ED2PF1-The Foundation Subjects in the Primary Curriculum

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Mrs Gwenda Lappin
Email: g.m.lappin@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is designed to develop students’ understanding of the pedagogy and practice of teaching of the National Curriculum Foundation subjects and furnishing trainees with a suite of knowledge, skills and teaching strategies germane to the generalist primary classroom practitioner.



The module will outline the expectations for the teaching of History, Geography, Art, Music, PE, RE, Design & Technology and Foreign Languages. The importance of these to the primary curriculum and children’s development will be examined and related to work undertake in Professional Studies. 



Students will be given an overview of progression from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 in the different curriculum areas and guided towards a range of resources and teaching and assessment strategies relevant to the teaching of each. They will be encouraged to consider the possibilities of cross-curricular, thematic curriculum design.

Aims:

To deepen understanding of how children learn through the arts and humanities and technology and the importance of practical experiences in the development of creativity, empathy and critical thinking

• To develop students’ pedagogical, curricular and subject knowledge in the Foundation subjects


• To enable students to develop strategies for planning teaching within and across sessions and subjects that engage all children and foster learning


• To provide students with opportunities to develop professional and interpersonal skills to prepare them for working collaboratively in a school setting

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

• Design and plan a presentation linking to the requirements of teaching the Foundation subjects at Key Stage 1 or 2.


• Understand the requirements of teaching the Foundation subjects at Key stage 1 and 2. 


• Recognise the integral role of formative assessment within planning for progression 


• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the relevant Foundation subject curriculum


• Reflect critically on the demands of teaching the Foundation subjects within primary schools.

Additional outcomes:

Students will build an understanding of the teaching and learning of the suite of Foundation subjects. They will undertake focused research to achieve an informed awareness of the values of the Foundation subjects in the National Curriculum. Students will be able to work collaboratively to synthesise their understanding of how children learn and progress in the Foundation subjects. 

Outline content:

This module will provide trainees with:

• An understanding of the relationship between the Foundation subjects and the whole curriculum


• The statutory requirements for the teaching of the Foundation subjects


• A knowledge of a range of resources and teaching strategies appropriate to the delivery of the Foundation subjects in primary schools


• An understanding of appropriate ways for monitoring and assessing children’s progress in the Foundation subjects.

Global context:
This module may deal with some international issues as part of cross-curricular work

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching and learning methods will build on prior knowledge and develop understanding through enquiry.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	44	8
Guided independent study:	144	4
Total hours by term	188	12	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Project output other than dissertation	50
Oral assessment and presentation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One Group Research Project to be presented in a digital format (50%) and an Individual Supplementary Report 1,250 words (50%).

Formative assessment methods:

Students are expected to carry out designated research and tasks set by the course tutor. For the Foreign Languages strand of this module students will develop a Languages Subject Knowledge file and formative feedback will be given.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:

The group presentation may be reassessed during the summer resit period by a deadline agreed with the module tutor. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: 


2. Specialist equipment or materials: A whistle. This is also a requirement for Year 1 and school placements, so it is highly likely that the trainees will incur no extra costs as they will already own one from the previous module.


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headware: For PE sessions, appropriate clothing is required, such as jogging trousers and a tee-shirt appropriate for a professional teaching PE in school. Appropriate trainers for support will also be required for safety in university sessions, rather than fashion trainers. This is also a requirement for Year 1 and school placements, so it is highly likely that the trainees will incur no extra costs as they will already own what is required from the previous module.


4. Printing and binding: Handouts will be given in session and occasionally, they may be required to print a copy themselves. Groups may choose to provide additional resources for the presentation – costs will vary depending on what the group decide to do.


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: 


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022