Overview

Work-based placements involve a commitment of 70 hours in total. A number of employability sessions are incorporated into the curriculum, some of which are provided by the Bangor Careers and Employability team. Each individual student’s experience of the module will therefore be different, mediated by the nature and location of the placement, and their defined roles within this work context. All students will begin their studies with an individual orientation to their placement by means of small group tutorials or one-to-one supervisions. They will embark on a guided reading and study programme, facilitated by the module convenor and teaching team. Their grounding will include reading and discussion aimed at understanding the links between academic study and agency work practice. These will then be linked to the specific undertakings of the placement agency such as providing legal or other advice services, research, policy and campaigning work. The module incorporates structures for reflection on the learning process within a work-based context. Recommended reading will include texts on the value and role of such reflection, and this will be an integral part of the first assignment. Students are also required to present on two aspects of their work-based learning within their chosen agency (second assignment). Topics for this aspect of the module will vary according to the individual placement.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- to D+ (40-49%)For the reflective report - shows satisfactory ability to reflect on the work-based learning experience; provides a satisfactory commentary on the student’s own experiences of the placement. Demonstrates a basic awareness of the literature on employability.For the presentation on the student’s work with the agency - satisfactory presentation on the student’s work with the agency - Satisfactory description of the work placement - Satisfactory evaluation of one aspect of the work undertaken during the placement. - Uses little or no research related to the subject. - Satisfactory delivery, but at least three improvements were needed relating to delivery e.g speech patterns, presentation slides, more research; preparation for the questions - Satisfactory presentation slides but at least three improvements needed e.g relating to use of bullet points, text colour, font & size - Satisfactory responses in discussion, but much more understanding of the subject area was needed - Satisfactory time-keeping (somewhat over or under time)

-good -B- to B+ (60-69% For the reflective report - shows a good or very good ability to reflect on the work-based learning experience; provides a thorough commentary on the student’s own experiences of the placement. Demonstrates good or very good awareness of the literature on employability.For the presentation on the student’s work with the agency - a good or very good presentation on the student’s work with the agency – a good/very good presentation that discusses the placement in an informed and perceptive way. - Good/very good description of the work placement - Good/very good evaluation of one aspect of the work undertaken during the placement - Uses some research related to the subject. - Overall, a good/very good delivery, but one or two improvements were needed relating to delivery e.g speech patterns, presentation slides, more research; preparation for the questions - Good/very good presentation slides but one or two improvements needed e.g - Good/very good responses in discussion but more preparation needed - Good time keeping (only marginally over or under specific time)

-excellent -A- to A* (70%+)For the reflective report – shows excellent ability to reflect on the work-based learning experience; provides an insightful and skilled commentary on the student’s own experiences of the placement. Demonstrates excellent awareness of the literature on employability. Provides clear recommendations for the employer for further placementsFor the presentation on the student’s work with the agency – an excellent presentation that discusses the placement in an informed and perceptive way. - An excellent description of the work placement - An excellent outline of any relevant government policies relating to the organisation - An excellent evaluation of two aspects of the work undertaken during the placement. - Has an excellent understanding of research related to the subject, specifically the key people. - Key recommendations for the organisation - Enthusiastic and engaging delivery; - Excellent presentation slides that complement the oral presentation - Perceptive and interesting responses in discussion. - Excellent time keeping (keeps to specific time limit)

-another level-C- to C+ (50-59%)For the reflective report - shows reasonably good ability to reflect on the work-based learning experience; provides a satisfactory to reasonably good commentary on the student’s own experiences of the placement. Demonstrates a reasonable awareness of the literature on employability.For the presentation on the student’s work with the agency – satisfactory to reasonably good presentation on the student’s work with the agency - Satisfactory to reasonably good description of the work placement - Satisfactory to reasonably good evaluation of one aspect of the work undertaken during the placement. - Uses some research related to the subject. - Satisfactory to reasonably good delivery, but two to three improvements were needed relating to delivery e.g speech patterns, presentation slides, more research; preparation for the questions - Satisfactory to reasonably good presentation slides but two to three improvements needed e.g relating to use of bullet points, text colour, font & size - Satisfactory to reasonably good responses in discussion, but much more understanding of the subject area was needed - Satisfactory time-keeping (somewhat over or under time)

Learning Outcomes

• Develop and critically reflect on the acquisition of a range of work-based skills.

• Engage constructively and critically in a learning environment.

• Establish good working relationships with staff and client groups within the agency.

• Identify, implement and critically evaluate the implementation of a range of professional and academic skills which are relevant to the workplace.

• Report and critically reflect on two aspects of the student’s own work within the agency.