N/A

This modules aims to develop:
a thorough knowledge and critical understanding of contemporary Scottish educational contexts;
essential skills for successfully teaching within this context;
the professional values and personal commitment expected of student teachers set out in the GTCS’ Standards for Provisional Registration https://www.gtcs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/standard-for-provisional-registration.pdf;

This module uses lectures, workshops, tasks and reflection on school experience to build a critical understanding of how children learn, the complex and sometimes challenging influences on this learning and the practical skills to successfully teach within such contexts.

Using reading, discussion and reflection, you will be encouraged and supported in developing the professional values and qualities expected of student teachers by the GTCS in their Standards for Provisional Registration. You will develop the essential knowledge and skills to teach with these values through engagement with current policy and legislation (e.g. Standard in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act (2000), Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act 2004 and Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC, 2014)).

Each week is structured around an important theme which will be discussed in the lecture and then further explored in the workshops thereafter. The workshops will comprise a mix of group discussion of pre-reading and activities. This theme will also be a focus for the observation of day-to-day practice of teachers on the six serial school visit days within the duration of this module.

Indicative Content

The following areas have been identified as the main themes for each week of this module:-
Purposes of Education;
Curriculum;
Scottish Education and the Attainment Gap;
How Children Learn:;
Inclusion Policy;
Adolescent Development;
Numeracy and Literacy across the curriculum;
Professionalism.

The Learning Outcomes of this module are aligned with the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s Standard for Provisional Registration (https://www.gtcs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/standard-for-provisional-registration.pdf).

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the main features of the contemporary Scottish educational context with reference to legislation, policy and observed practice using appropriate terminology and conventions;

LO2 Critically evaluate the main theories, concepts and principles that underpin current practice in Scottish schools;

LO3 Respond critically to selected issues in the current Scottish educational context, embodying in your response the professional values and commitment within the GTCS’ Standards for Provisional Registration

LO4. Construct and sustain reasoned and coherent arguments about complex educational issues and professional practices informed by policy, research, observed practice and professional values.

LO5: Demonstrate an appropriate academic writing style which is accurate, critical, makes reference to policy, legislation and research and which cites sources using an appropriate referencing convention.