Subject and curriculum knowledge

Good subject knowledge is a key element of successful teaching. Enhancing subject knowledge and developing professional knowledge is an intrinsic part of the trainee’s university course and experience in school. The responsibility for this development is shared by all partners and should be carefully monitored.

Some examples of how this might be achieved:

• Plan opportunities to teach a subject strength;
• Observe experienced staff teaching an area for development;
• Organise for the trainee to watch a complex idea being taught, allowing time afterwards to discuss it;
• Decide on something problematic/challenging to teach, share possible approaches and then make it a focus of an observation (finalists).