Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching)

Why study the Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching) at UNE?

The Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching) is an initial-teacher education program; it aims to prepare Primary teachers who can teach from Kindergarten to Year 6 and who have a primary teaching specialisation as mandated by the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). The course has been designed to meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Candidates choose between specialisations in Mathematics, Science and Technology, Language or English. Students with a strong background in or aptitude for Mathematics, Science and Technology, or Language can complete one of these specialisations, which have been approved by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Graduates with a NESA-approved primary specialisation receive a code on their teacher registration documentation which may advantage them when seeking a teaching position in a NSW Department of Education school. All other students complete a more general program with a National specialisation in English.

The course is structured to provide in the first year eight discipline units across the Primary Key Learning Areas, to ensure a spread of content background; successful completion of this first year also gives all students, irrespective of their educational backgrounds, the opportunity to demonstrate they meet the Government's academic standards for studying teaching.

From 2018 initial teacher education students must satisfy the School of their suitability for teaching through the satisfactory completion of a non-academic capability assessment.

This course is accredited with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA).

Career Opportunities

Primary Teaching; Education related career choices.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

4 Years Full-time
Up to 10 years Part-time

FEES

Commonwealth Supported Place

2017 ATAR / OP

77.10 / 11

2018 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale

Trimester 1, Online
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Online
Trimester 2, On Campus

Official Abbreviation BEd(K-6 Teach)
Course Type Undergraduate
Commencing
Location Admission Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Online
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 2 Online
Armidale Trimester 2 On Campus
Course Duration
  • 4 Years Full-time
  • Up to 10 years Part-time
2017 ATAR 77.10
2017 OP 11
Fees Commonwealth Supported Place
Total Credit Points 192
Entry Requirements

A candidate shall:

(a) be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures); and

(b) satisfy the School of their suitability for teaching through the satisfactory completion of the Personal Statement for Initial Teacher Education Course Entry; and

(c) comply with the University's English Language Requirements for Courses in Education Accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority.

Assumed knowledge is any two units of English and any two units of Mathematics.

Additional Requirements

Prior to undertaking a professional experience placement in New South Wales, there are a number of mandatory requirements which must be fulfilled.

Working with Children Check*

All students intending to enrol in units of study involving a practical experience placement or otherwise requiring interaction with children, will be required to obtain and maintain a NSW Working with Children Check clearance (or equivalent, depending upon relevant State requirements). The student is required to provide the University with appropriate evidence of their clearance, which will be verified at UNE. Relevant Government agencies will advise the University of any bar that may be placed upon a student, and UNE will respond accordingly.

Child Protection Awareness Training*

All initial teacher education students must complete online Child Protection and Awareness Training prior to the commencement of their first professional experience placement in a school setting.

Anaphylaxis Training*

All initial teacher education students must be trained in anaphylaxis management before they can undertake any professional experience placement in a school setting.

*These requirements are subject to change. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for current and further information on Working with Children Check and Anaphylaxis Training (including requirements for other states).

Fit for Practice/Informed Consent Information

Prospective candidates should only accept an offer of a place in this course if they are able to meet the following "Fit for Practice" requirements:

(a) abide by relevant UNE Rules and Procedures, for example, Student Behavioural Misconduct Rules, and any relevant School of Education Policies, for example, the Professional Experience Policy for professional placements;

(b) exercise sound judgement based on cognitive, mental and physical health and be able to respond appropriately to demands of teaching situations;

(c) demonstrate personal resilience and persistence to cope and maintain wellbeing under stressful situations;

(d) demonstrate satisfactory academic progression prior to professional placement;

(e) safeguard the University's integrity and demonstrate duty of care to students/children while engaged in professional experience;

(f) show personal maturity to ensure that a professional relationship is established with students/children;

(g) communicate to students/children with clarity and in an appropriate manner that relates to their age/profile;

(h) possess and model the literacy and numeracy skills expected of teachers in interactions they have within the classroom and broader settings;

(i) be able to create, evaluate and reflect on the physical and emotional safety of students/children in a variety of situations and environments; and

(j) be able to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with colleagues and the broader school/early childhood community.

