What you will study
You will learn about pedagogy (the art of teaching), including learning theories and child development, alongside the subjects of the national curriculum. Together, this learning will help you understand how best to teach each subject to children of different ages, with a variety of needs, attributes and experiences. You will also explore key professional issues, such as safeguarding and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
All teaching and learning activities are designed to support student development in the 5 core areas as identified in the CCF in order for trainees to be make good progress and be able to meet the Teachers' Standards at the end of their training.
During placements, students will be able to practise key skills as well as have the opportunity to work with and learn from expert colleagues as they apply their knowledge and understanding in the classroom. Observations, discussions and practice undertaken in school settings will foster the academic and professional development needed. Students will be recommended for QTS at the end of their Initial Teacher Training.
Year 1
In Year 1, you will be introduced to all the subjects of the national curriculum, to key learning theories and to the wider perspective of being a teacher.
Core modules
Core English and School Experience
30 credits
This module comprises two complementary elements.
Part A will address the key subject knowledge required to teach English in the primary classroom. Students will be introduced to the current context for primary English and the expectations for children's learning with a particular focus on early language development, early reading (including phonics) and early writing. The module will be underpinned by extensive reading of children's literature and will consider creative contexts for supporting children's language and literacy development. Part B of this module is a practice-based element involving a school placement. All activities are intended to foster the academic and professional development needed for student teachers to address the required standards, exemplified in the Teachers' Standards.
Mathematics and Science in Primary Education
30 credits
This module addresses aspects of subject and pedagogic knowledge related to the core primary subjects of mathematics and science. The module is designed to provide an introduction to early number within mathematics and the key skills and concepts that underpin the teaching of primary science.
Pedagogy and Curriculum
30 credits
In this module, students will examine different theoretical perspectives on learning and their related pedagogies, alongside developing their knowledge and understanding of current curricula in schools. Students will explore issues of curriculum intent and gain insights into the organisation and implementation of teaching and learning in schools. This will offer students a lens through which to consider their emerging personal curriculum interests and support their choice of future specialism.
The Arts and Humanities in Primary Education
30 credits
The module will introduce students to the concepts, principles and practice of the Arts and Humanities in the primary curriculum. Issues related to curriculum content, planning, out of classroom activities, creativity and cross curricular links will be studied with specific reference to various aspects of the Arts and Humanities.
Year 2
In Year 2, you will continue to develop your knowledge of the core subjects, and will start to follow your chosen subject specialism. There is a focus on working with pupils with SEND and on cross-curricular planning and provision.
Core modules
Core English the Broader Curriculum
30 credits
This module is designed to further develop the students' subject knowledge in English and the Broader Curriculum (History, Geography, RE & Citizenship, and Languages & Culture) to widen their teaching repertoires through a consideration of the role of talk and creativity in children's learning.
Mathematics and Science in Primary Education
30 credits
This module will enable students to acquire further aspects of appropriate subject and pedagogic knowledge related to the core primary subjects of mathematics and science. The module is designed to provide an introduction to shape, space and measure within mathematics and key skills and knowledge that underpin the teaching of primary science. Within the module focus will be placed on identifying and addressing misconceptions alongside the use of talk to promote understanding and develop Higher Order Thinking Skills.
Pedagogy and School Experience
30 credits
This module comprises two complementary elements.
The first section of this module is taught at University. This section of the module helps to prepare students for school experience and beyond in terms of understanding the interplay between theory and practice, and helping students to make informed choices, with a particular focus on inclusion. The different conceptions of inclusion are explored with professionals from the 'world of work' presenting their experiences and points of view. The module also enables students to reflect and research on an element of inclusion within their school experience, analysing ways to develop practice.
The second and main section of this module is practice based element involving school placement which contributes to the statutory requirement for DfE accredited primary under-graduate training programmes to incorporate at least 24 weeks in school settings. Observation, discussion, practice and its documentation undertaken in school settings is intended to foster the academic and professional development needed to provide a basis for a later school experience placement in which student teachers meet the required standard for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The prime reference point in the programme of activities undertaken will be the DfE document Teachers' Standards and the standards and requirements set out therein, or any subsequent document of similar status and effect.
