Skip to main content
 

EDUC1562: Shifting the Focus

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Tied
Level 1
Credits 40
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Education

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To develop an understanding of the key elements underpinning the primary curriculum and strengthen the knowledge of the connections.
  • To explore pedagogical issues related to teaching the core curriculum.
  • To consider the issues involved in ensuring the effective provision of the National Curriculum for all children.

Content

  • To develop an understanding of the core subjects; English, mathematics and science.
  • To consider how children think about English, mathematics and science in the primary curriculum, through critical analysis of published materials, including journals, books and other academic literature.
  • To develop an understanding of the implications for the teaching and learning of English, mathematics and science in the classroom.
  • To explore pedagogical issues related to the teaching of English, mathematics and science.
  • To develop knowledge of the National Curriculum (DfE, 2013) and the values and assumptions which underpin it.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • An informed and critical awareness of research in primary education which can enhance the effectiveness of the primary teacher.
  • Apply subject knowledge to the primary context.
  • Construct and sustain a reasoned argument.
  • Apply ideas relating to research on a variety of contemporary education issues relating to the primary context.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • An informed and critical awareness of research in primary education which can enhance the effectiveness of the primary teacher.
  • Apply subject knowledge to the primary context.
  • Apply ideas relating to research on a variety of contemporary education issues relating to the primary context.

Key Skills:

  • Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively in written and oral form;
  • Work collaboratively with peers;
  • Engage in peer- and self-assessment;
  • Manage time and work to deadlines;
  • Construct and sustain a reasoned argument;
  • Evaluate and make use of information from a variety of primary and secondary sources.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures, workshops and seminars will be used as appropriate to support students in developing their critical understanding of the role of the teacher in the primary classroom.
  • All learning outcomes can be assessed appropriately via the two assignments.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures402 per week1 hour40Yes
Seminars202 per fortnight1 hour20Yes
Preparation and reading340 
Total400 

Summative Assessment

Component: Academic PosterComponent Weighting: 40%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Academic Poster1500 words or equivalent100Yes
Component: AssignmentComponent Weighting: 60%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written Assignment2500 words100Yes

Formative Assessment

Formative feedback for a section/plan (up to 300 words) of the written assignment will be provided through written feedback. Formative feedback for the poster will be provided via peer-review.

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.