied professionals, it may also be helpful for parents who want more detailed information about the development and education of children and young people with Down syndrome.

Course Content

This course is designed for teachers, SENCOs, support staff and allied professionals and provides the latest research, detailed information and practical skills and strategies essential to delivering effective education and support to children and young people with Down syndrome. It will equip you with an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the specific developmental and educational implications of Down syndrome and will build your capacity to adapt instruction and implement evidence-based approaches at an individual and whole-school level. You will also acquire a working knowledge of teaching strategies designed to develop literacy, speech, language and communication skills, numeracy and memory skills, social skills and motor skills. In addition, you will be encouraged to develop and implement best practice approaches and policies at the level of the classroom and in your own school in relation to supporting students with Down syndrome.

The focus of the course is to provide educators with proven educational approaches and teaching strategies which are designed to maximise progress for children with Down syndrome. The course will also provide an overview and background to emerging values and themes in the education of children and young people Down syndrome. Topics will include; implications of including students with Down syndrome in mainstream classrooms, the specific learning needs of students with Down syndrome, the differentiated curriculum, supporting students with differing levels of learning disability, promoting choice and autonomy, helping students build life skills, working with parents as partners, and developing individual education plans for students with Down syndrome.

Tuition and Support

• Specialised tutors working in the area of learning disabilities will provide you with individual support and guidance as you complete your studies online
• Technical support is provided by our dedicated team of qualified learning technologists, who can be contacted by telephone or email.

Assessment & Award:

Each student is required to complete the following items

• Interactive Learning Assignment per module

On successful completion of the course, students will receive a Certificate of Professional Development.

Fees

Course Fee: £230

How to Enrol?

Places are limited so early booking is advised.

To book a place, click here or use the Enrol Now button in the Course Option Menu on right of page. Alternatively phone 0208 354 7592, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Student Comments

"This course was well researched interesting and practical. It helped me to believe even stronger that we should, could and must make the curriculum accessible to our students experiencing General Learning disability and DS. I would like to see the course made available as part of training for a whole school. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to do this course."

(Participant on the General Learning Disabilities/Down Syndrome Course, Summer 2008)

"I have thoroughly enjoyed completing this course and the way it is set out makes it achievable to do this while working at the same time.  It is most definitely very user friendly.  All modules provided reassurance along with ideas and practical ideas that I look forward to getting to grips with within my class. I will certainly consider doing another online course through ICEP.  This has most definitely been a worthwhile and educating experience."

(Participant on the General Learning Disabilities/Down Syndrome Course, Autumn 2008)

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