TE7058 - Learning, Teaching & Assessment in Core Curriculum

What will I learn on this module?

This module will help you to develop a deeper understanding of how the core subjects of English, mathematics and science are delivered in school as part of the Primary Curriculum (2014). Tutors will introduce you to the distinct nature of each subject, provide guidance as you develop your subject knowledge expertise and help you to define the pedagogical approaches and theory that underpins successful learning and teaching in these subjects. You will learn how to use specific strategies in English and mathematics to ensure that the children you teach develop the literacy and numeracy skills to help them become confident, independent learners. You will develop a thorough understanding of how approaches to assessment are integral to this process and you will learn how to use a range of formative and summative strategies to ensure your teaching is effective and children make progress.
Much of what you learn in this module will be applied directly to your school based experience. With the guidance of your school-based mentor, you will plan, teach and evaluate sequences of lessons; putting into practice what you have learnt as part of your university based training. Seeing the impact that your teaching has on the progress of children will directly inform your thinking as you reflect on your own learning and subject knowledge development.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a combination of university-based and school-based opportunities aimed at developing your subject knowledge expertise and classroom practice. 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. 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 are enhanced by the use of Blackboard (electronic learning platform or eLP) and videoed lesson analysis which will allow you to review your learning and support your independent study as you consolidate your understanding through an enquiry based project. An essential aspect of your learning in this module will be the opportunity to discuss and collaborate with your peers in university based sessions and as part of a paired teaching and peer observation approach in your initial school placement. As you extend your experience in school, you will learn to apply this knowledge and with the support of your school-based mentor be able to reflect on how your approach impacts on the learning of children.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The teaching team will support you directly in face-to-face sessions and help you to develop the confidence and competence to plan and deliver effective lessons in school. This includes the opportunity to attend ‘subject knowledge development’ sessions where you will receive specific and targeted support. Tutors use the eLP to extend the support you receive in sessions and here you will find a significant resource base for each of the core subjects (English, mathematics & science). Additionally, you will be able to seek individual support from the teaching team to help you establish a focus for the classroom based research project which forms a component of the module assessment.
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 will also support your learning in this module.

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?

By the end of this module you will:
Knowledge & Understanding:
• be able to demonstrate and apply your knowledge and critical understanding of the theoretical principles of learning related to the core curriculum subjects of English, mathematics and science;
• be able to engage in critical debate about current pedagogical approaches, drawing on evidence from theory, research and practice;
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• have analysed and critically reflected upon specific teaching strategies designed to support children’s learning in Key Stage 1 and 2;
• reflect upon your capacity to plan, teach and evaluate lessons in the core subjects and use assessment strategies to underpin children’s learning;
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• reflected upon and further developed your subject and pedagogic knowledge demonstrating a commitment to meeting the professional competences as specified by the Teachers’ Standards (2012).

How will I be assessed?

Summative Assessment
Both of the following components result in one overall grade:

1. Practitioner Enquiry:
Analysis and evaluation of a taught intervention in one of the core subjects.

2. Written assignment: a critical analysis of issues underpinning the focus of the research activity in part 1.

KU (1,2); IPSA (1,2)PVA (1)
4500 words

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

Pre-requisite(s)

A good honours degree

Co-requisite(s)

PGCE Primary Modules:
• PIP
• PPP
• CCC

Module abstract

As a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) you will be expected to have a clear understanding of the complex relationship between the Learning, Teaching & Assessment strategies used in primary schools to ensure all children make progress in English, mathematics and science. This module will ensure you develop the knowledge and gain the expertise to meet this expectation. You will benefit directly from the input of leading teachers and subject specialists as you learn how to use a range of intervention strategies to directly support children’s learning. Video analysis of lessons delivered by specialist teachers based in partnership schools, Phonics and the ‘Boosting Reading Potential’ training will help support your understanding of how specific strategies are delivered in class. Discussion facilitated by the academic team will help you to appreciate how a research informed approach supports your own learning and effectiveness in the classroom and ensures your own practice is underpinned by debate at the forefront of our discipline. As a NQT from Northumbria you will be held in high regard by potential employers, join our previous graduates and continue to make a significant contribution to the success of schools across the North East, nationally and internationally.

Course info

UCAS Code X100

Credits 30

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time

Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

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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