ED3S035 - Returning to Teaching 01 Sep 2020 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: ED3S035
Module Title: Returning to Teaching
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Post Compulsory Education
Faculty Sub Group: Football Coaching
Module Leader: Sallyann Seaward
Module Team: Mathew Pullen, Viv West, William Locke, Jon Moody, Linda Davidge-Smith, Lisa Taylor, Sharon Phillips, Catrin Devonald
First Intended Intake: SEP 2020 Final Year of Intake: 2025
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 101246 - professional practice in education
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

• To analyse, evaluate and reflect upon changes in classroom practice emanating from research, theory and education reform;
• To explore and reflect upon recent developments in pedagogical approaches and resources for the primary classroom;
• To enable teachers to use digital technology with confidence to support and enhance learning and teaching;
• To further develop skills of teacher inquiry and critical reflection;
• To identify and enhance personal career development.

Content Summary

1) University sessions:
a) Each Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE) is explored to include:
• Current curriculum requirements, including designing and developing a purposes-based curriculum.
• Analysis and critical reflection upon evidence-informed pedagogical approaches.
• Evaluation of resources, including digital technology.
b) Supporting learners’ Welsh language development and understanding of the cultural and historical identity of Wales;
c) Cross-curricular responsibilities;
d) Cross-cutting themes;
e) Experiential learning;
f) The outdoor learning environment;
g) Assessment and recording;
h) Differentiation: meeting the needs of all learners;
i) Managing the learning environment to support learners to make effective progress;
j) Safeguarding procedures and effective, evidence-informed strategies for supporting vulnerable learners;
k) Personal and career development, including an introduction to the Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership (2017).

2) School placement:
Each participant must spend 10 days in a primary school either voluntarily or in a paid capacity. Placements will normally be arranged by participants after consultation with the module leader. Participants will work alongside experienced teachers who will act as informal mentors.
Each participant will identify their own priorities for development with the module leader and mentor who will support them to achieve their aims.
Activities may include periods of observation, classroom support or teaching. The balance will depend on an individual’s needs.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Formative Assessment - Independent 30
Directed Study 60
Placement 50
External visits 5
Project supervision 10
Lecture 45
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate increased confidence and critical understanding of curriculum reform in Wales and evidence-informed, creative pedagogical approaches to inform future practice.
LO2 Demonstrate a clear, analytical and critical understanding of critical reflection and inquiry and their role in the everyday practice of effective teachers.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Written Work 1 Reflective journal 0 4000 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Written Work 1

Reading List

Government documents

https://hwb.gov.wales/curriculum-for-wales

https://hwb.gov.wales/professional-development/professional-standards

Journals

British Educational Research Journal

Education 3-13

Waite, S. (2017). Children learning outside the classroom : From birth to eleven, 2nd edn. London: SAGE.

Thomas, A. & Lewis, A. (2016) An introduction to the foundation phase : early years curriculum in Wales, London: Bloomsbury.

Pollard, A. ( 2019) Reflective teaching in schools, 5th edn. London: Bloomsbury.

Savage, M., & Barnett, A. (2015). Digital literacy for primary teachers, Northwich: Critical Publishing.

Smith, K. (2016) Curriculum, Culture and Citizenship Education in Wales Investigations into the Curriculum Cymreig, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Kerry, T. (2015) Cross-curricular teaching in the primary school : planning and facilitating imaginative lessons, 2nd edn. Abingdon: Routledge.

Faragher, S. (2014) Understanding assessment in primary education, London: SAGE.

Cowley, S. (2018). The ultimate guide to differentiation : Achieving excellence for all, London: Bloomsbury.

Cooper, H., & Elton-Chalcraft, S. (2018) Professional studies in primary education, 3rd edn. London: SAGE.

Briggs, S. (2016) Meeting special educational needs in primary classrooms : inclusion and how to do it, 2nd edn. Abingdon: Routledge.