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Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate Developing subject knowledge for the primary years module
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 children 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 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.
This practice-focused module provides a firm foundation for supporting children’s learning by developing your knowledge of the curriculum across maths, English and many other subject areas. As you work through the module, you'll reflect on your own teaching and learning experiences while exploring practice in a diverse range of schools. You'll also have the flexibility to decide your study focus, the format of your reflections and whether to work alone or with others.
The module is structured in four blocks:
As you develop your own subject knowledge, you'll maintain a focus on supporting children’s learning in schools and early years settings. While the module supports the professional development of educators, it is also appropriate if you don't work or volunteer in school on a regular basis. If you don't have regular access to a setting, it is recommended that you arrange to be in school for between 2 and 10 days. During this time, you'll observe policy and practice in relation to supporting children’s learning.
The study materials include a wide range of interviews, observational, audio-visual and written resources. These focus on practitioner perspectives and practice as well as children’s learning. Throughout the module, you'll draw on these resources and any personal experiences you have of supporting children in primary education settings.
By the end of the module, you'll have developed your subject knowledge in a range of curriculum areas and your understanding of:
You will also have demonstrated:
This module is relevant to you if you:
If you are thinking about training to be a teacher, please see the resources on Becoming a teacher on our Careers and Employability Services pages.
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 the wider primary curriculum), also available as ebooks; all other study material is provided online via the module website, which includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
E209 is a compulsory module in our:
E209 is an option module in our:
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.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There are no formal academic or experiential requirements to study this module.
This module will be suitable if you are based outside of the UK. If you are not already working or volunteering in school on a regular basis, we recommend that 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.
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.
StartEndRegister byEngland fee
03 Oct 202630 Jun 202710 Sep 2026£4,088
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Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
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