Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Year

View in 2021+ Handbook

Course Overview
Further Information
Course Rules & Plans
Course Outcomes

Why study the Bachelor of Education (Primary) at UNE?

This course will no longer be offered from 2017. A suggested alternative course is the Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching).

The Bachelor of Education (Primary) is a primary initial-teacher education program that has been designed to meet the well-accepted requirements for primary initial teacher education in Australia, including the accreditation requirements of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). The program offers flexibility and student choice by providing opportunities to study discipline units from Schools outside the School of Education, units associated with Education focus areas such as Rural and Remote Education, Learning and Teaching, Creative Arts, Science Education for Sustainability, Information Technology and Contextual Studies or the option to undertake an internship. There are discipline studies in Psychology which will give you the background to enter further graduate study to diversify your career with School Counselling.

Teacher Registration: Students should note that teacher registration requirements vary from state to state. UNE bases its degree structures on the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) guidelines, under the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership framework for teacher registration. It is the responsibility of each student to check their eligibility to teach with the relevant state authority (including students who intend to teach in NSW).

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Education (Primary) have the opportunity to participate in overseas cultural experiences. A student may be approved to undertake an exchange program (normally one trimester in duration) which provides exchange students with the opportunity to undertake units at an overseas university which are then credited to their Australian degree.

IMPORTANT ADVICE

The NSW Government has raised admission requirements for undergraduate teaching courses from 2016. The new requirements are considerably higher than before and specify a minimum of three Band 5 HSC results, including one in English, or bridging units or alternative pathway as approved by NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). Further information is available via the NESA Teacher Accreditation website.

UNE offers pathways to teaching for those applicants who do not meet the new admission requirements:

Option 1 - You may complete an appropriate number/combination of NESA-approved bridging units or the first year of your undergraduate studies in a non-teacher education course such as the Bachelor of Educational Studies or Bachelor of Arts. You may then apply to transfer, with Advanced Standing (credit), to the Bachelor of Education (Primary); or

Option 2 - You may complete an undergraduate non-teacher education degree such as the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Educational Studies. You can then apply for the Master of Teaching (Primary) as a postgraduate student.

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

CSP
International

2016 ATAR / OP

77.10 / 11

2017 STUDY OPTIONS

Armidale

Trimester 1, Off Campus
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Off Campus
Trimester 2, On Campus
Trimester 3, Off Campus

Official Abbreviation

BEd(Prim)

Course Type

Undergraduate

CRICOS Code

026525A

Commencing

Location	Admission Period	Mode of Study
Armidale	Trimester 1	Off Campus
Armidale	Trimester 1	On Campus
Armidale	Trimester 2	Off Campus
Armidale	Trimester 2	On Campus
Armidale	Trimester 3	Off Campus

Course Duration

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

2016 ATAR

77.10

2016 OP

Fees

CSP / International

Total Credit Points

192

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures); and

(a) have a minimum of three Band 5 and/or E3 HSC results, including one in English; or

(b) have completed at least one year (48 credit points) of discipline studies (non-Education units) in a higher education qualification; or

Assumed knowledge is any two units of English.

A candidate shall 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.

Anaphylaxis Training*

*These requirements are subject to change. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for current information (including requirements for other states).

Fit for practice

Candidates entering a pre-service teaching program in Education will:

(a) follow the School of Education Code of Conduct, in particular, the Professional Experience Conduct for professional placement;

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

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

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

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

(g) communicate to students with clarity and in an appropriate manner that relates to the age of the student profile;

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

(i) be able to create, evaluate and reflect on the physical and emotional safety of 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 community.

Students who have a disability that may or will prevent them from meeting the above professional experience requirements should contact the Special Needs Office.

Students who have difficulties in meeting some of the above professional experience requirements will be required to contact Professional Experience Office 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 Board of Studies 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 Board of Studies syllabuses or equivalent Australian syllabuses. Limited placements can occur in non-Australian settings in accordance with the NESA policy regarding overseas placements. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for further information.

Practical, Clinical or Work Experience

Professional experience (practicum) is a pivotal part of any preservice teacher education program. Experienced teachers within schools are selected by the schools to function as school-based educators of student teachers in supervising the placements. Preservice teachers are supported in not only developing essential teaching competencies, but also in thoughtfully combining those practical experiences with a theoretical framework developed within academic units. In the secondary teaching courses each curriculum area has associated practicum requirements and the coordination of enrolment in such linked units is required.

