This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2025-2026 (archived)
Module EDUC1553: Shifting the Focus
Department: Education
EDUC1553: Shifting the Focus
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied | 1 | 60 | Not available in 2025/2026 | None. | Durham |
Tied To
- Primary Educ (Placement Year): (programme not found)
- Primary Educ (Year Abroad): (programme not found)
- Primary Education: (programme not found)
- X101: Primary Education
- X102: Primary Education (with Year Abroad)
- X103: Primary Education (with Placement Year)
Pre-requisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combinations
- None
Aims
- To develop an understanding of the core subjects; English, mathematics and science.
- To consider how children think about English, mathematics and science in the primary curriculum, through critical analysis of published materials, including journals, books and other academic literature.
- To develop an understanding of the implications for the teaching and learning of English, mathematics and science in the classroom.
- To explore pedagogical issues related to the teaching of English, mathematics and science.
- To develop knowledge of the National Curriculum (DfE, 2013) and the values and assumptions which underpin it.
Content
- Theories and evidence relating to the teaching and learning of English, Maths and Science.
- Models of teaching and learning- exploring pupil work across English, Maths and Science.
- Detailed study of specialism specific areas: e.g. systematic synthetic phonics, mastery in mathematics, concept of number, working scientifically and the collection of valid and reliable evidence.
- Linking theory to practice; weaving experiential opportunities and research literature.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- An informed and critical awareness of research in primary education which can enhance the effectiveness of the primary teacher.
- Apply subject knowledge to the primary context.
- Construct and sustain a reasoned argument.
- Apply ideas relating to research on a variety of contemporary education issues relating to the primary context.
Subject-specific Skills
- An informed and critical awareness of research in primary education which can enhance the effectiveness of the primary teacher.
- Apply subject knowledge to the primary context.
- Apply ideas relating to research on a variety of contemporary education issues relating to the primary context.
Key Skills
- Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively in written and oral form;
- Work collaboratively with peers;
- Engage in peer- and self-assessment;
- Manage time and work to deadlines;
- Construct and sustain a reasoned argument;
- Evaluate and make use of information from a variety of primary and secondary sources.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures, workshops and seminars will be used as appropriate to support students in developing their critical understanding of the role of the teacher in the primary classroom.
- All learning outcomes can be assessed appropriately via the two assignments.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 60 | 3 per week | 1 hour | 60 | Yes |
| Seminars | 30 | 3 per fortnight | 1 hour | 30 | Yes |
| Preparation and reading | 510 | ||||
| Total | 600 | ||||
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | 40% | Written Assignment | 2500 words | 100% | |
| Assignment | 60% | Academic Poster | 1000 words or equivalent | 40% | |
| Written Assignment | 2500 words | 60% |
Formative Assessment
Formative feedback will be provided through written, peer or group presentation.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.