Teaching in ways that help children to learn in primary science

From September 2024, all ITE courses were required to include an element of Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP), in addition to the taught university course and compulsory school placements. The main aim of ITAP, as stated within the ‘Intensive Training and Practice’ policy paper, published in December 2023, was to ‘strengthen the link between evidence and classroom practice’. Each ITAP encompasses training both within the university setting and school. Intensive training and practice (ITAP) - GOV.UK As teacher educators, we welcomed the opportunity to focus on strengthening links between theory and practice. On the BA in Primary Education our senior leadership team placed one (of five) ITAPs within the trainee's specialist subject, in our case science. The focus of the subject specific ITAP was to develop students’ understanding of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) for science in practice. With a focus on developing their understanding of the value of enquiry-based learning and how the pedagogical choices made in the classroom have an impact on pupils’ engagement, understanding and development in science. We prepared trainees to include aspects of PCK found within the Initial Teacher Training Early Career Framework (ITTECF) namely, pre-empting and addressing misconceptions, as well as using models and analogies. Trainees were also encouraged to incorporate other aspects of PCK found within literature. Areas they focused on included, developing enquiry questions, incorporating hands-on resources, developing children’s ability to reason via rich discussion. Our trainees were enthused by the opportunity to consider how they could bring science to life and devise their own lessons which enabled them to see the impact of pedagogical choices that they made. Trainees subsequently submitted a practice-based portfolio where they reviewed literature, reflected on their own and others’ teaching, and analysed learning outcomes. Outcomes: > To gain a deeper understanding of PCK in practice > To consider how aspects of the ITAP may be relevant to the classroom practice of all teachers