ED1D003 - Early Years Curricula: Play and Pedagogy 01 Sep 2021 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: ED1D003
Module Title: Early Years Curricula: Play and Pedagogy
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: ITE and Education Practice
Faculty Sub Group: Early Years
Module Leader: Amanda Thomas
Module Team: Pavla Boulton
First Intended Intake: SEP 2021 Final Year of Intake: 2026
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 40 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100463 - early years education
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2021
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

• To recognise the learning needs of children from 0 – 8 years old.
• To examine the significance of holistic, child-centred curricula in the Early Years
• To critically explore pedagogical approaches in the Early Years, including play as a learning vehicle
• To develop knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles of how children acquire language and number skills in the Early Years.

Content Summary

• The global context of literacy and numeracy policy in education, with close look at the OECD influence and PISA
• Emerging Communication: how children acquire language and emergent literacy.
• Policy: an understanding of the LNF and the DCF and how they supports wider learning and teaching in literacy and numeracy and digital competency throughout the Early Years Curriculum in Wales.
• Emerging Number: early acquisition of number skills,
• The role of creativity and authentic learning in the acquisition of number skills
• The knowledge and understanding of the importance of 21st century skills, including Digital literacy and numeracy.
• Different curricula within the Uk
• International curricula
• Planning for provision and learning (inc. transitions)
• Learning environments
• Role of the adult
• Pedagogical approaches (inc. play & Observations)
• New Curriculum for Wales
• Schemas and cognitive development
• Assessment: AOL and AFL
• Curriculum Policy and Practice

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Seminar 16
Independent Study 180
Placement 12
Directed Study 160
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 8
Total Hours Selected 400

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Discuss the concepts and principles that underpin the teaching and learning of literacy, numeracy and digital competency
LO2 Explain the key issues that influence contemporary curricula, pedagogies and practices in the early years
LO3 Review the cross-curricula role of literacy, numeracy and digital competency and take account of the potential influence of both on learning and achievement.

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 Observation portfolio: A Written portfolio of observations in practice 0 2000 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Poster 1 Evaluation of a classroom activity or initiative that supports either literacy, numeracy or digital competency. 10 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Practical Written Work 1
Poster 1

Reading List

Brierley, J. and Nutbrown, C. (2017) Understanding schematic learning at two. London: Bloomsbury

Brock, A. (2019) Perspective son Play: learning for Life. London: SAGE

Egan, D. (2017) After PISA: a way forward for education in Wales. Bevan Foundation

Fawcett; M. and Watson, D. (2016) Learning through child observation. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Kelly, A. (2009) The curriculum: Theory and Practice. London: SAGE

Reardon, D., Wilson, D. and Reed, D. (2018) Early Years teaching and learning. Los Angeles: SAGE

Thomas, A. and Lewis, A. (2016) An Introduction to the Foundation Phase. London: Bloomsbury

Thomas, A. and McInnes, K. (2016) Teaching in the Early years: Theory and Practice. London: SAGE

WG (2015) Revised Foundation Phase Framework. Available at: https://dera.ioe.ac.uk/23915/1/150803-fp-framework-en.pdf

WG (2020) New Curriculum for Wales. Available at: https://hwb.gov.wales/curriculum-for-wales