PGCE Primary (3-7)

Core Curriculum English 1

This module introduces the relevant curriculum documentation and its interdependence, with a study of the development of children as speakers, listeners, readers and writers across the foundation and primary age range.

It will familiarise you with using the documents to plan appropriate learning outcomes and teaching and assessment strategies for shared, guided and independent work in communication, language and literacy/English.

It will help you to develop the subject knowledge necessary to teach the foundation and primary age range and to identify their personal development needs, through completion of a baseline audit and on-going profile of subject knowledge.

Core Curriculum English 2

This module examines the research and other evidence that has influenced the CGFS, NC and the NLS. This may include, for example, the work of Usha Goswami on phonological awareness; genre theory, e.g. the work of Bev Deriewanka, and Wray and Medwell’s work on effective teachers of literacy. You will also look at using inspection evidence and data, e.g. assessment data from end of Key Stage Tests, to formulate development work in classrooms. You will focus specifically on the inclusive classroom, i.e. equal opportunities and supporting EAL and SEN (including high ability pupils) appropriately.

Core Curriculum Mathematics Module 1 – the Teaching and Learning of Number

This module explores the underlying concepts and principles of the mathematics curriculum for numeracy. You will examine a wide range of topics, including: the approaches to mental and written calculations, the appropriate use of calculators, and understanding and managing pupil progression.

Core Curriculum Mathematics Module 2 – Successful Teaching and Learning of Mathematics

This module continues and expands your knowledge and understanding of how to teach mathematics successfully. You will understand how to teach mathematical reasoning, geometry, shape and space, data and probability, amongst others.

Core Curriculum Science

In this module, you will learn the key aspects to teaching science as part of the core curriculum. You will keep a Science Portfolio for recording progress in their science KUSA; for showing understanding of children’s learning in science; and recording experiences of managing and evaluating classroom science.

Professional Studies

This module develops your critical and rigorous understanding of the principles that underpin primary education. You will expand your knowledge and understanding of the nature of the primary curriculum and children’s developmental needs.

It will introduce and critique educational research methodology, analysis and ethics.

It will advance your abilities to critically apply such knowledge and understanding in a professional context through lesson planning, teaching, assessment and behaviour management and critical reflection on these.

A particular focus will be on issues of inclusion, equality and diversity and the module will develop your abilities to be able to apply your knowledge and understanding of such issues in the classroom.

Wider Curriculum

This module develops your critical understanding of and enthusiasm for the primary curriculum via the introduction of the foundation subjects.

For each of the foundation subjects, you will learn about their distinctiveness, associated pedagogies as well as addressing relevant subject knowledge. By linking your learning to your school experience, it will prepare you to plan, teach and assess the foundation subjects effectively.

You will develop a systematic knowledge and understanding of key curriculum and framework documents and a critical awareness of current issues and debates surrounding the primary curriculum.

You will consider the distinctive opportunities, challenges and concerns, associated with particular curriculum subjects as well as common issues, e.g. the development of creativity.