Interactive digital resource examining perspectives on an issue relating to children family and society. Students will select one current issue to explore then select 2/3 theoretical perspectives through which to explore this issue. Students select their medium through which to present their response to the task using graphs, charts and images etc as well as supported literature.

Formative assessment opportunities include:
Drafts
Tutorials
Non-assessed peer review of resource

This module will explore the nature of childhood from a range of perspectives, including contemporary, sociological, philosophical and historical feminist and functionalist. It will evaluate differing views of the influence of society on the child. Relevant aspects of the legislative framework within which child carers and educators are operating will be examined. The principles enshrined in relevant legislation, the sources of support for children, parents and carers will be examined and aspects of multi-disciplinary working will be considered. Influences which affect children within the family and society will be researched, for example parenting, schooling, poverty, race, ethnicity, gender, Inequalities in society and discrimination.

In this module the sociological backdrop that is relevant to contemporary childhood in the UK will be examined.

Rationale
This is an important module in relation to making connections between current and relevant theories on childhood and the students’ own practice and settings. Opportunities will be given to reflect upon their own practice/experience and undertake reviews of literature exploring sources of support for families, examining the nature of the child in the present society and the effects of diverse influences upon the development of children. This module will also examine young people and citizenship and the importance of giving them a voice.

1. Apply digital tools to effectively communicate to professional and academic audiences about the influences which can affect development and wellbeing of children both in the family and in society

Programme Learning Outcome: 4. Digital literacy, 6. Communication

2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a variety of theoretical perspectives in relation to children’s agency within the family and wider society that are informed by academic literature and research

Programme Learning Outcome: 1. Knowledge & understanding, 5. Research skills

The teaching, learning and assessment strategy has been carefully developed for this module. It recognises you may bring with you practical experience as level 4 students and knowledge of specific contexts to share with others, and this pool of practical experience will be used to promote discussion and debate, which will build upon existing knowledge to encourage reflection and critical thought. A digitally enabled blended approach will be used to support both virtual and face to face opportunities.

University workshops. You will also be asked to use the ideas explored in the sessions in planning your future work. You will also be asked to collaborate with others in preparing and presenting your work. The methods are designed to provide practical contexts for the analysis of contemporary issues and problems of a practical nature. Workshops will include opportunities for discussions.

Work Related Learning – You will be required to reflect on values, practices, assumptions and work-place policies. Work-based activities help to establish connections between the workplace and issues raised by the programme.

Lectures - You will be given lectures which will provide theoretical underpinning on key educational concepts. These may take the form of face-to-face, sessions online or pre-recorded

Tutorials – You will be given the opportunity to discuss work-related and academic concerns in small group tutorials and/or individual tutorials. This will support the development of theoretical understanding.

Guided reading and supported self-study – You will be provided with booklists and reading tasks in order to enable you to engage with relevant and appropriate debates.

Drop-in support sessions, to support you with assessment

Simulation activities such as sessions in the Woodlands Forest School

This module will also provide opportunities for you to:
- Work with others
- Develop interpersonal skills
- Demonstrate the capacity to plan, share goals, and work as a member of a team
- Communicate and present oral and written arguments

* Education and early years research databases
* Guest speakers
* Related work-based learning opportunities

Boronski, T and Hassan, N (2020) sociology of education. (2nd ed) London. Sage.

This textbook introduces key sociological perspectives on education, encouraging students to think critically about how social structures, policy, inequality and identity shape educational experiences.

Domina, T (2019) Education and Society: An Introduction to Key Issues in the Sociology of Education. Oakland. CUP

This book provides an accessible introduction to major sociological issues in education, drawing on contemporary research to examine how schools both reflect and shape wider social inequalities.

Foley, P., Roche, J., and Tucker,J. (2020) Children in Society: Contemporary Theory, Policy and Practice. Basingstoke. Palgrave.

This reader offers a comprehensive exploration of theory, policy and practice affecting children and families, drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives to highlight contemporary challenges and approaches in child welfare.

The module has been designed to enable you to reflect upon the concept of childhood, in relation to the family and society. It draws upon differing disciplines within education such as sociology and psychology as well as politics. This will enable you to reflect upon your understanding of the child and how this relates to your practice.