TE6680 - Curriculum, Creativity & Challenge

You will learn through a combination of university-based, school-based and outdoor learning opportunities aimed at developing your knowledge of curriculum planning and classroom practice. You will be encouraged to systematically analyse the primary curriculum, government policies and reviews of the primary curriculum from a national and international perspective. In university, you will be introduced to key concepts in lectures, explore these in more depth during seminars and gain practical experience in workshop sessions. There will be opportunities to focus on one particular curriculum area as part of a collaborative group planning activity and reflection on your own personal learning. The expertise and experience of University based tutors together with lead professionals from our partnership schools will ensure your learning is grounded in current best practice. Taught sessions at university make use of Blackboard (electronic learning platform or eLP) which will allow you to review your learning and support your independent study. Your school experience will assist in consolidating this knowledge, allowing you to reflect on how your approach impacts on the teaching and learning of children by the design and delivery of innovative and imaginative learning opportunities.

You will be supported by the teaching team directly in face-to-face sessions, introducing you to key contemporary curricula models for primary education and giving opportunities for you to develop the confidence and competence to plan for an integrated curriculum in school. This includes the opportunity to attend ‘subject enhancement’ sessions where you will receive specific and targeted support in a chosen subject area and how this contributes to a broad and balanced curriculum. Tutors use the eLP as a resource to build on the support you receive in sessions. Relevant research, policy, further reading and planning resources can be accessed to assist your personal reflections on observed practice. Additionally, the teaching team are always available for individual support.
A central feature the academic support available to you is the service provided by the University Library. This 24/7 service caters for all your learning needs and has extensive access to electronic texts and tutorials that may also support your learning in this module.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• demonstrate your knowledge and critical understanding of theories and models of learning in relation to cross-curricular planning and learning, with an emphasis on learning opportunities outside the classroom.
• develop a critical understanding of the principles, issues and procedures related to the construction of curricula for primary education.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• critically reflect upon your understanding of learning and pedagogic theory, ideologies and principles specific to the primary curriculum.
• systematically analyse the impact of government policy and curricula on children’s learning for breadth and balance of learning opportunities.
• successfully contribute to a collaborative, professionally focused group.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• reflect on and improve your personal practice for planning, teaching and learning.
• critically reflect upon the strategies observed in curricula planning using a national and international perspective. Relate this to the professional competences included in the Teachers Standards (2012).

Formative Assessment
Collaborative cross-curricular group task in preparation for the summative assessment below.

Summative Assessment

Part 1

Individual, five minute contribution within a group of 4 or 5 members, presenting a cross-curricular plan (50%).
KU (1)
IPS (3)
PVA (1)

Part 2

Students will complete a critical written reflection on their learning. This will be uploaded to their ILDP (50%).
KU (1,2)
IPS (1,2)
PVA (1,2)

(1500 words)


In addition to % grades you will receive detailed, formative feedback to support your ongoing academic work.

Good Honours Degree

PIP
PPP
LTA

‘Curriculum, Creativity and Challenge’ is the module that will help you to develop an understanding of the challenges associated with creative and cross-curricular approaches to planning the primary curriculum. You will be guided and supported by the tutor team, including partnership staff, as you reflect on your school based experiences and develop an informed perspective about approaches to planning in primary education. You will have opportunities to plan and undertake appropriate outdoor visits, examining opportunities for learning outside the classroom. Your employability will be strengthened as a result of your learning in this module and you will develop a critical understanding of how your knowledge of effective planning models supports your professional capacity and effectiveness in the classroom. Annual student feedback suggests that this module impacts significantly on learning and directly supports their evidence towards the Teachers’ Standards (2012) and award of Qualified Teacher Status.