Early Years Foundation Degree

Early Years Foundation Degree

by: Clarelou - 27-07-08 17:54

Is anyone else out there struggling on with this course?  Just about to start my third year part time, whilst working, and finding it hard to get motivated to continue, assignments really time consuming, doing it all unpaid in my own time, mostly very late at night.  Are there any job prospects for us when we have finished the three year foundation degree and done an extra year doing either NQT or something else.  Can anyone please offer me some inspirational stories?

by: maya

Hi Clarelou i started my foundation degree in January 08 at Teeside uni and I am loving it. When I started I dreaded assignments as I had hadn't studied for 6 years and not at academic level however it is really ok I must be sad but I really enjoy writing them. I attend collage tues evening and wed afternoons in my own time. I work in a playgroup 5 days a week have 2 children and I am a foster carer. My life is mad! However everyone is supportive we all help each other I would be no good at long distance learning if this is how your getting through it. Everything I'm learning I can relate to it has opened my eyes and improved my practice . Maybe the course is to long how many years is it ? I would have to be extermy motivated if it was longer. Keep your chin up you'll get through it.   

RE: RE: Early Years Foundation Degree - 04-11-08 21:08

by: Clarelou

Thanks for your reply.  Taken me a while to find time to read it, so busy, you know how it is!  It's really nice to know I'm not the only one who is finding it/found it hard.  Beginning to see a real difference in my practice.  Thanks again.

by: sunfly

Hi Clarelou

i too have just started yr 3 ... like you I am really struggling this year .. have lost the motivation .. why am i doing it ... when I started like your self it was a different more (i felt) relavant now i find it repeticious and boring to say the least ...however

we have come this far .. havn't we done well not easy with work and families only one more year (unless we carry on) nearly there - so go girl and be proud ...

how are you getting on with your research ....

RE: RE: Early Years Foundation Degree - 18-10-08 13:36

by: sarah

hi Clarelou, and others!

i completed my foundation degree in december 06 and went straight on to complete a BA Hons degree in early childhood studies! i was working full time in a school nursery so all the work was done in the evenings and late nights!! and some weekends! there were many times when i thought oh why!!!!!!but it does open many doors for you in different early years settings. It feels great when you graduate -a very proud moment knowing that you sacrificed a lot (well all) of your spare time! but have achieved so much. with the degree i can start a gtp program or pgce course and teach or do something else early years related. It really helps if you have supportive tutors and the help of others doing the course with you. Keep going! we need good practitioners out there!!!

 Sarah.

RE: RE: RE: Early Years Foundation Degree - 04-11-08 21:12

by: Clarelou

Thanks for words of encouragement - i will carry on and I will finish it.  I am beginning to see the opportunities it may lead to.  Thanks again.

RE: RE: Early Years Foundation Degree - 04-11-08 21:11

by: Clarelou

Thanks for your supportive words - there seem to be lots of us out there who are finding the time issue hard to deal with.  Your encouraging words have helped.  I will jolly well carry on and finish it, wishing you lots of success and thanks.

by: Posh

I have just completed my three year foundation degree and have recently moved on to do my top up degree which is two years!! I felt very unmotivated as did my freinds on the final year of the course!! But don't give up and stick it out it's worth it in the end when you've got your cap and gown on and your family there supporting you. The best feeling ever when you garduate so good luck, keep smiling and you may just find that you go on to top up your degree to a full honours, like me!!X.

by: sparky's bird

Like you I felt my degree course became tedious boring and repetative towards the end. I gave up all my spare time and felt that it had taken over my whole life. I convinced myself I would fail and vowed that I certainly would not bother with the EYPS. To my total shock I was awarded a first class honours degree in Early Childhood Studies this year and suddenly all my hard work seems worth it and I am now looking into obtaining the EYPS.

My advice to anyone studying a foundation or full degree is don't give up, the buzz when you submit your final assignment and then graduate is brilliant and is worth every minute of your hard work.

RE: RE: Early Years Foundation Degree - 04-11-08 21:14

by: Clarelou

Well done you!  Hope I can find the strength to carry on, I plan to.  Like you, EY Childhood Studies seems favourite to carry on with.  Just a struggle with one 15 year old about to do GCSE's and a 17 year old about to do A levels.  Lots of studying going on in this house.  Thanks for your encouragement  - you've given me inspiration.