The purpose of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the historical perspectives of education in the UK. You will develop an understanding of the key legislation shaping education in the UK and be able to identify issues likely to impact on educational provision in the future. Topics studied will include Special Educational Needs, inclusive education, gender, falling rolls, ethnicity etc, International comparisons and economic factors influencing education will be outlined. You will identify the how underpinning theory relates to their specific work contexts.

Comprising of an overview of the development of education in the UK. Followed by an overview of a contemporary issue in education (related specifically to learners and learning) and an analysis of how the issue has been informed by historical perspectives.

Tests learning outcomes 1 and 2.

Bailey, R. (2010) The Philosophy of Education London Continuum
Curtis, W. Pettigrew, A. (2010) Education Studies Reflective Reader Exeter Learning Matters
Jones, K. (2003) Education In Britain 1944 to the present Cambridge polity
McKenzie, J. (2001) Changing Education A sociology of education since 1944 Essex Pearson
Pollard, A. (eds) (2002) Readings for Reflective Teaching London Continuum
Sharp, J. Ward, S. Hankin, L. (2006) Education Studies An issues based approach Exeter Learning Matters

VLE Blackboard

The learning strategies will require you to commit 150 learning hours.
Lectures will provide you with a broad theoretical overview and the conceptual frameworks which underpin the study of contemporary issues in education. Incorporated into lecture sessions tutorial support activities will provide you with the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills to apply the underpinning theories to an examination of their own practice, in preparation for the assignment.

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
- communicate and present oral and written arguments

A further 132 hours of independent study will require you to read and think about a range of contemporary issues in education and how they relate to their own employment context. This will form the basis of the assignment. In addition you will engage in:
Work Related Learning - You will be required to complete work related tasks. This will provide them with the opportunity to link theoretical perspectives to their practice. It will also enable them to reflect on values, practices, assumptions and policies.
Guided reading and supported self study - you will be provided with booklists and reading tasks in order to enable them to engage with relevant and appropriate debates.
VLE - Blackboard will be used to facilitate exchange of ideas and access to specific resources and activities.

Agreed placement within an educational workplace environment for 25 hours over the module - e.g. :
School
College
University
Library
Children's Centre
Private Training Provider
Children's nursery