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Subject Teaching in Primary Education
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Subject Teaching in Primary Education

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April 2014 | 296 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
'An essential read for trainee and newly qualified teachers covering all key areas of the primary curriculum. There is a real sense of experienced and enthusiastic practitioners writing about "what makes good" and why, with lots of clear practical examples of how to put ideas into practice.' - Jackie Keith, Deputy Head and Programme Leader for School Direct, London East Teacher Training Alliance

To be a successful teacher in primary schools you need to have an informed understanding of a wide range of subjects.  This book provides clear guidance of good practice teaching different subjects in primary education, informed by current curriculum directions, and full of practical advice for the classroom. 

Key features:
  • Clear links to the 2014 National Curriculum in England
  • 'In the classroom' examples from schools demonstrate intelligent and engaging ways to teach different subjects
  • Reflective questions challenge you to critically engage with what you have read and apply it to your own teaching
This is essential reading for students on primary initial teacher education courses, including university-based (PGCE, BA QTS, BEd), school-based (SCITT, School Direct) and employment-based routes into teaching. 

Sue Fawson
Early years
Christine Hickman
Art and design
Helen Caldwell and Gareth Honeyford
Computing and digital literacy
Jo Barter-Boulton and Jo Palmer
Drama
Gill Chambers, Kate Coleman and Gareth Davies
English
Ken Bland
Geography
Mary Bracey, Paul Bracey and Sandra Kirkland
History
Paul Gurton
Languages
Alice Hansen and Balbir Ahir
Mathematics
Carol Wetton
Music
Emma Whewell, Karen Woolley and Robert Kellam
Physical education
Ellie Hill
Religious education
Babs Dore and Lyn Dawes
Science

‘An essential read for trainee and newly qualified teachers covering all key areas of the primary curriculum. There is a real sense of experienced and enthusiastic practitioners writing about ‘what makes good’ and why, with lots of clear practical examples of how to put ideas into practice.’

Jackie Keith
Deputy Head and Programme Leader for School Direct

'An essential read for trainee and newly qualified teachers covering all key areas of the primary curriculum. Experienced teachers will also find this useful as a refresher, as well as those leading  a new area of the curriculum.  Current pedagogy and systems are referred to throughout in a very accessible way. There is a real sense of experienced and enthusiastic practitioners writing about ‘what makes good’ and why, with lots of clear practical examples of how to put ideas into practice.'

Jackie Keith
Deputy Head and Programme Leader for School Direct

'The general message of the book appears to not only prepare teachers to think about each subject area but to recognise, as Eisner (2002: 58) would suggest, that the teacher ‘teaches herself as well as the subject’.  As a result paying each subject due attention and recognising their strengths and learning opportunities becomes important; enabling the subjects to be represented more evenly to children.

Useful connections to recent policy and relevant research literature which  provides an up to date feel.  In addition classroom practice is represented through the practice based examples. 

A creative approach to art and design is encouraged in the dedicated chapter on this important area of the curriculum.  This approach encourages children to be playful with materials and ideas,   but to also become knowledgeable in traditional and contemporary art practices: drawing painting photography and through the use of sketchbooks.   Material is included which supports the management of the learning environment and positive approaches to engaging with a  broad selection of artistic practices.   References to recent policy and research material helps contextualise the ideas in a broader setting.'

Paul Key
PGCE Programme Leader, University of Winchester

This is well written and very clear in outlining the complex role of a class teacher.

Miss Diana Parton
Department of Primary Education, Bedfordshire University
June 19, 2015

A necessary resource to reflect the new National Curriculum. The chapters are carefully presented and for students on the BEd Early Years Teaching route ( 3 - 7), the first chapter acts as a transition process from the Early Years Foundation Stage to Keystage 1 and beyond.

Mrs JANET DOUGLAS GARDNER
Department of Education (North Campus), London Metropolitan University
June 9, 2015

Useful text. Recommended text for Whole Curriculum Studies.

Miss Julie Taylor
Centre for Professional Education, Warwick University
June 8, 2015

A useful text covering the range of primary subjects enabling the student to see an overview of subject knowledge and understanding in all subjects. The PE chapter highlights key principles for teaching and learning which will supplement their understanding.

Mrs Alison Carney
Department of Childhood Studies, Canterbury Christ Church University
March 11, 2015

This text will be used in conjunction with others, so give students a broader perspective about curriculum design and delivery.

Mr Imran Mogra
Faculty of Education (Perry Barr), Birmingham City University
December 18, 2014

Helpful addition to the reading for the module

Mrs Dawn Burnham
Dept Of Applied Health Sciences, Farnborough College of Technology
December 11, 2014

A useful book to give an introduction to the primary curriculum for trainee teachers embarking on their studies. The case studies provide insights into how the curriculum could be structured in the primary classroom.

Mrs Marion Hobbs
Education, Edge Hill University
September 24, 2014

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1: Early Years