Scotland s MSc in Advanced Residential Child Care Past

Scotland’s MSc in Advanced Residential Child Care: Past, Present, and Future Transformations Laura Steckley Graham Mc. Pheat SIRCC/CELCIS/GSSW CYC Net Day Conference Renfrew Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Structure of presentation • Background and Rationale • Progress and Developments – Threshold Concepts • Impact • Future

Background • 1 st intake 2001 following creation of SIRCC • Political and professional landscape • Rationale

Progress and Developments • Demographics • Challenges related to progression • Exit awards • Threshold Concepts

Threshold Concept: Definition: A special type of core concept that opens up new, previously inaccessible ways of thinking. – Transformative – Irreversible – Integrative – Bounded – Troublesome

• • Threshold Concepts in RCC/CYC? Discourse Care Developmental orientation to practice Containing and Holding Environments Lifespace Opportunity led Work Relational Practice Situated Leadership

Impact • Student Evaluations/Feedback • External Examiners • Consultation Exercise

External Examiner’s Report “This is a course of national importance which is living up to its reputation as providing sound and rigorous education and training at an advanced level. It is also gaining international recognition, especially in terms of its continuing support from government. ” (External Examiner, September 2009)

Consultation Exercise, 2010 The depth of learning that I gained whilst on the course has had a significant impact on the relationships I have with children and young people. They have not changed, but I certainly have! My level of understanding in terms of theory and not just experience alone has served both myself and the young people well. (Student)

Consultation Exercise, 2010 [Our] unit team is more inclined to ‘hold on’ to young people and do not give up during the hard times. This has meant greater stability, security and a sense of belonging for the young people. (Student)

Future • Funding/sustainability • Delivery • Target audience • Curriculum focus • Market testing

Questions, comments, ideas, ways to help? Graham. Mc. Pheat@strath. ac. uk