England

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Accessibility statement
Acquiring and developing knowledge is one of the core purposes of education. But why do we teach the topics we do?  How can we effectively teach different kinds of knowledge, and how can we develop our own knowledge for teaching purposes? In this module, you’ll explore perspectives on knowledge in primary education. You’ll take part in key debates, examine examples of learning, and develop your own views. Along the way, you’ll strengthen your skills in critical reflection, information literacy, and decision-making, enhancing both your academic and professional skills and preparing you for future study and employment in education and beyond.
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:
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.
There are no formal academic or experiential requirements to study this module.
However, we strongly advise you to arrange a placement in an education setting 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.
This module will be suitable if you are based outside of the UK, but if you are not already working or volunteering in school on a regular basis we recommend you arrange opportunities to spend some time during the module in a formal educational setting for children aged 3-12 (for example in a voluntary capacity) to observe teaching and learning and gain exposure to a practice context.
Note: Access to education 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.
If you’re not sure you’re ready, talk to an adviser.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
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:
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying E209 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Developing subject knowledge for the primary years (E209) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2033.
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