Report - which requires students to consider elements of education policy and practice, and the evolution of education.

1. The main purposes and principles of education
2. How educational policy and practice has developed

Formative assessment opportunities include:
Drafts
Peer reviews

The production of a group presentation looking at education policies

This module introduces educational policy and practice in Britain from a historical, political, philosophical and sociological perspective. Significant contemporary issues in the provision and organisation of education are examined in relation to their historical development. Students will consider developments in British education from 1870 to the present day. There will be a consideration of the rationale for education policy and practice, key aspects of educational provision and the influence of key political, sociological and educational ideologies upon educational provision. There will be reference to early years, primary, secondary and post-compulsory education and to some extent, special educational needs policy.

Rationale
Students will develop a chronological and conceptual understanding of developments in educational policy and practice. They will consider the structure of contemporary education and its impact on life choices, equality and opportunity and social justice. Policy change and its impact on individuals and their lives is an important concept in this module and demonstrating some understanding of the impact of policy enactment is a key element of this module.

1. Discuss the context, structure and evolution of the education system

Programme Learning Outcome: 6. Communication

2. Explain and interpret concepts and principles related to the purpose of education.

Programme Learning Outcome: 1. Knowledge and understanding

The teaching, learning and assessment strategy has been carefully developed for this module. It recognises you may bring with you practical experience as level 4 students and knowledge of specific contexts to share with others, and this pool of practical experience will be used to promote discussion and debate, which will build upon existing knowledge to encourage reflection and critical thought. A digitally enabled blended approach will be used to support both virtual and face to face opportunities.

University workshops. You will also be asked to use the ideas explored in the sessions in planning your future work. You will also be asked to collaborate with others in preparing and presenting your work. The methods are designed to provide practical contexts for the analysis of contemporary issues and problems of a practical nature. Workshops will include opportunities for discussions.

Work Related Learning – You will be required to reflect on values, practices, assumptions and work-place policies. Work-based activities help to establish connections between the workplace and issues raised by the programme.

Lectures - You will be given lectures which will provide theoretical underpinning on key educational concepts. These may take the form of face-to-face, digital or virtual sessions

Tutorials – You will be given the opportunity to discuss work-related and academic concerns in small group tutorials and/or individual tutorials. This will support the development of theoretical understanding.

Guided reading and supported self-study – You will be provided with booklists and reading tasks in order to enable you to engage with relevant and appropriate debates.

Drop-in support sessions, to support you with assessment.

Simulation activities such as Sessions in the Woodlands Forest School

This module will also provide opportunities for you to:
* Work with others
* Develop interpersonal skills
* Demonstrate the capacity to plan, share goals, and work as a member of a team.

* Education and early years research databases
* Related work-based learning opportunities

Bartlett, S. and Burton, D. (2020) Introduction to Education Studies. London: Sage.
This textbook introduces key psychological, historical, sociological and policy perspectives in education, offering students a broad foundation for understanding how educational systems, curriculum, and learning theories shape contemporary practice.

Fan, G. and Popkewitz, T.S. (2020) Handbook of Education Policy Studies: Values, Governance, Globalization, and Methodology, Volume 1. Singapore: Springer.
This open-access handbook brings together international research to examine how educational policy is shaped by globalisation, governance models and methodological approaches, providing a comprehensive analysis of contemporary education reform and policy development across countries.

This module provides an opportunity to explore how and why we have schooling, and our current compulsory education system. We will also explore limitations and societal, social, political and economic challenges in educational contexts.
This introductory module will enable you to have a broad understanding of educational contexts so that you can start to consider your potential role in the many possible and exciting future educational opportunities.