Candidates who have or who develop a disability that may or will prevent them from meeting the above professional experience requirements should contact Student Support to see if reasonable adjustments are practicable.

Candidates who have difficulties in meeting some of the above professional experience requirements will be required to contact the Office for Professional Learning to put in place remedial and/or counselling activities through a pro-active approach to improve their teaching practice.

Professional Placements

A requirement of accreditation is that primary school professional placements must be undertaken in a school using NSW Education Standards Authority syllabuses or equivalent Australian syllabuses and be assessing teaching proficiency against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Students may only complete up to 10% (8 days) of the required primary professional experience (practicum) days in primary schools not using NSW Education Standards Authority syllabuses or equivalent Australian syllabuses. Limited placements can occur in non-Australian settings in accordance with the NSW Education Standards Authority policy regarding overseas placements. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for further information. Students who are required to undertake professional experience placement must read, understand and adhere to the Professional Experience Policy of the School of Education.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Scholarships

The University offers a number of faculty/college and country scholarships available to Australian citizens and permanent residents. In addition, a wide range of scholarships are offered by the NSW Department of Education. Interstate applicants should check with their State education body for comparable scholarships.

Academic Colours

Violet (BCC 179)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching) in 2018.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall:
(a) be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and the Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures); and
(b) satisfy the School of their suitability for teaching through the satisfactory completion of the Personal Statement for Initial Teacher Education Course Entry; and
(c) comply with the University's English Language Requirements for Courses in Education Accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority.

Additional Requirements

Prior to undertaking a professional experience placement in New South Wales, there are a number of mandatory requirements which must be fulfilled.

Working with Children Check*

All students intending to enrol in units of study involving a practical experience placement or otherwise requiring interaction with children, will be required to obtain and maintain a NSW Working with Children Check clearance (or equivalent, depending upon relevant State requirements). The student is required to provide the University with appropriate evidence of their clearance, which will be verified at UNE. Relevant Government agencies will advise the University of any bar that may be placed upon a student, and UNE will respond accordingly.

Child Protection Awareness Training*

All initial teacher education students must complete online Child Protection and Awareness Training prior to the commencement of their first professional experience placement in a school setting.

Anaphylaxis Training*

All initial teacher education students must be trained in anaphylaxis management before they can undertake any professional experience placement in a school setting.

*These requirements are subject to change. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for current and further information regarding Working with Children Check and Anaphylaxis Management (including requirements for other states).

Fit for Practice/Informed Consent Information

Prospective candidates should only accept an offer of a place in this course if they are able to meet the following "Fit for Practice" requirements:

  • abide by relevant UNE Rules and Procedures, for example, Student Behavioural Misconduct Rules, and any relevant School of Education Policies, for example, the Professional Experience Policy for professional placements;
  • exercise sound judgement based on cognitive, mental and physical health and be able to respond appropriately to demands of teaching situations;
  • demonstrate personal resilience and persistence to cope and maintain wellbeing under stressful situations;
  • demonstrate satisfactory academic progression prior to professional placement;
  • safeguard the University's integrity and demonstrate duty of care to students/children while engaged in professional experience;
  • show personal maturity to ensure that a professional relationship is established with students/children;
  • communicate to students/children with clarity and in an appropriate manner that relates to their age/profile;
  • possess and model the literacy and numeracy skills expected of teachers in interactions they have within the classroom and broader settings;
  • be able to create, evaluate and reflect on the physical and emotional safety of students/children in a variety of situations and environments; and
  • be able to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with colleagues and the broader school/early childhood community.

Candidates who have or who develop a disability that may or will prevent them from meeting the above professional experience requirements should contact Student Support to see if reasonable adjustments are practicable.

Candidates who have difficulties in meeting some of the above professional experience requirements will be required to contact the Office for Professional Learning to put in place remedial and/or counselling activities through a pro-active approach to improve their teaching practice.

