ED3PF1-The Foundation Subjects in the Primary Curriculum

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mrs Emily Yearsley
Email: e.yearsley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will enable students to enrich their understanding of effective practice in the Foundation Subjects. Greater depth will be given to each subject area, enabling students to engage with more effective curriculum planning. Key themes will be explored across all foundation subject areas to enable students to critically analyse the current curriculum in a national and global context.

Aims:

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


• Develop confidence in planning and teaching effectively within and across sessions and subjects in order to foster progression in learning, creativity, empathy and critical thinking.


• Explore contemporary issues nationally and globally in education in the context of the Foundation Subjects.


• Develop critical reflection on education in the Foundation Subjects and explore links with and impact on policy and practice.


• To provide students with opportunities to develop professional and interpersonal skills to prepare them for working collaboratively in a school setting (relevant if going into schools as groups, otherwise not)

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

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


• Understand how to effectively implement the requirements of teaching the Foundation subjects at Key stage 1 and 2. 


• Successfully incorporate formative assessment into practice and understand how this fosters progression in learning. 


• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the relevant Foundation subject curriculum


• Reflect critically and confidently on the contemporary debates, policies and issues concerning the Foundation Subjects in the primary classroom.

Additional outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Be confident in challenging the foundation subject curriculums in order promote deep learning opportunities.


• Promote the value and importance of the Foundation Subjects within wider school communities  


• Be able to study independently and collaboratively to assimilate knowledge


• Be able to structure workload effectively

Outline content:

This module will enable the consolidation and development of subject knowledge across the primary curriculum. Understanding of the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum in KS1 and KS2 will be further developed. Subject specific content for each Foundation subject on the Primary curriculum will be delivered in discreet sessions for all individual subjects.

The following overarching themes will be considered across all subjects:

• Planning for progression across a sequence of lessons


• Embedding effective assessment strategies whilst managing workload


• Cross-curricular links that add value to children’s learning


• Challenging the curriculum: making time for the Foundation subjects in the current educational climate

Global context:

This module will build on the theoretical and pedagogical principles developed in the earlier ED2GCP module on global citizenship. It will facilitate the opportunity to link these core principles on a practical level to classroom practice in the context of the Foundation Subjects.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

In the Autumn term, students will engage with preparatory learning via asynchronous teaching and complete a skills audit. In the summer term, this module will be delivered in interactive sessions, which include lecturing, discussion and debate, blended learning through Blackboard and student-led presentations. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A Written Assignment of 2,500 words

Formative assessment methods:

Students will begin this module by completing a skills audit, which will be shared with tutors and form the basis of focused learning throughout the module. Formative assessment will also be made through ongoing observation of the students’ engagement with and contribution to sessions. Formative feedback will be given throughout the module.

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:

Resubmission during the Summer resit period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required textbooks: n/a


2. Specialist clothing, footwear; 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, Year 2 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.


3. Printing and binding: All materials will be available online but occasionally, students may be required to print a copy themselves. Students are required to provide 1-2 page reference list for assessment. Printing costs 5p per sheet. Groups may choose to provide additional resources for presentation – costs will vary depending on what the group do.


4. Computers and devices should be compatible with the University’s operating system. 


5. Travel, accommodation, and subsistence: n/a

Last updated: 3 September 2024