Early Years & Primary Core Subjects
English
This course deals with the four language modes of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Trainees' own literary experiences provide a basis for beginning to think about how children learn. At the heart of the course is literature for children. As well as considering what is written for children in various genres [novels, picture books, short stories, myths, folk tales, poetry], prominence is also given to strategies for enabling children to become more fluent, enthusiastic. discriminating and adaptable readers of a wide variety of texts. Ways of helping children achieve their potential in writing is another central strand of the course. Practical workshops investigate the writing process, considering issues such as drafting, audience, collaboration and form. Consideration is also given to strategies for supporting young readers and writers in the difficulties they may experience in reading and writing. Technical features of language such as spelling and punctuation are emphasised, and trainees are prepared to teach within the context of National Strategies.
Mathematics
This course places great emphasis on fostering trainees' confidence in and enthusiasm for teaching mathematics. Trainees are helped to use and develop their own mathematics knowledge by studying methods by which young children learn the subject. Consideration is given to topics which will be met in early years & primary mathematics and to methods of teaching these, including practical activities, and the use of apparatus and games. Particular emphasis is given to the teaching of arithmetic, shape and space, the contribution of ICT, mathematical investigations, and developments associated with numeracy teaching in schools.
Science
This course is designed to build, in all trainees, the confidence that they can teach science, an area of study central to the foundation stage and primary phase of schooling. Trainees are introduced to approaches to scientific enquiry, to the science ideas that form the basis of work with young children and to theoretical frameworks about teaching and learning that relate to working with them in science. In conjunction with the work carried out on placements in partnership schools, the Faculty course is designed to raise awareness not only of subject-specific considerations but also of the range of links to wider professional issues - such as special educational needs (SEN) and English as an additional language (EAL) - that affect teaching and learning in science. Above all, the course intends to develop informed professionals ready to face the many challenges inherent in the teaching of science in foundation stage and primary settings.