Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2020-2021 (archived)

Module EDUC3382: Future Leaders: Subject Co-ordination and Leadership

Department: Education

EDUC3382: Future Leaders: Subject Co-ordination and Leadership

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 40 Availability Not available in 2020/21 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to X101
Tied to X102

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • In the context of the students’ chosen specialist subject (English, mathematics or science):
  • To examine ways in which pupils’ experience of learning in the specialist subject can be enhanced.
  • To develop students' knowledge and understanding of the role of the subject leader within primary school.
  • To develop students’ awareness of the role of the subject leader in terms of their own pedagogical understanding and philosophy of education.
  • To develop an understanding of the challenges of leadership and how to work with colleagues effectively to support them in teaching in the primary school, for example through mentoring and coaching.
  • To gain an awareness of the wider issues involved in the role of subject leader.
  • To explore literature and research of relevance to subject leadership.

Content

  • In the context of the students’ chosen specialist subject (English, mathematics or science):
  • Critical reflection on the effectiveness of chosen specialist subject curriculums in the development of learning.
  • Extending understanding of theories of learning, subject specific pedagogy and the challenges of connecting these in the primary classroom.
  • Exploring the challenges of planning and delivering CPD for peers, planning and justifying a range of broad practical initiatives.
  • Exploring strategic development in the chosen specialist subject; observation, monitoring, action planning and curriculum development.
  • Engagement with recent and relevant research.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • In the context of the students’ chosen specialist subject (English, mathematics or science):
  • Understanding the role of the subject leader in primary schools.
  • Knowledge of keys ideas.
  • Knowledge of how the chosen specialist subject interacts with other subject areas and the impact of this. Understand the theoretical background to, and current debates within, the chosen specialist subject.
  • Explore relevant research and theory on effective leadership and challenges of leadership.
  • Understanding of important current initiatives and legislation; a range of contemporary issues.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • In the context of the students’ chosen specialist subject (English, mathematics or science):
  • Relate educational practice to theory in relation to the chosen specialist subject.
  • An informed and critical awareness of research which can enhance the effectiveness of the subject leader and primary teacher, reflecting on own value systems
  • Embedding critical reflection of the chosen specialist subject and leadership in relation to education.
  • Awareness of new approaches to teaching
Key Skills:
  • In the context of the students’ chosen specialist subject (English, mathematics or science):
  • Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively in written form
  • Manage time and work to deadlines
  • Construct and sustain a reasoned argument
  • Distinguish between different types of sources, using these appropriately to develop arguments
  • Develop an educational philosophy, underpinned by theory and informed by practice, in relation to the teaching of the specialist subject; analyse, synthesise and evaluate.
  • Engage in peer review and peer coaching.
  • Prepare for leadership in the primary school setting – thinking critically and independently

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The course will be delivered through weekly seminars integrating lecture input with student participation in specific tasks including relevant reading materials designed to promote analysis and discussion
  • All learning outcomes will be assessed by a composite written assignment and a presentation

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures and Seminars 15 Weekly 2 hours 30
Preparation and Reading 170
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Presentation Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
CPD Presentation related to chosen specialist subject 100%
Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 80%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Reflective Essay 5000 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

For the presentation, students will receive feedback on the content and delivery of their CPD presentation when delivered to an audience of peers.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University