The Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy
Therapeutic Play Skills & Play Therapy
- the UK's largest and most experienced dedicated training organisation
- the best support services for all levels of practitioners
Section 1 Examiner’s Proforma Response
|
Statement |
External Examiner’s response |
| 2.1 The
Standards set for the Awards for I am responsible at UCC are appropriate
for qualifications at this level and in this subject YES |
The standards set for the Awards for which I am responsible are totally appropriate for the qualifications being pursued. The presentation of material for examination was excellent. |
| 2.2 The
standards of student performance are comparable with similar programmes
or subjects in other institutions with which I am familiar YES |
The standards of student performance are comparable with similar programmes with which I have been involved in other UK institutions. My observations confirm that the students following this programme are motivated and highly committed to the demands of the course. |
| 2.3 The
processes for assessment and examination and the determination of the
Awards are sound and fairly conducted YES |
Assessment processes are sound and fair. Students are offered regular tutorials throughout the programme and these are conducted in a fair and professional manner. I was impressed with the level of commitment demonstrated by course tutors and students. |
| 2.4 I would draw to the attention of an external audience the following strengths or distinctive or innovative features in relation to standards and assessment processes in this area of provision at UCC |
|
| 2.5 In
terms of Learning, Teaching and the Curriculum, does the provision meet
the requirements of the relevant external framework – QAA Benchmark
Statement. YES |
Most definitely. The learning and teaching included in the curriculum is entirely appropriate to the kind of work in which students will be engaged once qualified. All tutors involved in the programme are highly qualified in their individual fields. They are selected by the Director according to their academic as well as practical expertise. Working with children in this way requires very specific professional expertise. The course tutirs are totally aware of this and make every effort to ensure that those who qualify reach the high standards necessary. |
- Student Performance
I was impressed with the many scripts 1 saw both in January and in June. I had access to all written work on both occasions and was impressed not only with the standard of written work presented but also with the level of commitment demonstrated by all concerned. The demands and expectations of the course tutors are rigorous and students respect the rationale which drives such high expectations. I was fortunate enough to speak with two groups of students – one group in January and the other in June. On each occasion I was impressed by the degree of personal and professional learning with individuals obtained from all aspects of the course. They described the many challenging aspects of their experiences. These included: placements’ expectations, practical work with children, the taught elements at Fern Hill, the written work, the self awareness etc. I was also impressed with the fact that I was welcomed by them and encouraged to join them during one of the days. This gave me an even greater insight into the standard of work being offered at the Centre.
In my view the marking and assessment processes are rigorous and fair. They are entirely in keeping with the calibre of work being undertaken and totally appropriate to the Award of Diploma. The amount and standard of practical and written work required to obtain the award is apposite.
The guidelines given to students regarding written work, reading materials, placements etc, are clear, useful and appropriate. Students are offered excellent suggestions regarding appropriate literature to review. Casework summary forms are kept by all students and are, in my view an excellent reflection of the professional standards expected and maintained by the Course Director. I was impressed by the choice of essay titles that I saw. They were creative, free and appropriate to the work being carried out by the individual student. I also became aware as I read through the numerous journals of the many major life changes which were happening to individual students as they proceeded through the course. I was also conscious of the support they were being given as they tackled these. It occurred to me that the changes that the students were undergoing may have in some way paralleled what happens with the children who take part in play therapy sessions.
Val Harding Davies 1st July, 2005 External Examiner
External examiner's report on visit to Fern Hill Centre - Fairwarp - Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd January, 2005 inclusive.
During my visit to the Fern Hill Centre I was given total freedom to examine all of the written work submitted by certificate and diploma students. I read a range of scripts from both levels and was impressed both by the extent of work required and the quality of material produced. There was ample evidence throughout to confirm that both programmes have been planned and executed by experienced and well informed practitioners. The Director is a stickler for detail and good practice and the students acknowledge her expertise.
Even the weakest student provided evidence of a sound understanding of the work she had undertaken throughout the course and I was left in no doubt with regard to her ability to pass the course and practice safely and creatively. I was impressed by the level of theoretical input included throughout both programmes and was excited to witness the degree of creativity being engendered by all concerned.
In addition to assessing written work, I also had opportunity to talk with the current group of diploma students who were attending the third module of the diploma course. They all expressed their satisfaction with the content and organisation of the course. They valued the expertise of tutors involved in the different modules and were appreciative of the clinical support and supervision afforded them by the director and administrator of the course.
I am delighted to say that the students were happy for me to join them over the weekend. This gave me opportunity to observe how they applied themselves to the work presented. It also enabled me to assess a) the quality of the tutor's input, b) the manner with which the balance between theory and practice was organised and c) the way in which students were encouraged to apply what they were experiencing to their individual practice.
I was extremely impressed with what I encountered practically, professionally and theoretically. In my view this is a pioneering venture of excellence and I want to congratulate Monika Jephcott and Jeff Thomas together with all other tutors involved, on the professional way in which this programme is executed.
Recommendations
I would have valued seeing more detailed tutor comments attached to each written assignment with suggestions for further reading/suggested alternative approaches etc. However excellent a piece of work is there are always additional insights to be gained from another's experience/reading etc.
More involvement by other tutors in assessment of written work. This would take the pressure off the course director and afford students opportunity to receive feedback from a wider range of people.
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Fern Hill Centre. I found it stimulating and informative.
Val Harding Davies 1st February, 2005 External Examiner
Ó Copyright APAC Ltd
October 2006