Developing subject knowledge for the primary years
Qualification dates
| Start |
End |
|
|
This module will develop your knowledge, skills, and understanding of supporting children’s learning in mathematics, language and literacy, science, and computing & ICT. You’ll explore the curriculum in different settings, consider the factors that influence children’s learning, and examine how subject knowledge differs over time and across nations. You’ll develop skills that include evaluating and communicating information effectively, utilising digital technologies for study and collaboration, and supporting your professional development. You’ll reflect critically on your subject knowledge and attitudes, identify areas for improvement, seek feedback, and apply it to your development.
What you will study
At the beginning of the module, you will audit your subject knowledge in maths, science, language and literacy, computing and ICT. Throughout the module, you will be guided through activities that will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses as well as steps you can take to improve your knowledge in these subjects. Three module readers and dedicated online forums moderated by subject specialists will support your subject knowledge development.
The module is structured around five themes:
- subject knowledge and curriculum
- maths
- English
- science
- computing and ICT
This is a practice-focused module because as you develop your own subject knowledge, you will maintain a focus on supporting children’s learning in schools and early years settings. This module supports the professional development of practitioners, but it is also appropriate if you do not work or volunteer in school on a regular basis. If you do not have regular access to a setting, it is recommended that you arrange to be in school for at least two days per block (a minimum of 10 days). During this time you will observe policy and practice in relation to supporting children’s learning, interview teachers and carry out activities with children.
A wide range of interview and observational audio-visual and written resources are included in the study materials. They focus on practitioner perspectives and practice as well as children’s learning. Throughout the module you will draw on these resources as well as on any personal experiences you have of supporting children in primary education settings.
You will learn
By the end of the module you will have developed your subject knowledge in the essential curriculum areas of maths, language and literacy, science and computing & ICT and your understanding of:
- how your subject knowledge supports children’s learning
- issues, theories and research that underpin practice in supporting children’s learning in the essential curriculum areas
- the principles that underlie primary curriculum frameworks.
You will also have demonstrated:
- sound knowledge and critical understanding of relevant theory that underpins good practice in supporting children’s learning
- cognitive and key skills appropriate to study at undergraduate OU level 2 (SCQF Level 8).
Entry requirements
There are no formal academic or experiential requirements to study this module.
However, we strongly advise you to arrange a placement in an education setting1 for children aged between 3 and 12 (that follows a formal primary phase curriculum) – for example a school – for at least 10 days to observe learning and teaching and gain exposure to a practice context.
If you’re not sure you’re ready, .
1Access to settings will require you to meet the ‘fit person’ criteria, in your country, to work with children. You and your setting are responsible for ensuring you meet these requirements, not the OU.
What's included
Three printed subject readers (for English, mathematics and science subject knowledge), also available as ebooks; all other study material is provided online via the module website which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- course-specific module materials
- audio and video content
- assignment details and submission section
- online tutorial access.
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.