Primary Education

At Durham University, our vision is to be a leader in the development of high-quality teachers who aspire, through their scholarly, reflective and inspirational practice, to make a difference to the lives of their students, both now and in the future.

To achieve this vision, Durham’s Initial Teacher Training (ITT) curriculum is co-designed and delivered in collaboration between university-based and school-based expert colleagues. The Core Content Framework (CCF) explains the areas of expertise that trainees need to learn during the ITT year, as a minimum entitlement. The careful integration of all elements of the CCF forms the core of Durham’s BA Primary Education curriculum. Durham’s ITT curriculum places great emphasis on enhancing trainees’ subject knowledge and teaching for understanding – trainees ‘learn that’ and ‘learn how to’. The ITT curriculum also integrates additional analysis and critique of theory, research and expert practice that tutors and school expert partners consider appropriate.

The BA Primary Education ensures that what we teach is informed by a range of high-quality research evidence.

The Primary Education degree is ideal if you are committed to a teaching career in a primary school. You will complete a minimum of 120 days school experience, including training about whole-school issues that affect children’s learning environment. You will also engage in Intensive Training and Practice opportunities which strengthen links between evidence and classroom practice. The degree programme offers the opportunity to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and this is awarded through an accredited provider, Newcastle University.

The degree develops the professional knowledge and understanding to provide a foundation for effective teaching in a primary school. This includes:

• An understanding of responsibilities and roles of the primary teacher
• An understanding of schools and the National Curriculum as the framework for children’s formal learning
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of core National Curriculum subjects
• Knowledge and understanding of foundation primary curriculum subjects
• Classroom effectiveness, drawing upon expertise of expert teachers
• Personal educational philosophy
• Development of a professional identity.

Course structure

Year 1

Core modules:

The Evidence Informed Primary Teacher 1 will help you develop an understanding of the Primary National Curriculum Framework and the key concepts underpinning primary learning. You will review relevant policy and legal requirements, and develop a critical appreciation of Foundation subject delivery in the primary context.

Shifting the Focus develops your understanding of the key elements underpinning the primary curriculum and strengthens your knowledge of their connections. You will examine ways in which the core curriculum is taught and consider the issues involved in ensuring effective provision of the National Curriculum for all children.

In Education in the Early Years, you will develop an understanding of key pedagogical issues related to teaching, learning and assessment in early years education. You will be introduced to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, considering areas of learning specified in the framework. There will be a particular focus on children’s development of early reading and phonics, and early mathematics. You will explore ways in which early years education supports preparation for formal schooling.

Through Professional and School-Based Studies 1, you will begin to develop an understanding of some of the key professional requirements involved in teaching. You will be introduced to key issues related to teaching, learning and assessment in the primary classroom, including approaches required in foundation subjects. You will develop an understanding of the CCF and the Teachers’ Standards, and the approaches needed to fulfil these. You will develop an understanding of safeguarding roles and duties and consider issues related to the development of a professional identity.

In recent years, optional modules have included:

• Intercultural and International Education
• Foundations of Psychology in Education
• Disability and Educational Needs: What’s so ‘Special’ about SEND?

Year 2

Core modules:

The Evidence Informed Primary Teacher 2 enables you to develop a deeper understanding of the Primary National Curriculum Framework and the key concepts underpinning primary approaches to teaching. You will evaluate Foundation subject delivery and explore alternative curricula design and delivery methods.

The Three Cs further develops your understanding of the key elements underpinning the primary curriculum and strengthens your knowledge of their connections. You will explore issues involved in ensuring effective provision of core subjects in the National Curriculum for all children, including contemporary influences and initiatives. 

Educational Research Methods will help you understand the purposes and implications of educational research. You will develop a critical appreciation of the different ways in which research can be carried out in education, and learn how to assess the quality of educational research.

Through Professional and School-Based Studies 2, you will continue to develop an understanding of some of the key professional requirements involved in teaching. You will develop consideration of key issues related to teaching, learning and assessment in the primary classroom, including approaches required in foundation subjects. You will build on your understanding of the CCF and the Teachers’ Standards, and the approaches needed to fulfil these. You will deepen your understanding of safeguarding roles and duties and develop consideration of issues related to the development of a professional identity.

In recent years, optional modules have included:

• Cultural Identity, Interculturality and Education
• Learning and Development in Childhood
• Disability and Educational Needs: Impairment, Empowerment and Education

Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement or year abroad)

In the Double Dissertation in Primary Education: Reflective Practice in Action module, you will undertake an extended, independent piece of research with an appropriate primary educational focus. The dissertation is an opportunity to bring together skills, knowledge and understanding gained on the course into one focused piece of work. This will give you the opportunity to reflect critically on areas of educational practice.

Beyond the Three Cs gives you a rich and connected understanding of the primary curriculum, and an understanding of progression beyond the primary phase. You will develop your critical awareness of effective provision of core subjects in the National Curriculum for all children.

Future Leaders will deepen and extend your knowledge and understanding of the role of the subject leader within the primary school. You will engage with the challenges of leadership and how to work with colleagues effectively to support them in teaching across the curriculum. You will also be introduced to important current initiatives and curriculum legislation. 

Through Professional and School-Based Studies 3, you will consolidate and extend your understanding of key professional requirements involved in teaching. You will extend consideration of key issues related to teaching, learning and assessment in the primary classroom, including approaches required in foundation subjects. You will consolidate your understanding of the CCF and the Teachers’ Standards, and the approaches needed to fulfil these. You will extend your understanding of safeguarding roles and duties and consolidate understanding of issues related to the development of a professional identity. You will develop an appreciation of the transition to the Early Career Framework (ECF) in your Early Career Teacher (ECT) years.

Professional Development

During the course, you will be assigned to one of our Partnership School Training Hubs, where you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in a classroom context, supported by the school, your School Training Centre Mentor and a University Tutor.

These school-based activities involve structured classroom observations, planning and research projects and practical teaching – the latter starting with teaching individual pupils, eventually leading through group work to full classroom teaching. You will have a designated expert teacher-mentor who will guide your work in schools. Placement is organised through a combination of weekly serial days and block placements in school.

Additional pathways

Students on BA Primary Education can apply to be transferred onto either the ‘with Year Abroad’ or ‘with Placement’ pathway during the second year.  Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen, your studies will extend from three years to four.

Placement