History - The history modules give students a sound preparation for teaching one of the National Curriculum foundation subjects. The history team aims to introduce students to the nature of primary history, to develop subject knowledge across the National Curriculum, to explore children's understanding of the past, and to investigate and experience a range of teaching strategies suitable for history in the primary school. The modules have an emphasis on using the skills historians use, particularly with different forms of evidence, and considering ways in which children can experience these skills. In the first year, a module on Romans, Saxons and Vikings introduces students to the distant past and to a range of evidence. The second year module develops understanding of how children learn, and of different teaching strategies.
Later modules consider the study of the locality and the development of twentieth century Britain.
Physical Education - The subject studies modules examine the material of the subject in practice and theory at the student's own level. This allows students to engage practically in the areas of Games, Gymnastics, Dance, Swimming, Athletics, and Outdoor and Adventure activities, and to study, through these activities, the motor development of children and the techniques of movement observation. These modules will particularly focus on issues of child rearing and development, the social, emotional, physical and psychological considerations that affect young children's learning and how young children represent understanding through actions, language and symbolism. In addition to the curriculum-based modules on the Primary BEd, students will give further consideration to the Early Years curriculum, particularly through the Early Learning framework and assessment issues. The management of other adults in the classroom and relationships with parents are also given due consideration.