What will I learn on this module?
You will:
• Be introduced to a range of theories, philosophies and ideologies about early primary and primary education and also literature in the field.
• Examine child development theories and the implications for early primary and primary practice.
• Consider progression across the early primary and primary age range taking into account developmental theories and issues related to special educational needs and equal opportunities for young children.
• Consider national documents for curriculum with particular reference to the Early Years Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum.
• Consider pedagogic approaches and strategies which involve; integrated approaches, planned adult intervention, play and creating learning environments including the use of ICT.
• Consider roles and responsibilities of other agencies involved in the care of young children.
• Consider the enhancement of learning opportunities for young children through the planned management and partnership with parents/carers and other adults in early years and primary settings.
How will I learn on this module?
You will learn through university-based sessions which aim to underpin professional learning with academic knowledge and critical understanding. Lectures, seminars and tutorials will provide you with opportunities to develop an appreciation of the importance of integrating practice and formal theory. Your learning will be situated in a distinct ‘community of practice’ where experiential, collaborative and individualised strategies will enable you to develop the personal, professional and transferable skills associated with outstanding newly qualified teachers. In addition to tutor led sessions you will be directed and supported in your individual study as you seek to develop a critical and well-informed understanding of the nature of early and primary education in contemporary society. You will be encouraged to make full use of established social and professional networking tools in addition to the online resources provided by the University to enhance your learning and support your academic and professional development, a central aspect of this will be the utilisation of the eLP.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Successful academic achievement requires a system of robust support and guidance to help you focus on your learning needs. In addition to the pastoral support you will receive, the tutors involved in delivering this module will provide guidance and academic counselling to ensure that you are able to confidently engage with the academic rigour of this module. This dialogue will be face to face in lectures, seminars or tutorials and is an essential aspect of the programme’s assessment for learning strategy. Extensive support is also accessible online as part of the University’s commitment to technology enhanced learning. This employs the use of the e-learning portal (Blackboard including Pebble+) and social networking and collaborative tools.
A central feature of the academic support available to you is the service provided by the University Library. This 24/7 service caters for all your learning needs, has extensive access to electronic texts and tutorials that will directly support the development of academic skills aimed at improving your critical thinking and analytical writing.
What will I be expected to read on 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.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Consider a range of pedagogic approaches, strategies, theories, philosophies and ideologies alongside the literature in the field across the relevant age phase(s).
2. Develop an understanding of the key elements and debates surrounding your emerging role and responsibilities in educational and social perspectives and contexts across the relevant age phase(s).
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Examine relevant and recent child development theories and literature in education from some historical, national and international perspectives; and consider the implications for professional practice across the relevant age phase(s), considering progression with regard to developmental theories and issues related to special educational needs and equal opportunities for children.
4. Demonstrate correct application of all aspects of Standard English, e.g. spelling, punctuation and grammar
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Reflect upon your emerging understanding to compare and contrast the enhancement of learning opportunities for young children across the relevant age phase(s)
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assessment:
Diagnostic Task: A short, written response to a given article. (500 – 750 words)
The aim of this task is to introduce you to expectations of academic writing on the BA and provide you with feedback that will support your assessed submission.
Summative Assessment:
Written Assignment
Reflective analysis of journal articles comparing and contrasting with annotated journal article as an appendix.
(2000 words)
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
Educational Placements 1
Professional Studies 1
Curriculum Studies 1
Module abstract
This module will enable you to develop an initial understanding of the key elements and debates surrounding the role of an early years and primary teacher by introducing you to the philosophies and principles underpinning early primary and primary education. The holistic world of the child will be introduced to enable you to debate issues around early primary and primary education where theories of child development, learning and teaching will be considered. This will be achieved through lectures, workshops and seminars which will allow you to discuss ideas and your emerging philosophies of education. The module will be assessed through a written assignment.
Course info
UCAS Code X120
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time
Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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