This bespoke ebook compilation is focused on primary subject knowledge and in particular the core curriculum areas of English and mathematics. It has been produced in order to address workload concerns and to offer additional but focused support by presenting a collection of helpful chapters from a wide range of texts to support your learning effectively and ensure that you continue to grow your knowledge base, develop your learning, and enjoy exploring and researching a wide range of topics in a supportive and accessible way. It takes key chapters from a range of popular educational texts. Each chapter has deliberately been kept in its original format so that you become familiar with a variety of styles and approaches as you progress your studies.

The emphasis on subject knowledge in primary curricula is a world-wide phenomenon and has become increasingly the focus of attention in England, with the introduction of the National Curriculum and the appointment of subject co-ordinators in schools. Yet what exactly constitutes a subject and its practice remains controversial. The book is organised into five parts. Part one examines the general aims of primary education, in order to give a background for a more detailed exploration of UK curriculum development. Parts two, three and four examine the core subjects of English, science and mathematics, whilst constantly bearing in mind the full range of views about the purpose of education and the nature of knowledge. Part five introduces key debates about approaches to knowledge, and raises issues about the future organisation of the curriculum. Subject Learning in the Primary Curriculum is the OU reader for Module 832, Teaching and Learning in the Primary Core Curriculum in the MA in Education.

Science for Primary and Early Years is a comprehensive guide to the subject knowledge requirements for the teaching of science in early years settings and primary schools. This second edition consists of activities to help the reader extend their own understanding of science. Part One explores understanding the nature of science, processes of planning, carrying out and evaluating scientific investigations, collecting and using data, hypothesizing, predicting, fair testing, use of correct terminology and understanding health and safety as well as key ideas in science that underpin subject knowledge. Part Two builds on these ideas as it explores in more detail life and living processes, the environment, electricity and magnetism, light, sound and the earth in space. This text is part of the series Developing Subject Knowledge which covers English, Mathematics and Science and provides authoritative distance learning materials on the national requirements for teaching the primary core curriculum, working with the early years and achieving qualified teacher status. It is designed for initial teacher training, experienced practitioner self-study, and will help towards GCSE revision. This is a set book for the Open University Course, 'Ways of Knowing: language, mathematics and science in the early years'.

Reflective Teaching is the definitive textbook for reflective classroom professionalism. It offers support for trainee teachers, mentors, newly qualified teachers and for continuous professional development. This second edition has been revised and updated to enhance classroom use.

In Why Knowledge Matters, E. D. Hirsch, Jr., presents evidence from cognitive science, sociology, and education history to further the argument for a knowledge-based elementary curriculum. Influential scholar Hirsch, author of The Knowledge Deficit, asserts that a carefully planned curriculum that imparts communal knowledge is essential in achieving one of the most fundamental aims and objectives of education: preparing students for lifelong success. Hirsch examines historical and contemporary evidence from the United States and other nations, including France, and affirms that a knowledge-based approach has improved both achievement and equity in schools where it has been instituted. In contrast, educational change of the past several decades in the United States has endorsed a skills-based approach, founded on, Hirsch points out, many incorrect assumptions about child development and how children learn. He recommends new policies that are better aligned with our current understanding of neuroscience, developmental psychology, and social science. The book focuses on six persistent problems that merit the attention of contemporary education reform: the over-testing of students in the name of educational accountability; the scapegoating of teachers; the fadeout of preschool gains; the narrowing of the curriculum to crowd out history, geography, science, literature, and the arts; the achievement gap between demographic groups; and the reliance on standards, such as the Common Core State Standards, that are not linked to a rigorous curriculum. Why Knowledge Matters makes a clear case for educational innovation and introduces a new generation of American educators to Hirsch’s astute and passionate analysis.

What is PGCE at M-Level and what can you expect from the course? How can it help you to develop as a professional? Master′s-level study is now a well established component of PGCE courses and this new edition of the best selling student guide offers a clear and concise overview of Master′s level aspects in teacher education. This Second Edition includes discussion of recent developments in education policy, greater coverage of reflective practice in school-based training and up-to-date advice on how to get a teaching job at the end of your course. With new reflective activities designed to help students develop critical skills, and improved references to additional material, this book is essential reading for students on PGCE courses in primary and secondary education. Keira Sewell leads Visionary Education (www.visionary-education.co.uk), an education consultancy covering teacher training, science education, strategic development and business and industry partnerships. Contrbutors to the book are members of the primary and secondary PGCE teams at the University of Southampton, Edge Hill University, the University of Dundee and an independent consultant supporting Higher Education Institutions. Praise for the book: "Doing your PGCE at M level is a valuable guide designed to enable students to achieve success. Its approach, using clear explanations and case studies enable trainees to engage at a critical level and understand the potential benefits this can bring to them personally and professionally. Moving forward from the first edition in a way that incorporates education policy from recent fast moving times this enables trainees to critique and identify how the education arena is shaped. This new edition also enables trainees to develop many of the key skills of M-Level work; the development of reflective activities to enable deep reflection and critical analysis is a welcome development. This comprehensive text will be a valuable resource for anyone training to be a PGCE teacher." - Tim Roberts, PGCE Programme Director, University of Hertfordshire

The child-centred principles of early years education - which emphasize play and holistic learning - are being challenged by the implementation of a subject-based National Curriculum. The contributors to this book explore this challenge and offer some ways of meeting it practically and productively. Issues covered include: pedagogical issues, such as the cross-curricular, topic-based teaching; teacher's attitudes to subject knowledge; assessment issues, including baseline assessment at the age of five; and parental attitudes to the National Curriculum and its content at Key Stage 1.