BA (Hons) Physical Education (Primary Years)

Foundations of Learning and Teaching

This module aims to introduce you to learning theory and pedagogic practice in physical education and sport. The module seeks to develop your understanding of contemporary ideas of learning, and how this translates into teaching behaviours. 

You will begin to recognise the importance of research-informed practice in physical education.

The Enquiring Practitioner

While learning the technical components involved in the teaching and coaching of specific skills, you will also be introduced to fundamental biomechanical principles which impact performance.

The module will apply research and enquiry to real-life lived experiences that are associated with your potential future career paths.

Outdoor and Adventurous Activities in Education

This module will introduce you to outdoor adventure activities in an educational context typically focusing on KS2 and the start of KS3.  This may be the first time that you have experienced this area of study, and this module will help you develop the necessary knowledge and pedagogical skills that will allow you to operate effectively during your teaching career.

Knowledge and Understanding of Individual Activities (Aesthetics)

This module aims to analyse movement related to gymnastics and dance.

You will explore gymnastics in its broadest sense within elements identified as formal, educational, sporting and rhythmic.

You will use the application of biomechanical principles, including Laban technique, as you explore the evaluation of gymnastic and dance performance.

Principles of Play Through Invasion Games

You will participate in a range of practical sessions that will examine attacking and defensive principles of play, as you analyse the technical and tactical aspects of performance in invasion games.

Active Schools

Explore the issues surrounding physical education and its role in the health and activity agenda. Consideration of personal and social barriers and facilitators within and outside the school environment will also be given.

Theoretical Physical Education 1

This module will provide you with an opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of some of the major concepts in theoretical physical education.

You will build on aspects of research and enquiry previously developed in ‘The Enquiring Practitioner’, to consider how they may be able to contribute to the area in the future through your own research and data collection.  

Purposeful Practice for Games-Based Physical Education

You will participate in a range of practical sessions that will explore different types of practice and have the opportunity to design practices for developing technical, tactical, and/or physical aspects of games-based performance.

Pedagogical Skills in Track & Field Athletics and Swimming

This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to develop your knowledge, understanding and personal performance of track and field athletics events and swimming strokes. You may have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and understanding of technical aspects by planning and leading small group sessions.

Striking and Fielding: Net and Wall Games

While learning the technical components involved in the teaching and coaching of specific skills, you will also be introduced to fundamental biomechanical principles which impact performance.

Learning and Teaching in a Primary School

The module introduces you to research that explores the relationship between good teaching and good progress for all pupils, including promoting learning-focussed behaviours, adaptive teaching and a range of other teaching and learning strategies.

Forest Schools Principles and Practices

A forest school is a journey of self-discovery and awareness in the outdoors in which participants are given the freedom to explore their surroundings, themselves and others through their curiosity and imagination.

The approach is heralded by some as inspirational but described by others as re-branding of old ideas giving questionable impact.

This module explores principles that underpin the forest school approach and reflects on evidence for its effectiveness.

Practical Pedagogy (Placement)

An opportunity to experience a placement within a practical setting. This module aims to develop and refine pedagogical skills so that you can enhance pupil/performer progress and learning within a practical environment.

Dissertation Project

This module is the culmination of previous learning and is the major element of your independent enquiry on your programme.

The module requires that you reflect on, and utilise the knowledge base, context, and application of taught modules, as well as placement experiences.

It is designed to encourage you to generate and explore your own ‘problem’ assisted by supervision from a tutor.

Managing Individual Differences and Behaviours

The module aims to build on your knowledge and understanding of effective teaching and coaching by understanding and applying principles of equality and inclusive practice. You will develop an understanding and critically evaluate the learning environment that actively promotes equality and inclusion for all learners. It will develop your pedagogical confidence and encourage you to think critically about your teaching and coaching. 

Indicative content will include ideology of inclusion, young people at risk of exclusion, teaching approaches and strategies to meet all pupils needs, and creating and maintaining a positive learning environment. The module will be delivered through a series of practical workshops supported by theoretical lectures and will include a school-based placement. 

Enrichment Through Physical Education

This module will build on what you have already learnt about physical education from the compulsory modules of the programme. You will develop a deeper understanding of the ways that pedagogy and curriculum can be enriched through a critical understanding of contemporary, research-informed practice in physical education.

This module will engage you with current research reports, debates and good practice to explore specific aspects of physical education and in doing so, reflect on how primary schooling can be enriched through this deeper understanding.

Promoting Best Principles in Physical Education

This module will build on what you have already learnt about physical education from the compulsory modules of the programme and the first semester subject study module. It will help you grow in confidence to become an advocate for the best principles of physical education in primary schools.

You will critically reflect on your position as a teacher and explore the importance physical education in primary schools. In so doing, you will consider where and how your area of interest fits into school frameworks and policy. Whilst this module is not about becoming a subject co-ordinator, the importance of leadership values and attributes will be explored through the context of physical education.