Students are required to complete 80 days of supervised professional experience. This professional experience is embedded into five core units of study. This time is structured as block placements of up to four weeks duration and students need to plan for this full-time commitment. Generally, off-campus candidates are permitted to undertake the practicum in approved schools of their own choice.

Professional experience is embedded in the course as follows:

EDCX302 Aboriginal Education: PrEx 20 days

EDIT101 ICT Across the Curriculum: PrEx 20 days

EDLT219 Planning and Assessment for Learning: PrEx 20 days

EDSP324 Classroom Behaviour Management: PrEx 20 days

There is also the opportunity to complete a 50-day Internship if the Professional Placement education focus area is undertaken.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Candidates admitted under Rule (b) will be eligible for up to 48 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing based on their undergraduate studies.

Scholarships

The University offers a number of faculty/college and country scholarships available to Australian citizens and permanent residents.

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 (Primary) in 2017.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and the Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures); and
(a) have a minimum of three Band 5 and/or E3 HSC results, including one in English; or
(b) have completed at least a year (48 credit points) of discipline studies (non-Education units) in a higher education qualification; or
(c) have completed a NESA-approved alternative entry pathway.

English Language Proficiency

A candidate shall 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*

Anaphylaxis Training*

The NSW Department of Education requires that all initial teacher education students are trained in anaphylaxis management before they can undertake any professional experience in New South Wales public schools.
*These requirements are subject to change. Students are referred to the Office for Professional Learning - Professional Experience Placement webpage for current information (including requirements for other states).

Fit for Practice

Candidates entering a pre-service teaching program in Education will:

follow the School of Education Code of Conduct, in particular, the Professional Experience Conduct for professional placement;
exercise sound judgement based on cognitive, mental and physical health and be able to respond appropriately to demands of classroom 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 while engaged in professional experience;
show personal maturity to ensure that a professional relationship is established with students;
communicate to students with clarity and in an appropriate manner that relates to the age of the student profile;
possess and model the literacy and numeracy skills expected of teachers in interactions they have within the classroom and broader non-education settings;
be able to create, evaluate and reflect on the physical and emotional safety of children in a variety of situations and environments; and
be able to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with colleagues and the broader school community.

Students who have a disability that may or will prevent them from meeting the above professional experience requirements should contact the Special Needs Office.

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

Professional Placements

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Candidates admitted under Rule (b) will be eligible for up to 48 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing based on their undergraduate studies.

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.

Due to academic qualification requirements this course cannot be completed in less than three years unless the period of candidature has been reduced for advanced standing granted.

Course Requirements

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 must pass literacy and numeracy tests prior to attempting their final professional experience unit.

A candidate shall complete:
(a) Core Units to the value of 156 credit points including 80 days embedded professional experience; and
(b) 36 credit points from ONE of the following pathways:

Schedule 1 - Discipline Studies comprising either: (i) 36 credit points from one discipline related to a Key Learning Area (KLA); or (ii) 24 credit points from discipline related to KLA and 12 credit points from another discipline related to the same or a second KLA; or
Schedule 2 - Education Focus Area; or
Schedule 3 - Professional Placement (for students undertaking placement in a New South Wales setting only).

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 80 days embedded Professional Experience)	156 cps
Mandatory Literacy and Numeracy Tests	-
Schedule 1 - Discipline Studies related to Key Learning Area (KLA) or Schedule 2 - Education Focus Area or Schedule 3 - Professional Placement	36 cps
Total	192 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

The Course Coordinator may approve other units of study that align to discipline study related to the 6 KLAs approved by AITSL or education focus areas.

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Bachelor of Education (Primary).

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 (Primary). 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

Any candidate who has not successfully completed the mandatory literacy and numeracy tests before their final professional placement may be asked to show cause why their candidature should not be discontinued and they be transferred to another course.
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 (Primary) aims to provide candidates with:

(i) a professional qualification that meets the well accepted requirements for primary school teacher education in Australia, including the guidelines of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and the accreditation requirements of the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership for primary school settings; and

(ii) UNE Graduate Attributes:

- knowledge of discipline (includes a global perspective);

- communication skills;

- problem solving;

- information literacy;

- ethical conduct and social responsibility;

- lifelong learning; and

- independence and collaboration.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

satisfy the seven elements prescribed by the Australian institute for Teaching and School Leadership:
know their students and how students learn;
know their subject/content and how to teach that content to their students;
plan for and implement effective teaching and learning;
create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments;
assess, provide feedback and report on student learning;
continually improve by engaging in professional learning; and
continually 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 primary 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.