Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Course Description

Do you find joy in witnessing the moment when a child grasps a concept and understanding dawns upon them? Are you passionate about observing children learn and flourish? We firmly believe that the essence of our teacher training lies in the meaningful connection between a child and the heart of a Christian teacher. This course is designed for individuals who feel a calling to become primary school teachers.

The Bachelor of Education (Primary) program (BEd(P)) prepares you for provisional registration as a teacher across all primary school year levels. It is accredited by TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency) and NESA (New South Wales Education Standards Authority). The program offers a strong foundation in pedagogy for each of the Key Learning Areas (KLAs) and provides valuable professional experience. Alongside fostering general skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and communication, graduates will gain theoretical knowledge in curriculum development and pedagogy, equipping them for effective classroom teaching.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Possess a comprehensive and coherent understanding of Christian doctrine, tradition and history, serving as the foundation for developing a Christian worldview
• Acquire in-depth knowledge of key issues and practices within the field of primary teaching
• Demonstrate a general understanding of scholarships and recent advancements in the Key Learning Areas (KLAs) relevant to primary teaching, including interdisciplinary knowledge where appropriate
• Exhibit a comprehensive and coherent understanding of planning, implementing, assessing and reporting pedagogically sound learning activities that align with a Christian worldview and are appropriate for the demands of the teaching context

Showcase the Ability to:

• Analyse and interpret the stages of physical, cognitive, social/emotional and spiritual development in children, and apply this understanding to diagnose and develop teaching strategies for student progression
• Analyse and synthesise various pedagogical approaches with differing ideologies, and develop skills and strategies (including the use of technology) to enhance the quality of learning 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 developments in research and scholarship within the field of primary teaching
• Discuss and analyse current topics, issues and challenges in primary teaching from a Christian worldview, and formulate appropriate solutions
• Adhere to professional codes of ethics and regulations that impact the ability to work with children, while staying updated on changes in legislation and practices relevant to the specific teaching context
• Work independently, responsibly and with the level of professionalism expected of an expert in primary teaching
• Collaborate with the wider community of Christian teachers and school leaders to provide appropriate collegial support
• Engage in self-reflection and evaluate teaching performance for the purpose of vocational development

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

Applicants admitted on the basis of their recent secondary education must demonstrate the completion of NSW Higher School Certificate with an ATAR of no less than 65 (or the completion of the interstate or overseas equivalent qualification and result) for admission into this course. This must include a minimum of three band 5 HSC results, including one in English.

Please note that from 2024 onwards, applicants must also demonstrate that they have achieved at least a Band 4 in Mathematics from the HSC for entry into the Bachelor of Education (Primary). More information on the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) entry requirements for teaching degrees can be found here.

Special admission is also available for Year 12 students whose ATAR (or equivalent) falls within 5 points of the published lowest ATAR to receive an offer but have done well in subjects relevant to the course of study. These Special Admission Pathways are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director and then tabled for approval by the Admissions Committee.

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study

Applicants whose highest level of study since leaving since secondary education is a complete Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification are advised to seek provisional entry into the Bachelor of Education (Primary).

Applicants with Higher Education Study

Applicants whose highest level of study enrolment since leaving secondary education is a complete or partially complete higher education qualification must demonstrate the completion or partial completion of an AQF Level 5 Higher Education Diploma (or higher) by an authorised institution for admission into this course.

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

If you are over the age of 21 at the time of commencement, you can apply for admission into this course on the basis of provisional entry and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate.

Program Requirements

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

• 1 subject (10 credit points) from Research
• 1 subject (10 credit points) from Christian Studies
• 11 subjects (110 credit points) from Education
• 14 subjects (140 credit points) from Curriculum Studies
• 1 elective subject (10 credit points)
• 4 subjects (40 credit points) Professional Experience*

To qualify for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Education (Primary) a candidate must complete all 32 subjects, including satisfactory completion of the Professional Experience subjects.

*Professional Experience consisting of community-based learning and a minimum number of supervised teaching days in primary schools as stipulated by local registration/employing bodies.

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