This introductory module covers key themes in primary education, including children’s learning, inclusive education, play, creativity, home-school liaison, and the curriculum areas of English, mathematics, and science. You’ll also develop the knowledge and skills needed to work collaboratively and equitably in a range of settings. These include evaluating and communicating information effectively to others, using digital technologies for study, online collaboration and to support your continuing professional development, planning and managing time, identifying strengths and areas for development, and seeking and learning from feedback. It provides a strong foundation for further study and equips you for various roles within education.
What you will study
You will develop your understanding of the ways in which teachers teach, the curriculum that guides children’s learning, the activities that children do, and professional decision-making in schools. The module will provide you with insights into approaches for supporting children's learning across the entire primary curriculum, including the importance of play, creativity, and talk. You will also focus on learning and teaching in the curriculum areas of English, maths and science.
Through studying the module, you will acquire:
knowledge of the nature of primary education, current issues and new developments
insights into how children learn, and what adults can do to promote their learning
an understanding of the principles that underpin primary education policy and classroom practice
an awareness of some current theories and research that support primary education
insights into inclusive and anti-racist practice in schools
understanding of supporting wellbeing for primary staff and children
an appreciation of the complementary nature of home and school learning and the role of parents and caregivers in children’s education
skills related to academic reading and writing, including studying effectively online
the ability to plan for and review your own academic and professional learning
If you are not currently working or volunteering in a school, we strongly recommend arranging between 5 and 10 days in a school for children aged 3–12. During this time, you should observe teaching and learning processes and gain exposure to a practical educational context. If you cannot visit a school, the module materials provide examples of children’s learning across a range of phases and contexts.
Note: Access to schools 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.
Entry requirements
There are no formal academic or experiential requirements to study this module.
If you’re not sure you’re ready, talk to an adviser.
This module is suitable if you are based outside the UK, but if you are not already working or volunteering regularly in a school, we strongly recommend arranging time during the module in a school for children aged 3–12 (for example, in a voluntary capacity) to observe teaching and learning and gain exposure to a practice context.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Assessment
Course work includes:
5 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA)
What's included
Print and online study materials, including 18 study topics presented in two books and online; interactive online tasks and materials; a website to structure and guide each week of study through resources including audio-visual material, an online module guide, online forums and the module Assessment Guide.
Computing requirements
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). 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.
Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Software – Any additional software will be provided or is generally available for free.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying E103 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.
Future availability
Learning and teaching in the primary years (E103) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2031.