Liverpool Hope University, BA (Hons), Early Childhood Studies and Outdoor Recreation

Early childhood studies Level 1: The student studies an introduction to the philosophical and historical background to the early years tradition; the pioneers identified here will remain central to the course, providing the student with a historical understanding of current good practice that incorporates working closely with the family in relation to the needs of the child; this is followed by a holistic examination of child development in relation to physical, social and emotional development. Level 2: this level develops by looking at how young children think and learn and considers the links between cognition, language acquisition and playful learning; this sets the scene for studying how young children learn in the foundation stage, in comparison to international models; a range of other modules is offered which may include: motivation and well-being in young children; creativity and the young child. Level 3: a key area of study at this level is legislation, policy and strategy for early managers, in relation to early years settings and young children; legislation and social policy are constantly developing and the student examines these in relation to early years provision and leadership within a multi-agency workforce; a range of other modules are offered which may include: research project; surviving change, loss and grief in young children’s lives; using information and communication technology creatively. Outdoor recreation Level 1: this level develops the student’s understanding of natural and human environmental systems and key issues in tourism and leisure, together with residential experience of outdoor activities and leadership skills; in addition the student studies the business environment; small-group teaching encourages discussion of key issues and allows the student to develop important personal and subject-related skills. Level 2: in this level the student builds on 1st-year themes, with outdoor practice and technical skills based largely at Plas Caerdeon, analysis of environmental resources and how they are managed, and a study of the theory and practice of leisure; training in research and investigative skills allows the student to engage with the process by which people develop academic understanding of the subject, and to gain practical experience in a research project. Level 3: in this level, the student is encouraged to gain work experience as part of their course, or alternatively they may undertake a significant piece of research in a subject of interest to them; the student may have a chose from: adventure activity: largely delivered experientially, in both water and mountain based environments, examining both the practice and philosophy of the outdoor experience; environmental management: studies ways in which people ensure resources are used in a sustainable way with future generations in mind; understanding of the leisure industry: focuses on policy and planning issues, or on managing events.

This is a combined Honours scheme which allows the student to combine the 2 subjects; early childhood studies is an academic subject that is a dynamic response to the government’s plan to integrate early years education and childcare provision; the student works towards achieving the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) as required by the Children’s Workforce Development Committee (CWDC); throughout the pathway, the student is required to experience early years via a placement so that 1st-hand observations of practice can be made in relation to early years pedagogy; the outdoor recreation course integrates practical outdoor experience with understanding of the operation and management of outdoor recreation, leisure and tourism, and is underpinned by understanding of the outdoor environment; there is a significant component of residential experience at Plas Caerdeon, the University’s own outdoor education centre in north Wales; this combination enables content to be current, and responsive to the exacting requirements of employers in the outdoor recreation sector, with the additional benefit of providing opportunities for acquiring externally accredited qualifications in outdoor leadership skills.