Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

Background

• HE is changing - social and economic pressures to produce graduates for our 'supercomplex age' - transferable skills are as important as knowledge
• Students are changing - greater range of academic ability, diverse backgrounds and pastoral needs (Weimer, 2012)
• Increasing accountability, administration and demand for excellence

Objectives of IFY

• to aid student retention
• to increase student acheivement (22-30% students fail A&P and Principles of Science modules on their first attempt)
• to widen participation to students with lower entry points
• to support progression from FdSc (Level 5) to BSc (Top Up) (Level 6)

Untitled Slide

Curriculum Design considerations

• Based on: Gould Roffey-Barensten (2018)
• Content Model
• Product Model
• Process Model
• Objectives approach
• Competence approach
• Problem Based Learning
• Hidden Curriculum

Further Actions

• Develop initial assessment for each module
• Design new module descriptors
• Consult current students
• Research success criteria of other institutions offering Year Zero/IFY

Next Steps: T&L Intervention

Using 'Colouring'/Mindfulness Activities

Summary

• Drivers for change can be political and student driven
• Curriculum design is a tool to enhance student retention and achievement
• Think outside the box, look out for innovative practice and do not be afraid to copy, give it a go... evaluate and do not forget to build upon your personal drivers/passions!