Seneca
Sign up

Substantive Knowledge

CPD: Subject Level Curriculum (by Kat Howard and Claire Hill), topic 3.1.3

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?

Test yourself on Substantive Knowledge

  • Which of the following is an example of substantive knowledge in geography?

Practise this topic for free