Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2022-2023 (archived)

Module EDUS3361: Subject Leadership and Specialism

Department: Education (ITE)

EDUS3361: Subject Leadership and Specialism

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Not available in 2022/23 Module Cap Location Durham
Tied to X101

Prerequisites

  • English for Primary Teaching 2 (EDUS2541). Mathematics for Primary Teaching 2 (EDUS2531). Science for Primary Teaching 2 (EDUS2511).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To deepen and extend students' knowledge and understanding of the role of the subject leader within primary school.
  • To develop an understanding of the challenges of leadership and how to work with colleagues effectively to support them in the teaching of a chosen core subject (English, Mathematics or Science) in the primary school.
  • To develop an understanding of important current initiatives and curriculum legislation.
  • To develop an understanding of monitoring and mentoring colleagues .

Content

  • Critical reflections on the effectiveness of subject curricula in 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 in-service sessions for peers, planning and justifying a range of broad practical initiatives in a chosen core subject in primary education
  • Exploring strategic development in the chosen primary core subject; observation, monitoring, action planning and curriculum development

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Understanding the role of the subject leader in schools
  • Knowledge of keys ideas related to the chosen core subject in primary education
  • Knowledge of how the chosen core subject interacts with other subject areas and the impact of this
  • Understand the theoretical background to and current debates about the chosen core subject across the curriculum
  • Explore relevant research and theory on effective leadership and challenges of leadership
  • Understanding of important current initiatives and legislation related to the chosen core subject.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Relate educational practice to theory in relation to the chosen core subject
  • Embedding critical reflection of the chosen core subject and leadership in relation to education
  • Awareness of new approaches to teaching the chosen core subject
Key Skills:
  • 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;
  • Engage in critical reflection in one's own professional development;
  • Develop communication skills by making presentations;
  • Engage in peer review.

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 can be assessed by a composite written assignment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures & Seminars 15 Weekly 1 hour 15
Tutorials & Discussions 15 Weekly 1 hour 15
Preparation and Reading 170
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Coursework: Academic poster presenting an initiative in the chosen core subject teaching and learning 1000 words equivalent 100%
Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Coursework: Reflective essay 3000 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

Students will be invited to submit a plan of their academic poster for formative feedback which will provide guidance on relevant further reading and the effectiveness of the presented argument. Students will be given feedback at least two weeks before the submission deadline. For the reflective essay students will be invited to submit a percentage of the essay (25%) for feedback which will focus on the development of arguments, critical thinking and originality. Students will get access to this feedback at least two weeks before the summative assignment is due. DUO assessment submission sites will be used for these.


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