3.1.3

Substantive Knowledge

Study on Seneca

Complete the interactive activities in the Seneca app to work towards your CPD certificate.

Substantive Knowledge

It is worth making distinctions between different types of knowledge. This will help to inform not only what we include in the curriculum but also the way it is sequenced.

Substantive knowledge

Substantive knowledge

  • Substantive knowledge refers to the body of principles that form the foundation of the core knowledge of the subject at the level you are teaching at.
  • Substantive knowledge is taught as fact and is driven by the national curriculum or examination specifications.
  • We can look to enhance and exceed this with the choices we make.
Examples

Examples

  • The nature of substantive knowledge varies by discipline.
  • In history, this might be a decision of timeframe or location.
  • In maths, this might be the axioms that are taught in the preceding levels.
  • In English, this is often related to text choice.
Questions to ask yourself

Questions to ask yourself

  • What is the substantive knowledge of your subject? This is likely to form a significant part of your curriculum design.
  • How will you choose which substantive knowledge will be included in your curriculum?
  • How will you ensure that it is both functional and beautiful?
Jump to other topics
1

Introduction

1.1

Introduction

1.1.1Shaping the Curriculum
2

Curriculum Rationale

2.1

Curriculum Rationale

2.1.1The Role of Subject Leaders2.1.2Curriculum Rationale
3

Curriculum Knowledge

3.1

Curriculum Knowledge

3.1.1Core Knowledge3.1.2Hinterland Knowledge3.1.3Substantive Knowledge3.1.4Disciplinary Knowledge3.1.5Declarative & Procedural Knowledge
4

Curriculum Sequencing

4.1

Curriculum Sequencing

4.1.1Cognitive Load Theory4.1.2Threshold Concepts
5

Assessment

5.1

Assessment

5.1.1Meaningful Assessment
6

Instruments of the Curriculum

6.1

Instruments of the Curriculum

6.1.1Instruments of the Curriculum

Practice questions on Substantive Knowledge

Can you answer these? Complete these activities in the Seneca app to progress towards your certificate.

  1. 1
    Which of the following is an example of substantive knowledge in geography?Multiple choice
Answer all questions on Substantive Knowledge

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium

Hinterland Knowledge

Disciplinary Knowledge