Optional modules
English Subject Specialism
30 credits
This module builds on the understanding gained in the first module of the English subject specialism course in which students have had the opportunity to explore a range of contemporary fiction written for adults and children. The module follows two discrete parts. The first part focuses on creative writing; the students will write a short story for a primary phase audience and will have the opportunity to peer assess each other's writing and receive feedback from children. The second part of the module will investigate Shakespeare and other classic texts and consider their potential for creative application in a primary setting. The main focus here will be on exploring the ways in which the new literacies, including multimodal texts and drama, can be employed to support pupil engagement and response to these texts.
Mathematics Subject Specialism
30 credits
The subject specialism aims to develop academic abilities in mathematics in a stimulating and creative way as well as to prepare trainees for the role of Mathematics Specialist or co-ordinator) within primary schools. This module seeks to develop knowledge and understanding, enjoyment and appreciation of a variety of mathematics topic through taught sessions delivered by a team of enthusiastic mathematicians and mathematics educators.
Science Subject Specialism
30 credits
This module will enable students to further develop their specialized science knowledge alongside aspects of pedagogic content knowledge associated with practice in the primary science classroom. There will be opportunities to develop educational technologies specific to teaching the subject.
Year 3
You will continue to enhance your knowledge of the core subjects and on cross-curricular provision for the broader curriculum. You will undertake your extended study (5000 word essay) on a topic of your choice. In addition, you will receive input and support to help you successfully apply for your first post as a qualified teacher.
Core modules
English, Mathematics and Science in Primary Education
30 credits
This module is designed to enhance and extend students' pedagogical subject knowledge in English, Mathematics and Science and to equip them with the necessary skills to teach these subjects effectively in the primary classroom. Students will be encouraged to explore and reflect on the pedagogical links between these key areas through a consideration of inclusion, creativity, diversity and assessment for learning.
Educational Technologies and the Broader Curriculum in Primary Education
30 credits
The purpose of this module is to develop practical understanding of ways in which educational technologies, including concepts of computing, digital literacy and e- safety, can be effectively incorporated into areas of primary teaching covered by the module. Students will be given the opportunity to select, use and create digital artifact(s) that address key aspects covered by the curriculum with particular reference to Primary Languages, Humanities and the Arts. The module will also address relevant current developments in government policy and emerging good practice in schools. Students will be asked to consider their own experience in schools in order to analyse and evaluate the pedagogical opportunities and challenges of using technology to foster children's learning.
Pedagogy and School Experience
30 credits
This module comprises two complementary elements.
Part A is the taught element at University. This section of the module is designed to help with the transition as an emerging professional in the final school experience placement and beyond into 'the world of work.' Students will engage in research and debates about the importance of the well being of learners, curriculum design and pedagogic approaches to teaching and learning in primary settings, resulting in the design of an innovative scheme of work that has the potential to be used in school. A particular focus will be on developing a community of learners in their first post, mindful of the dynamic context of contemporary primary education especially in relation to technology.
Part B of this module is the practice based element involving school placement which contributes to the statutory requirement for accredited primary under-graduate training programmes to incorporate at least 24 weeks in school settings. Observation, discussion, practice and its documentation undertaken in school settings is intended to foster the academic and professional development needed for student teachers to meet the required standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) towards the end of the placement. The prime reference point in the programme of activities undertaken will be the DfE document Teachers' Standards and the standards and requirements set out therein, or any subsequent document of similar status and effect.
Specialist Extended Study
30 credits
The Extended Study will build on your understanding of your specialist subject which has been introduced and developed in the first two years of the programme. It will enable you to enhance your pedagogic expertise through a critical understanding of key issues and recent research in your chosen subject. You will be required to demonstrate your critical understanding of relevant theoretical perspectives and professional responsibilities through an in-depth study of a well-defined question negotiated with a personal tutor.
