Semester 1
This module introduces you to the content, pedagogical, and curricula knowledge, along with the attitudes necessary to be a teacher of science in primary and early years settings.
The module seeks to develop your understanding of science whilst addressing the statutory requirements of the national curriculum and EYFS.
Good practice in teaching primary, and early years curriculum is dependent on well-developed subject knowledge; as such, this module will partially focus on developing your scientific understanding of key concepts.
In addition, the module will begin to explore the importance of the interplay between substantive and disciplinary knowledge and science-specific pedagogy in order to enable you to teach practical investigative science.
You will also identify how theory and practice are linked so that you can recognise how research informs practice.
Integral to the module is an understanding of progression and how to challenge misconceptions.
You will understand the need to create an inclusive learning environment (e.g. will begin to learn how the science capital teaching approach applies to lesson planning).
Semester 2
This module builds upon learning in semester 1 and School Experience A. You will be expected to continue to develop your knowledge of less familiar, but important, concepts in science and will deepen your understanding of how learners learn and create more complex schemas over time.
In addition to this, there will be an emphasis on developing your ability to know that curriculum design is underpinned by a deep understanding of how children learn and utilise key insights from current thinking on cognitive science.
You will apply knowledge and understanding of when and how to use models and worked examples in combination with verbal exposition and other strategies (e.g. dual coding and concrete representations).
The module will consolidate the importance of the interplay between substantive and disciplinary knowledge and science-specific pedagogy in order to enable you to teach practical investigative science.
You will also identify how theory and practice are linked so that you can recognise how research informs practice.
Integral to the module is an understanding of progression and the importance of building on foundational knowledge.
