Developing subject knowledge for the primary years
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.
What you will study
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:
subject knowledge and the curriculum
maths
English
an exploration of the wider primary curriculum
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.
Entry requirements
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.
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:
3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment
What's included
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:
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 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 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.
Future availability
Developing subject knowledge for the primary years (E209) 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 2033.