Primary 5-11

In the vibrant world of primary teaching, every day presents a fresh canvas bursting with possibilities. A key benefit of primary teaching is the opportunity to teach the full range of curriculum subjects – it really does mean no two days are ever the same! From unleashing the wonders of literacy to igniting the spark of early mathematics, you’ll embark on a journey that crafts not just students, but well-rounded individuals poised for success. Each moment in the classroom is a chance to inspire and mould young minds, fostering academic prowess and social growth. Collaboration is at the heart of primary education, where teamwork flourishes, and mutual support propels you towards excellence. Together with passionate colleagues, you’ll continuously evolve your practice, believing fervently in the enduring adventure of learning throughout your career.

What are the key concepts that underpin our approach to developing subject knowledge for primary teaching?

• Developing an understanding of the richness of the primary curriculum
• Considering in depth the core areas of early reading, writing and mathematics as essential building blocks to other areas of learning
• Exploring the big ideas of each subject, its relevance and place within the wider context of the curriculum
• Understanding learning progression in subjects across the Early Years Framework and National Curriculum
• Considering the pedagogical approaches within and across subjects including assessment and identifying barriers to learning
• Developing knowledge of how pupils develop as learners in different subjects and how teaching might be adapted to meet individual needs
• Ensuring commitment to and enthusiasm for the whole curriculum, ensuring teaching is inclusive and engaging all learners

I really enjoyed the course and, in particular, I thought that there was a good balance between curriculum and subject sessions. The subject sessions were very interesting and highly relevant. Our subject specialist was very knowledgeable and a hugely experienced teacher,  she was very well placed to guide us across such a varied curriculum!

As well as introducing you to a wealth of relevant books, articles and research papers you will be introduced to a number of individual subject associations and organisations, which support each area of the curriculum. We make use of a number of nationally recognised organisations, associations and networks to support your development alongside our curriculum. We are also fortunate to be joined over the year by a range of visiting experts who work with the SCITT team to enhance the provision with specialist knowledge in areas such as Computing, Physical Education and Music.

Computing

As part of our primary subject programme we are delighted to work with the Bucks, Berks and Oxon Computing Hub and STEM Learning to offer the Empowering Trainee Teachers: Introduction to Primary Computing course.  Delivered by experts from the Computing Hub, alongside our Primary Subject Specialist, this ensures that all our Associate Teachers have a good grounding in the fundamentals of Computing in primary, and are able to access further training offered by STEM learning and the National Centre for Computing Education, such as the Teach Primary Computing Certificate.

Science

In addition to our subject sessions on Primary Science, we also offer the optional Primary Science Enhancement Award with the Primary Science Teaching Trust.  This award aims to support trainees to start their careers with increased competence and confidence to teach science and to be confident to take up a position of school leadership in science.  It is supported by the Association for Science Education, the Primary Science Quality Mark and the Ogden Trust, meaning there is no cost attached for Associate Teachers who wish to complete this award.

Previous OTT SCITT Associate Teachers who have completed the award have commented:

“The confidence I gained doing this course encouraged me to run an all (primary school) ages science club at my school and I am really looking forward to it.”

“I feel inspired to continue to build upon this love of science and will strive to complete further CPD throughout my ECT years. I am already considering the impact that I could have upon science within my new school!”

Linda has been a primary teacher and leader in Oxfordshire for 24 years, including a number of years as an Advanced Skills Teacher and nearly 10 years as a Headteacher.  Her enthusiasm and passion for the primary curriculum is infinite, with a background in History and working in Museums, many years as a Mathematics Subject Lead and Specialist Teacher and experience in every year group across the primary phase.   Along with this passion for curriculum, Linda’s other main interest is professional development at all levels, and in sessions Associate Teachers are encouraged to reflect on their own observations and experiences in school alongside the evidence and expert viewpoints to focus always on effective learning.