Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)

Course Description

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary), is specifically designed for individuals who feel a strong inclination towards primary teaching or early years education. By completing this program, students will acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue provisional registration as generalist teachers for both early childhood teaching and primary school education across all year levels.

The program encompasses a comprehensive foundation in pedagogy across various Key Learning Areas (KLAs), coupled with practical experience in the field. Alongside the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills, graduates will gain theoretical expertise in curriculum development and pedagogy, equipping them for effective classroom instruction.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Possess a comprehensive and cohesive knowledge of Christian doctrine, tradition and history, serving as the foundation for developing a Christian worldview
• Exhibit in-depth knowledge of key issues and practices within the discipline of early childhood and primary teaching
• Demonstrate a general understanding of scholarship and recent advancements in the Key Learning Areas (KLAs) relevant to primary teaching, including interdisciplinary knowledge where applicable
• Display a broad and cohesive understanding of planning, implementing, assessing and reporting pedagogically sound learning activities that align with a Christian-worldview and are suitable for the teaching context

Showcase the ability to:

• Analyse and interpret the developmental stages of children's physical, cognitive, social/emotional and spiritual growth, and apply this knowledge to diagnose and devise teaching strategies for student progression
• Analyse and synthesise various pedagogical approaches with different ideologies and develop skills and strategies (including technology) to enhance learning quality for all students, including those from marginalised communities
• Effectively communicate coherent ideas and proposed solutions to peers and diverse audiences in various contexts
• Identify and critically evaluate new research and scholarly developments in the field of early childhood and primary teaching
• Discuss and analyse current topics, issues and challenges in early childhood and primary teaching from a Christian worldview, and formulate appropriate solutions
• Adhere to professional codes of ethics and regulations relevant to working with children, while staying updated on changes in legislation and practices applicable to the specific teaching context
• Work independently, responsibly, and with high level of professionalism expected of an expert in early childhood and primary teaching
• Collaborate with the wider community Christian teachers and school leaders to provide collegial support
• Engage in self-reflection and evaluate teaching performance for vocational development purposes

Admission Information

For Applicants wth Recent Secondary Education (within the past 2 years):

Candidates seeking admission based on recent secondary education must provide evidence of completing the NSW Higher School Certificate with an ATAR of no less than 65 (or an equivalent qualification and result from interstate or overseas). This should include a minimum of three Band 5 HSC results, with one of them being in English.

Starting from 2024, it is important to note that applicants must also demonstrate achieving at least a Band 4 in Mathematics for the HSC to be eligible for entry into the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary).

Special admission pathways are available for Year 12 students whose ATAR (or equivalent) falls within 5 points of the published lowest ATAR required for an offer, but have performed well in subjects relevant to the chosen course of study. These Special Admission Pathways are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director and then presented for approval by the Admissions Committee.

For Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study:

Individuals who have completed a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification as their highest level of study after leaving secondary education are advised to apply for provisional entry into the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary).

For Applicants with Higher Education Study:

Applicants who have pursued higher education studies, either completed or partially completed, since leaving secondary education, must demonstrate the attainment of an AQF Level 5 Higher Education Diploma (or higher) from an authorised institution to be considered for admission into this course.

For Applicants with Work and Life Experience:

If you are 21 years of age or above, at the time of course commencement, you have the option to apply for admission based on provisional entry. Upon acceptance, you will need to complete the required provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate in the program.

Program Requirements

This course structure is based on eight semesters (each of 13 weeks duration), with four subjects taught in each semester. This includes:

• 10 credit points from Christian Studies
• 150 credit points ECEC and K-6 Education (includes 20 days of ECEC Professional Experience)
• 30 credit points ECEC Experience (includes 20 days of ECEC Professional Experience)
• 100 credit points from K-6 Curriculum Studies (including 20 credit points of specialisation or elective subjects)
• 20 credit points K-6 Professional Experience (50 days)
• 10 credit points ECEC Professional Experience (10 days) (plus 10 Observation Days across EC and K-6 in Year 1)

To qualify for the aware of the degree of Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary), Teacher Education Students (TES) shall accrue an aggregate of at least 320 credit points form listed subjects.

For more information and to download the free course guide, make sure to visit the Alphacrucis Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) page.