Learning and teaching in the primary years

What you will study

You will develop your understanding of the ways in which teachers teach, the curriculum that guides children's learning, the activities that children do, and professional decision making in schools. The module will give you insights into approaches for supporting children's learning across the whole primary curriculum, including the importance of play, creativity and talk. You will also focus on learning and teaching in the curriculum areas of English, maths and science.

Through studying the module you will acquire:

• knowledge of the nature of primary education, current issues and new developments
• insights into how children learn, and what adults can do to promote their learning
• an understanding of the principles that underpin primary education policy and classroom practice
• an awareness of some current theories and research that support primary education
• insights into inclusive and anti-racist practice in schools
• understanding of supporting wellbeing for primary staff and children
• an appreciation of the complementary nature of home and school learning and the role of parents and the caregivers in children's education
• skills related to academic reading and writing, including studying effectively online
• the ability to plan for and review your own academic and professional learning

If you are not currently working or volunteering in a school, we strongly recommend arranging between 2 and 10 days in a school for children aged 3–12¹. During this time, you should observe teaching and learning processes and gain exposure to a practical educational context. If you cannot visit a school, the module materials provide examples of children's learning across a range of phases and contexts.

¹ Access to schools 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.

Vocational relevance

This module will provide you with a sound foundation for further study relevant to a range of roles relating to primary education. It is also relevant to other careers within childcare, health, education, playwork and working with families and young people. It will develop your understanding of practices and policies that affect children, and introduce you to a range of aspects relevant to education in the primary years.

Entry

There are no formal academic or experiential requirements to study this module.

If you're not sure you're ready, talk to an adviser.

Outside the UK

This module is suitable if you are based outside the UK, but if you are not already working or volunteering regularly in a school, we strongly recommend arranging time during the module in a school for children aged 3–12 (for example, in a voluntary capacity) to observe teaching and learning and gain exposure to a practice context.

Study materials

What's included

Print and online study materials including 18 study topics presented in two books and online; interactive online tasks and materials; a website to structure and guide each week of study through resources including audio-visual material, an online module guide, online forums and the module Assessment Guide.

Computing requirements

• Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. 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.
• Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
• Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
• Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
• Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.

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 module and tutor group forums.

Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we'll make recordings available. While they're not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.

Assessment

The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone. The Accessibility Statement below outlines what studying this module involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.