1. Construct an effective lesson plan that aligns with National Curriculum requirements, based on knowledge of pedagogical practices relevant to primary phases. Knowledge and Understanding

2. Evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of classroom practice, using high-quality relevant academic literature and statutory documentation to justify teaching decisions and design next steps in learning. Application and Problem Solving Research Skills

3. Reflect on gaps and biases in your knowledge and understanding of pedagogy, using a range of evidence to support professional decision-making and progress. Reflection

Main assessment additional details: Lesson plan and accompanying resources Trainees write a lesson plan for a Primary National Curriculum subject and create the resources that they would need to deliver the lesson in a classroom. They present their lesson plan and resources explaining the rationale for the decisions they have made, linked to relevant literature.

A variety of formative assessment opportunities will be offered, which may include but are not limited to:
- Mini teaching episode with peer feedback and reflection
- Group/paired work and reflective feedback
- Deliberate practice tasks with feedback aimed at differing audiences
- Self-assessment of subject knowledge
- Group discussion and questioning
- Tutorials for draft feedback

This module builds on knowledge and understanding of the statutory requirements curriculum equipping trainees with research-informed, practical teaching strategies grounded in cognitive science, while promoting inclusive practice and professional wellbeing.

Trainees are introduced to the core principles of effective teaching and learning as outlined in the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) (DfE, 2024). It is designed to support trainees to start bridging the gap between educational theory and practical classroom application. Intensive Teaching and Learning Practices (ITAPs) are included in this module, with expert and research-based input supporting deliberate practice that is then built on with practical application in a wider classroom context. This approach for trainees to develop their skills and emerging critical engagement, supports effective teaching and learning strategies that can be applied with growing confidence across the curriculum. Trainees will explore the principal aspects of lesson design and the use of key pedagogical strategies in curriculum subjects, developing teaching practice based upon established pedagogy and educational theory. Content places a strong emphasis on cognitive science. Topics include but are not limited to; activating prior knowledge, the role of memory and modelling concepts. Furthermore, the module addresses specific contexts such as EYFS pedagogy and the development of oracy within curriculum subjects.

It promotes a professional culture of risk-taking, creativity and high expectations, whilst being mindful of trainees’ and their pupils’ physical, mental, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing. The notion of adaptive teaching, as outlined within the ITTECF, will underpin all sessions, promoting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion, paramount to effective teaching and learning.

How do pupils learn best, and how can you make that happen in your classroom? This module introduces you to the core principles of effective teaching, grounded in the ITTECF and cognitive science. You will explore lesson design, memory, modelling and adaptive teaching through expert research-based input and Intensive Teaching and Learning Practices (ITAPs), applying strategies in real classroom settings. Topics include EYFS pedagogy and oracy development, with a focus on inclusive practice and wellbeing. This module builds the foundational skills essential for your development as a confident, research-informed practitioner.

Within this module a number of learning strategies will be used, including seminars, tutorials, peer group discussion and teaching episodes. This will facilitate proactive learning based upon previous experience gained both prior to and during the course. This will be used to build on existing knowledge and promote critical practice-based reflection.

Trainees will be encouraged to be active participants in their learning, contributing to group activities and individual tasks including flipped-learning opportunities. Some sessions require prior reading and independent research to become familiar with the key concepts and practical activities to be covered.

Lectures - Will draw on school-based experiences and will aim to integrate practical classroom experience with appropriate theory and the pedagogy associated with the effective delivery of the National Curriculum. This will involve both independently and collaboratively working to plan, deliver and reflect on teaching episodes. These approaches are designed to enable all trainees to gain an authentic understanding of the primary classroom, developing their basic teaching skills, alongside their resilience and problem-solving abilities. These sessions will predominately be face to face with some elements of digital or virtual provision.
Tutorials – These provide the opportunity to discuss assignment requirements and reflections with the module tutors and gain academic support, or the opportunity to be signposted to other departments of the University who can support individual needs.   

Independent study – A significant element of the trainees’ professional and academic development is based on further independent study. This will enhance their pedological and curriculum knowledge, underpinning this with theory and the key concepts discussed in lectures, group discussions and tutorials. 

Guided reading – A reading list and appropriate resources will be provided to enable trainees to engage with relevant and appropriate debates.     

This module will also provide opportunities for trainees to: 
- work with their peers and colleagues
- develop interpersonal and professional skills outlined within the ITTECF 
- communicate and debate subject content 
- effectively use the National Curriculum and EYFS curriculum documents to plan and deliver effective learning opportunities during placement
- engage with developing technology used in schools e.g. gen-AI to support planning and workload management, materials from digital schemes of work

General Primary Teacher/Curriculum texts: Willingham, D. (2021) Why Don’t Students Like School? (2nd ed.). US: Jossey-Bass. Sherrington, T. (2020) Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, John Catt The most recent version of ‘Development Matters’ Department for Education

English specific texts: Quigley, A. (2022) Closing the Writing Gap. London: Routledge. Medwell, J, et al (2024) Primary English Teaching Theory and Practice (10th ed).

Maths specific texts: Education Endowment Foundation (2017) Guidance Report Improving Mathematics in the Key Stages 2 and 3 Education Endowment Foundation (2020) Guidance Report Improving Mathematics in the Early Years and Key Stage 1

Science specific texts: Smith, K. (2016) Working scientifically: a guide for primary science teachers. Routledge.

- Blackboard
- Educational framework documentation
- Children’s literature/text; films
- Subject appropriate practical resources
- Digital tools to support learning (e.g. Padlet, Mosaic, Mentee, Virti)

Unless otherwise stated, all books will be available online through The University of Staffordshire library website. If trainees have difficulty accessing these, they can contact the University Library. There is also an online reading list for each module on this course. To access this, they go to Reading lists and then type in the module code in the search box.

Tutors will also advise trainees on the relevant texts and sections of texts to read. They will be encouraged to engage with a wide range of literature to access the latest research within their study area. Further guidance and support with academic writing can be obtained from University of Staffordshire Library Academic skills. The study skills team can also provide 1 to 1 support.  

The University VLE enables access to course materials, lecture notes, PowerPoint presentations and reading lists.