PGCE PRIMARY PREPARATORY READING and TASKS

PGCE PRIMARY PREPARATORY READING and TASKS

ENGLISH PREPARATION FOR YOUR PGCE COURSE

Task 1: PHONICS AND EARLY READING:

Aim to observe at least one phonics lesson in either Reception or Year 1 and consider:

• the terminology used by the teacher and children;
• the resources the teacher has prepared for the lesson;
• how the children are involved in the lesson – what they say and do;
• how the teacher says the phoneme – what do you notice about the pronunciation?
• how the teacher segments the words into phonemes and blends for reading.

Bring a record of your observations to the first English group session, along with your notes on your own anticipated subject knowledge needs on the Core English programme.

Task 2: GRAMMAR

Complete the sample 2016 sample tests for Year 2 and Year 6

Highlight areas where you feel secure in your subject knowledge and your understanding of the terminology used for grammar. Read through the Seely text “Grammar for Teachers” to check areas where you feel less secure.

Task 3: CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

Teachers need to be enthusiastic and knowledgeable readers of children’s literature. Try to read something by an author or poem named in the sections below whose work you do not already know. Keep notes on what you read to develop knowledge of useful texts for your School Experience.

1. At least one novel by one of the following authors: David Almond, Gillian Cross, Anne Fine, Michael Morpurgo, Philip Pullman, Marcus Sedgwick, Louis Sachar, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Malorie Blackman, Eva Ibbotson.

1. A selection of picture books by some of these authors: Jez Alborough, Anthony Browne, John Burningham, Lauren Child, Julia Donaldson, Michael Foreman, Emily Gravett, Mary Hoffman, Shirley Hughes, Colin McNaughton, Martin Waddell, Colin Thompson, Shaun Tan, Oliver Jeffers, Lydia Monks.

1. Somepoetryby: John Agard, Carol Ann Duffy, Grace Nichols, Michael Rosen, Brian Patten, Roger Stevens, Kit Wright, Benjamin Zephaniah.

Core Texts

• Seely, J. (2006) Grammar for Teachers: The essential guide to how English works.Oxpecker Book Publishers.

• Wyse, D., Jones, R., Bradford, H. & Wolpert, M.A. (2013). Teaching English, Language and Literacy 3rd ed. Abingdon: Routledge (Full text available on-line at KU)

For information

National Curriculum English Programmes of Study for Key Stages 1 & 2

EYFS Development Matters – Communication & Language/ Literacy

PGCE PRIMARY PREPARATORY READING and TASKS

MATHS PREPARATION FOR YOUR PGCE COURSE

It is vital that to be an effective teacher of primary Mathematics, you develop both your subject and pedagogical knowledge. If possible we suggest that you observe at least one mathematics lesson in a primary classroom before the start of the course; consider not only what is taught, but how the children are organised for learning.

Sign up to the National Centre of Excellence in Mathematics (NCETM)

• Free access is given to the website as soon as you have a username and password.
• Go to personal learning > self-evaluation tools and test yourself on different areas of Mathematics related to different Key Stages.
• Follow up support is provided after you press ‘Get Results’ linked to website tools. Use the diagnostic from this to help you address any areas of subject knowledge that may need refreshing.

To support your subject knowledge you should purchase these books, they will be invaluable for the course ahead of you.

Core Text:

Haylock, D. (2014) 5th edition, Mathematics Explained for Primary Teachers, London, Sage

Mooney, C. et al (2014) Primary mathematics: Knowledge and Understanding, Exeter, Learning Matters

If you already have some teaching experience you may also wish to read:

Mooney, C. et al (2014) Primary mathematics: Teaching theory and practice, Exeter, Learning Matters

Prior to the start of the course could you please undertake the following short tasks:

Read the Ofsted Report ‘Made to Measure’ summary

What are they key messages for using problem solving and a varied approach to teaching mathematics in schools? Why do you think this is vital for effective mathematical understanding, engagement and enrichment?

How does this above link to this article on Maths Mastery which is now becoming a more popular approach to teaching mathematics in the primary schools.

It would also be worth familiarising yourself with the National Curriculum resource tool on the NCETM website. This is linked to the new National Curriculum so will help you to start to develop an understanding of the aims and objectives as well as the subject knowledge required.

PGCE PRIMARY PREPARATORY READING and TASKS

SCIENCE PREPARATION FOR YOUR PGCE COURSE

In order to meet the demands of the Initial Teacher Training curriculum, it will be necessary to demonstrate a secure level of subject knowledge in the areas covered by the Science National Curriculum. A number of texts are available to support the subject knowledge of student teachers including the following:

Recommended text:

Peacock, G., Sharp, J., Johnsey, R. & Wright D. (2014).Primary Science: Knowledge and Understanding, 7th Ed. Exeter: Learning Matters

Additional texts that may be of value:

Allen, M. (2014).Misconceptions in Primary Science, 2nd ed. Maidenhead: Open University Press. (Available as e-book in the library)

Allen, M. (2016).The Best Ways to Teach Primary Science: Research into Practice. Maidenhead: Open University Press

Cross, A. & Bowden, A. (2014).Essential Primary Science,.2nded. Maidenhead: Open University Press

Farrow, S (2006).The Really Useful Science Book, 3rd ed. London: Routledge:

Howe, A., Davies, D., McMahon, K., Towler, L. & Scott, T. (2009).Science 5-11 a guide for teachers, 2nd ed. London: David Fulton

Peacock , G.A. (1998). QTS Science for Primary Teachers: An Audit and Self Study Guide. London Lett’s Educational

If you already have substantial classroom experience you may like to read:

Nuffield Primary Science/SPACE Project (1997).Understanding Science Ideas: A Guide for Primary Teachers.Glasgow: Collins

A number of revision guides are also available which you may find helpful.

Prior to the start of the course could you please undertake the following tasks:

1.Start to revise your science subject knowledge, preferably up to GCSE standard.

2.Read articles from national or local news sources (can be online) that relate to science issues, e.g. childhood obesity, fluoride in the drinking water, organic products in the supermarket etc.

3.Consider what value science is to children in the classroom. Jot down your initial thoughts.

PGCE PRIMARY PREPARATORY READING and TASKS

ICT PREPARATION FOR YOUR PGCE COURSE

To meet the demands of the course it will be necessary for you to be competent in the use of general ‘office’ software as this provides a suitable foundation for the use of ICT within the primary school context. As part of the PGCE programme you will be required to use a range of software for studying, teaching and for children’s learning.

Although educational software might include word-processing, spreadsheets and presentation software it encompasses a much wider range of programs such as image editing, animation, moving image and programming.

If you have any doubts about your capabilities in ICT, it is suggested that you work through ICT self-study guides before the beginning of the course. There are many available from general bookshops which provide step-by-step guides.

To prepare yourself for the taught programme, it is recommended that you read the following texts. These will also be helpful for the duration of your course.

Turvey, K. and Potter, J. (2014)Primary Computing and ICT: Knowledge, Understanding and Practice Exeter, Learning Matters

Allsop, Y. and Sedman, B. (2015) Primary Computing In Action, John Catt Educational Ltd

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