BA Single Honours Studies in Primary Education (PT)

This module provides students with an introduction to the English, Mathematics and Science programmes of study of the National Curriculum. Key aspects of subject knowledge within the three subject areas will be addressed and these will be used as a vehicle to explore effective principles and methods of supporting teaching and learning within the primary classroom. Key pedagogical approaches to the teaching of the three core subjects will be explored and students will consider in detail the role of school staff in supporting teaching and learning effectively. Students will be given the opportunity to plan and teach activities that facilitate learning in English, Mathematics and Science and begin to develop strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of the teaching and learning they observe and are also involved in. Students will also consider some of the ways in which teaching strategies may be matched to specific learner needs. The students will consider the role of resources in supporting learning and teaching and will be given the opportunity to plan and teach activities that facilitate learning in English, Mathematics and Science and begin to develop strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of the teaching and learning they observe and are also involved in.

This module seeks to introduce discussion of the purposes and processes of educational systems from a number of different perspectives. The module is designed to give students insights into the nature of primary education as a field of study and the disciplines, concepts and themes that inform the study of education. In the process of exploring key concepts such as learning, development, identity, agency, structure, power, social class, cultural capital, curriculum, inclusion, ideology and diversity students are also introduced to the evolving political and social arenas in which the study of primary education is located. This introductory module is specifically designed to introduce the idea of education as an essentially contested concept and practice, and problematise it as a discrete area of study.

This module will develop student’s knowledge and understanding of child development and learning. The module will focus on development of the body, language, cognition and social and emotional aspects. It will provide students with theories for development and learning, and relate these to aspects of learning and teaching. Theorists considered will include, among others; Piaget, Bruner, Skinner, Vygotsky and Chomsky. It will also explore theories which focus on the impact of biological and maturational processes on human development, including theories of attachment. Students will also consider individual factors that impact on child development and learning such as health, environment, personality and self-esteem. Interpersonal relationships will be considered in the context of the learner and will consider the role of these in supporting teaching and learning and also how these affect the students as learners.

This module aims to enhance students’ understanding of a range of factors that impact upon the ‘life journeys’ and ‘life chances’ of individuals and groups, during their primary education. Students will explore the constructs of childhood and adolescence through the investigation of societal and other factors such as the family, identity, class and disaffection. The module will enable students to critically evaluate the extent to which these factors impact on different individuals and groups. They will be invited to reflect on the factors influencing their own ‘life journey.’