Daniel Hughes

daniel-hughes-profile-image

PGCE Primary Course Leader

Institute of Education

Primary Education

Contact Details

email: daniel.hughes@worc.ac.uk

Dan is the PGCE Primary Course Leader. He joined the School of Education in 2016. He lectures in inclusive practice, PSHE and R(S)HE,  PE and outdoor education. He also works as a Lead Mentor and personal academic tutor as part of Primary ITT.

Before joining the University, Dan worked in primary schools in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. As both subject leader and phase leader, he has led teams and helped develop curriculum initiatives. As well as this, he set up an educational training business, supporting schools with the teaching of reading and writing in both key stage 1 and 2 alongside providing some training in local nurseries. 

Dan has previously set up a thriving private tutoring business and has also worked as a sport coach in primary schools. He has interests in music, sport and literature and can often be found attending gigs regularly.  He is also a keen runner and has completed 2 half marathons

 

Qualifications

  • Master of Arts in Education (Inclusive Practice) – The Open University (2019)
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education – University of Worcester (2019)
  • PGCE in Primary Education - University of the West of England (2003)
  • BA (Hons) in Geography and Education - University of the West of England (2002)
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
  • TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (RQF)

Learn Upon Training completed

  • Safer Recruitment
  • Safeguarding Essentials

Teaching & Research

Teaching Interests

  • Primary English
  • Phonics
  • Teaching reading and writing in the primary classroom
  • PE
  • Inclusive Practice
  • Outdoor Education

Research Interests

  • Social justice
  • Inclusive practice
  • Effective writing pedagogy
  • Using the outdoor environment to enhance the teaching of English
  • The impact of phonics on reading progress
  • Creative writing

Publications

Books

Hill, R. and Hughes, D. (2025) 'Nature Connectedness and the Common Third within the primary curriculum: exploring sustainability through a cross-curricular approach' in Watson, N., Lengthorn, E., Solvason, C., Elliot, G., (eds) Sustainability Education for Children and Young People: Educating for the Environmental Crisis. London: Routledge.

Pugh, V. and Hughes, D. (2021) Teaching PSHE and R(S)HE in Primary Schools: Enhancing the Whole Curriculum. London: Bloomsbury. 

Hughes, D. (2020) ‘Deeper writing through writing for children’, in Bushnell, A, Gill, A. and Waugh, D. (eds) Mastering Writing at Greater Depth.  London: Sage, pp. 112-25. 

Journal articles

Carroll, J, Hughes D. and Williams, L. (2019) ‘Geographical journeys through timeless tales’, Primary Geography, Number 100, pp. 18-19.

Magazine articles

Hughes, D. (2018) 'Plan for Evidence by Generating Fantastic Writing Opportunities, Teach Primary, Issue 12.6, pp. 80-81  Available at Teachwire.net https://www.teachwire.net/news/plan-for-evidence-by-generating-fantastic-writing-opportunities

Hughes, D. (2018) 'Sir, did you write this?', Teach Primary, Issue 12.2, pp. 100-102.Available at Teachwire.net Struggling to Find a Model Text for Teaching, Reading and Writing?

Conference Presentations

Hughes, D. (2019) Exploring shared writing: Teacher and pupil perspectives.  UKLA

55th International Conference 2019, 12th-14th July 2019, Sheffield Hallam University.

Professional Bodies

  • PSHE Association member 
  • Chartered College of Teaching member