ED2FS1: The Foundation Subjects in the Primary Classroom 1

Module code: ED2FS1

Module provider: Institute of Education

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Mrs Gwenda Lappin, email: g.m.lappin@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 29 August 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

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

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Understand the requirements of teaching the foundation subjects at key stage 1 and 2. 
2. Recognise the integral role of formative assessment within planning for progression. 
3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the relevant foundation subject curriculum. 
4. Reflect critically on the demands of teaching the foundation subjects within primary schools. 

Module content

The module will outline the expectations for the teaching of foreign languages, geography, history, music, physical education, and religious education. The importance of these to the primary curriculum and children’s development will be examined. 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 teaching and assessment strategies and resources, relevant to each. They will be encouraged to consider the possibilities of cross-curricular, thematic curriculum design. 

The module makes reference to relevant and key aspects of the Primary Phase Curriculum and ITT Core Content Framework (CCF) to inform design. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

This module will be delivered in interactive sessions, which include lecturing, discussion, practical activities, and blended learning. 

Sessions will require some pre-reading, and students should be prepared to contribute their views and work both independently and collaboratively.  

Study hours

At least 29.5 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Ongoing formative assessment in sessions developing SK and confidence. 

Reassessment

Additional costs