Professional Placements

A requirement of accreditation is that primary school professional placements must be undertaken in a school using NSW Education Standards Authority syllabuses or equivalent Australian syllabuses and be assessing teaching proficiency against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers. Students may only complete up to 10% (8 days) of the required primary professional experience (practicum) days in primary schools not using NSW Education Standards Authority syllabuses or equivalent Australian syllabuses. Limited placements can occur in non-Australian settings in accordance with the NSW Education Standards Authority policy regarding overseas placements. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for further information. Students who are required to undertake professional experience placement must read, understand and adhere to the Professional Experience Policy of the School of Education.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Period of Candidature

The period of candidature shall be:
(a) four years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to ten years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

1) To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 192 credit points with not more than 24 credit points at 400-level including 80 days of embedded professional experience. Candidates who undertake a Language specialisation are required to complete an additional 20 days of Professional Experience.

2) Candidates are required to pass 48 credit points of discipline units prior to commencing any curriculum unit and/or their first professional experience placement.

3) Candidates must pass the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students to qualify for the award. The test must be passed before the final professional experience placement.

4) During the final professional experience placement, candidates must complete a Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA). Candidates must pass the TPA in order to graduate.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

Course Structure Credit Points
Core Units
(including a minimum of 80 days embedded Professional Experience)
102 cps
Listed Primary KLA Discipline Units 30-36 cps
Primary Teaching Specialisations 54-60 cps
National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students -
Teaching Performance Assessment -
Total 192 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Progression Requirements

1) Any candidate who has not successfully completed 48 credit points of discipline units will not be able to proceed further in the course and may be asked to show cause why their candidature should not be discontinued and they be transferred to another course.

2) Candidates are referred to the University's Course Progression Rule and the Course Progression Procedures. Any candidate who has not successfully completed the National Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students will not be able to undertake their final professional experience placement, and may be asked to show cause why their candidature should not be discontinued and they be transferred to another course.

3) Any candidate unable to pass the Teaching Performance Assessment will be transferred to another (non-teaching) course.

Award of Degree

A candidate who meets the course requirements shall be awarded the Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching) in one of the following: English; Language; Mathematics; or Science and Technology.

Exit Pathways

Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the non-accredited, non-teaching qualification, Diploma in Educational Studies, on completion of 48 credit points at 100-level or above.
Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the non-accredited, non-teaching qualification, Bachelor of Educational Studies, on completion of 144 credit points including at least 36 credit points at 300-level or above.
Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies must apply for readmission and will be subject to current course requirements of the Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching). This may mean that they will not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University or accrediting body requirements.

Progress and Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Course Progression Rule and the Course Progression Procedures.

Appeals

Candidates are referred to the Academic Assessment Appeals Policy and the Academic Assessment Appeals Procedures.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Rule and the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Procedures.

Course Aims

The Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching) aims to provide candidates with:

(i) an accredited professional qualification meeting the requirements of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) for initial teacher education programs, and ensuring all graduates meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Graduate Career Stage; and

(ii) UNE Graduate attributes, as detailed below.

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  1. know their students and how students learn;
  2. know their content and how to teach that content to their students;
  3. plan for and implement effective teaching and learning;
  4. create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments;
  5. assess, provide feedback and report on student learning;
  6. engage in professional learning; and
  7. engage professionally with colleagues, parents, carers and the community.
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates will have the broad and coherent knowledge to effectively plan and deliver education in primary school settings and will understand the cultural contexts and global perspectives of schooling in general and the diversity of the student population. They will be able to demonstrate intercultural competence by responding flexibly to the needs of students, colleagues, families and community members.

Communication Skills

Graduates will be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, colleagues, parents and other stakeholders.

Problem Solving

Graduates will be able to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence.

Information Literacy

Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of digital resources and tools and their safe, legal and ethical use, and be able to apply this knowledge in the school setting.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates will have developed responsibility for others and an understanding that personal beliefs and actions impinge on others. They will demonstrate this through ethical conduct and by being sensitive and responsive to the needs of children, colleagues, families and the community.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates will understand the importance of lifelong learning and will be equipped with the skills to pursue professional and personal development.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will be able to work independently and collaboratively with others to achieve educational and professional goals.

How to Apply

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All domestic students apply through the link below

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