Early Years & Primary Foundation Subjects
Art
The aim of this course is to help trainees develop a practical and inventive approach to teaching art in schools through the experience of working with a range of materials and techniques, and to suggest ways in which children may be stimulated and encouraged to learn through art. The theory behind the practice, relevant artists and their work, planning, resources and storage are also covered.
Geography
Trainees' perceptions of Geography are the starting point for this course, which then explores the potential contribution of the subject to learning in young children. Topics such as maps in literature, the child's own locality, development education and the establishment of an environment ethic are central themes within the course. Trainees are given the opportunity to development relevant geographical concepts, to acquire graphical and equiry skills, and to form positive attitudes towards the subject, so that they may become exciting and innovative teachers.
History
Starting from the Foundation Stage curriculum guidance and National Curriculum requirements, this course considers the nature of historical evidence and strategies for engaging children in problem-solving historical detective work. It also identifies ways in which history topics can extend children's skills and develop imaginative involvement in the past through practical classroom activities. A large variety of historical sources, teaching aids and materials are evaluated, and trainees investigate the local environment as a basis for historical work in schools. Trainees are pointed to evidence for good practice in early years and primary history teaching.
Music
The course aims to show how trainees, whose musical skills may be limited, can undertake a variety of activities with children. Approaches to composition, classroom music making and listening are studied within a practical framework. There is also a consideration of musical development in children and the place of music within the whole of the early years & primary curriculum.
Physical Education
The Physical Education course helps trainees reflect on their own PE experiences and how they would like PE to be experienced by the children they will teach in the future. The course focuses on children's movement development and extends trainees' knowledge and understanding of Games, Gymnastic Activities, Dance and Swimming so that they are able to teach Physical Education in the primary age phase, with advice from an experienced colleague where necessary. Trainees' abilities to plan and teach safe, clearly structured lessons, select appropriate equipment and effectively organise and manage children, resources and the physical teaching space are a priority. Appropriate differentiation, observation, monitoring and assessing as they teach, giving immediate and constructive feedback to support children's learning are all highlighted along with their knowledge of strategies to promote good behaviour and establish a purposeful learning environment when working with children beyond their usual classroom.
Religious Studies
This course is an introduction to teaching Religious Education in early years and primary settings. Trainees will consider the curriculum entitlement of children in relation to an agreed syllabus, with an awareness of the special status of faith schools. Reference is also made to the QCA National Framework (2004). The course explores the pedagogical implications of the two attainment targets: learning about, and learning from religion. Methodological approaches to planning and assessment for learning are explored and linked to educational resources and artefacts. Children's statutory entitlement to daily collective worship in schools is also discussed.
Design and Technology
This course offers the opportunity for trainees to engage in practical problems to develop confidence and understanding of the thinking and practical skills involved in this area of the curriculum. Trainees are able to explore a wide range of design and technology problems, which can be developed in school contexts.
Information and Communications Technology
Trainees will be familiarised with a range of ICT equipment and applications currently in use in schools, and given practical experiences which enable them to acquire confidence in using ICT in the classroom. The course examines ways of integrating ICT into teaching across the curriculum and approaches to the development of children's own skills.