The experts in our team have recommended the following books:

A Guide to the National Curriculum
Bob Moon (Oxford University Press)
Now into its fourth edition, this book is essential reading for teachers in training and any parent wishing to understand exactly how the curriculum works in English schools.

Dr. Montessori's Own Handbook: A Short Guide to Her Ideas and Materials
Maria Montessori (Random House USA)
A guide to recreating the 'Montessori' method in your own home.

Effective Change in Schools (School Leadership)
Chris James & Una Connolly (RoutledgeFalmer)
Although aimed mainly at those involved in day-to-day school management, this collection of case studies of real schools is of interest to anyone with a stake in the education system.

Improving School Effectiveness
Edited by John MacBeath & Peter Mortimore (Open University Press)
Three decades of research into schools and twenty-four case studies distilled into a clear description of exactly what schools can do to make a difference to their pupils.

Children Excluded from Primary School: Debates, Evidence, Response
C. Hayden (Open University Press)

Alternatives to Exclusion from School
P. Munn, G.Lloyd, M. A. Cullen (Paul Chapman Publishing)

Education, Exclusion and Citizenship
C. Parsons (Routledge)

If you would like to follow up your interest by taking a course, the OU offers a range of courses and qualifications designed to fit you.

Which type of course is best for you?

• Not sure you want to commit to a long course?
• Have study experience and looking for more?

Short Courses

If you want to study with the OU but don’t want to commit to a full undergraduate course, one of the OU’s short courses could be perfect for you.

Action in French (LXR112)
This residential school course consists of a week at Caen University, Normandy. There will be a choice of dates in July and August. The school includes work in small and large groups, social activities, practical work in Caen and the surrounding area. There is some preparatory work before the school. During and after the residential week you will have the chance to demonstrate your skills in speaking and writing French. The course will suit you if you want to maintain contact with France and French culture and build on the basic French you already have. LXR122 is not suitable for complete beginners

Longer Courses and Qualifications

Open University courses are the main 'building blocks' of our qualifications. You can take a single course or take several to build towards an Open University diploma or degree.

Which level of study is most suitable for you?

• Are English and Languages new or unfamiliar subjects for you?
• Interested in teaching?
• Want to work on your professional development?

Where to Start

You can follow up your interest in the education or languages through a variety of Open University courses including:

Supporting Children's Learning in the Early Years (E124)
Intended for people working in an early years environment, this course focuses on the student's role in working with young children including those identified as gifted or talented, those with special educational needs and those who have English as an additional language.

Certificate in French (C33)
Through the study of French, the certificate will provide you with the opportunity to learn to read, write, speak in French and understand people who speak it, while developing your cultural understanding and your knowledge of how the language is structured (for example, by learning about its grammar or its vocabulary). Through the certificate, you will also learn to become an independent language learner and to develop other transferable skills and attributes.

Certificate in German (C34)
Through the study of German, the certificate will provide you with the opportunity to learn to read, write and speak German and understand people who speak it, while developing your cultural understanding and your knowledge of how it is structured (for example, by learning about its grammar or its vocabulary). Through the certificate, you will also learn to become an independent language learner and to develop other transferable skills and attributes.

Certificate in Spanish (C35)
Through the study of Spanish the certificate will provide you with the opportunity to learn to read, write and speak Spanish and understand people who speak it, while developing your cultural understanding and your knowledge of how it is structured (for example, by learning about its grammar or its vocabulary). Through the certificate, you will also learn to become an independent language learner and to develop other transferable skills and attributes.

Teacher Training

Offered to people already working in a primary school as a teaching assistant, whether paid or unpaid, this course equips you with the knowledge, skills and understanding to be an effective teaching assistant.

Professional Certificate in Education (C21)
The Open Universtiy offers a numer of PGCE courses, allowing graduates from any university a route into teaching in the Secondary Education sector.

Mathematics Education
If you want to become a Teacher of Mathematics in schools, please look at the OU's 'Teaching Mathematics' page.

Higher level Study

Exploring the English Language (U211)
The English language is spoken by about 1000 million people worldwide. Including interviews with world experts on different aspects of the English Language, this course asks, But why English? How has it changed over the centuries? How is it affected by its new settings, the people who use it and the technologies they employ?

For those who wish to further their professional development the Open University offers Europe's largest Masters programme in education. Courses include literacy development, behaviour, teaching English to speakers of other languages, lifelong learning, and researching inclusive practice.