The aim of this module is to introduce students to early childhood philosophy and related curricular practice. In doing so the following learning outcomes will be covered:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of early childhood philosophy.
2. Identify and investigate both historical and contemporary perspectives that have influenced the development of early childhood philosophy.
3. Describe the themes and characteristics of curriculum frameworks in early childhood.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of current curriculum policy, practice and strategies that support an early childhood curriculum.

Throughout the duration of the module students have access to a mixture of learning resources and supportive interactive activities. Examples of these can be found in this ‘taster’. The learning resources offer information related to the module content and encourage students to undertake wider reading and independent research. These resources are supported with interactive activities and tutor input via short videos which encourage students to consolidate their learning. The use of online discussion forums and the creation of wiki pages fosters a reflective environment in which students are able to interact, seek support, share their developing understanding and learn from each other.

PATs are members of the university's academic teaching staff, support staff or Learning Centre managers. Whilst a PAT will often be a subject expert in their students' programme of study a PAT is not expected to bring that subject expertise to bear for all modules on the course. A PAT's main responsibilities are to give advice, signpost and offer referrals. The following testimonials from two PATs on the BACYS programme show the breadth of support they give.

‘The PAT is your professional point of contact throughout your academic journey. Your PAT acts as a liaison between you and the university for all academic matters.

The PAT aims to ensure you have a solid understanding of the time commitment and management, technology, and skills required to be a successful online learner. Your PAT will serve as your primary resource for queries and concerns regarding your studies, including module DIET selection, study progression and any potential barriers to successful completion of your studies. (Kyla Steele, Argyll College)

‘As a pat, my role changes throughout the year. Initially with students settling down and working hard to understand how the online learning environment works, my role is to provide support and guidance to ensure that all students are understanding how it all works. Moving through the weeks, I help with academic support such as assessment structures, referencing, accessing resources such as the online library and general help with navigation through Blackboard. Help with study timetables and realistic goals and targets are set to help students focus.

At the more stressful times when assessments are due or exams are being sat, I provide support and encouragement (and sweets and cakes!).

Towards the end of a student’s time with me, I will provide references or letters of support for jobs or further study and will also give guidance on career areas of interest – and if I don’t know I will send them to someone who does! I want all the students that I am PAT for to feel that they can contact me and talk to me when they need so I can help them be the best they can at their studies and progress onto the careers they are aiming for. (Diana Macleod, North Highland College)

‘Being a PAT is one of the best parts of my job as I get to know my students from induction and watch them progress through the course. I like to build an open and honest relationships with my students so they feel they can come to me when times are hard and know they will be listened too and signposted and guided to the people and resources that will help them with the issues they experience.

I do all the usual administrative parts around enrolment and module selection and even the wee nudges about library books being overdue but I also help them to get to know each other in my groups to they can have study buddies and peer support and just to connect them to each other as well as the course as students of UHI.

I do provide a listening ear most especially around assessment times and can get as many as 40 texts in a day when the class have assessments looming all of which just need the acknowledgement that assessments are stressful and that bit of reassurance that yes they can do it.

Sometimes I even just say Go and do it and the sympathy and praise comes later. I want to share one example:

I had a young lady join my group and her family cultural background was that women did not go into Higher Education. Within weeks her father insisted she leave the course and work in the family shop and help look after her younger brother so she came and told me and we activated a withdrawal as she felt she had no choice. But, she did have a dream of achieving a degree so came back to see me almost 1 year later and we sat down and discussed how she could do this, part time at first and we would review after each level and then her final year full time. We met regularly just so she could talk and get some reassurance. Times were very challenging and this made her ill but we claimed mitigation and got her through each level. When her financial situation deteriorated to the extent she was having to support her brother I took her to guidance and they helped her apply for a student loan and she found part time employment and she just took one step at a time and we overcame each hurdle together.

In September I watched her graduate with her degree and as she approached the platform we made eye contact and her journey to where she was flashed between us. She told me later “what you have done for me has changed my life forever”. Her words will stay with me forever and have captured for me everything that is important about the PAT role.' (Kathleen Murray, Inverness College)