Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Course summary for current students
B = Melbourne Burwood Campus
G = Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
S = Geelong Waterfront Campus
W =Warrnambool Campus
X = Off campus
| Award granted | Bachelor of Education (Primary) |
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| Campus | Offered at Melbourne Burwood Campus, Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, Warrnambool Campus |
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| Duration | 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
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| CRICOS course code | 015204J |
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| Deakin course code | E359 |
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Note: This course version is for students who commenced prior to 2007. |
Course sub-headings
Course overview
The Bachelor of Education (Primary) is offered to intending primary school teachers. The degree introduces students to the knowledge and competencies required by primary teachers with particular strength in the key learning areas of literacy, numeracy and science education and one other area of choice. It aims to produce teachers who are able to enter educational practice with the competencies expected of beginning teachers by the education profession; the communication and interpersonal skills to be facilitative teachers; an understanding of the curriculum content and processes appropriate for primary teaching; a thorough understanding of current theories and pedagogical practices related to learning and teaching; an understanding of the major role learning technologies play in the learning process; an awareness of the socio-political role of education in society and the need to work for equity for all for whom they are professionally responsible; an ability to work professionally and productively with teachers, other school-based professionals and parents and an ability to research their own practice and the practices of schools and to see themselves as lifelong learners.
Professional recognition
Approved by Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) as a preservice teaching qualification.
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Contact hours
For each unit of study students are expected to participate in at least three hours of formal contact each week of trimester. A minimum of six hours of study time in addition to the formal contact is also expected for each unit each week.
LOTE requirements
Students wishing to specialise in teaching Languages Other Than English (LOTE) within the Bachelor of Education (Primary) are advised to undertake the LOTE major sequence offered by the Arts Faculty and note the following LOTE requirements:
Students are advised that the requirements of the Victorian Institute of Teaching for primary and secondary teachers of LOTE (Languages Other Than English) are as follows:
- A post-Year 12 major study in the language, together with teaching methodology in LOTE.
Native speakers of the language may seek a statement of equivalence from a Victorian University, to verify that they meet the standard of a 'post year 12 major study'. Teachers wishing recognition in languages which are not taught in Victorian universities and for which university statements of equivalence are not available, may seek equivalence accreditation with the Department of Education and Training, Victoria.
Elective discipline sequences
Elective discipline sequence units are selected, in consultation with the course adviser, from any of the major discipline sequences listed or from any other major sequence related to a key learning area offered by either the Schools of Arts and Education, Faculty of Health or Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, normally at level 2 or higher for which prerequisite requirements are met. Alternatively, students may build on their selected major discipline sequence.
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Fees and charges
Unit fees can be viewed within individual unit descriptions. You can search for a unit using the Unit Search.
Please be aware:
- Fees are calculated on a per unit basis
- Fees charged will depend on the individual units chosen
- Fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and services
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Course rules
The Bachelor of Education (Primary) course has a 32 unit structure of which 24 units are course-grouped. Each unit is equivalent to 1 credit point. The 24 course-grouped units include a compulsory six-unit major sequence in education studies. The course-grouped units also include the 12 primary curriculum studies units related to the key learning areas. These units comprise three in language education, three in mathematics education, two in arts education and one each in science education, social education, health and physical education and technology education or LOTE. The remaining six course-grouped units include two core discipline units in each of language and literature, mathematics and science to support the key learning areas of literacy, numeracy and science education. The remaining non course-grouped units include a major discipline sequence of 6 credit points related to one of the key learning areas as listed. Students must meet any prerequisites required by the offering faculty. The remaining two elective discipline units may be taken from a sequence related to another key learning area or may be taken as an extension to the major discipline sequence.
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Detailed course rules
The Bachelor of Education (Primary) may be awarded at pass level.
To be awarded the Bachelor of Education (Primary) pass degree a person shall:
1. be accepted for enrolment in a course of study leading to the
award of a Bachelor of Education (Primary) pass degree and continue to be accepted for enrolment until completion of that course of study;
2. complete a course of study amounting to 32 credit points provided that the course of study:
2.1 shall include units amounting to 24 credit points from those units specified by the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Arts and Education from time to time as course-grouped units leading to the award of the degree of Bachelor of Education (Primary)
2.2 shall include units amounting to not less than 20 credit points at level 2 or higher, at least 6 credit points of which shall be taken at level 4 or higher
2.3 shall include a major sequence of course-grouped units amounting to not less than 6 credit points
2.4 shall include 6 credit points of course-grouped units in core discipline studies as agreed with the Schools of Arts and the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
2.5 shall include units amounting to not more than 8 credit points, which shall include a major sequence of at least 6 credit points in which two credit points shall be taken from each of levels 1, 2 and 3, from the units leading to the award of another degree of bachelor in one of the other faculties in the University as specified by the Faculty Board; and
3. the course of study shall be completed within a period of not less than four years and except with the permission of the Faculty Board not more than 10 consecutive years from the date the person first enrolled in the course.
4. the course of study shall include satisfactory completion of at least 80 days of supervised school experience.
Students should note that four years of tertiary study inclusive of teacher education is required for employment as a teacher in Victoria.
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Major sequences
Major discipline sequences are related to each of the primary key learning areas. The sequences have been developed in consultation with the Faculties of Arts, Faculty of Health and Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment. Students must meet any prerequisites required by the offering faculty. Units offered have been selected to most appropriately support the primary curriculum studies while maintaining flexibility and student choice.
The campus offering the major sequence is indicated in parenthesis as follows:
B = Melbourne Burwood Campus
G = Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
W = Warrnambool Campus
X = Off campus
Disciplines
Biology (B, G)
Biological Chemistry (B)
Chemistry (G)
Chinese - (beginners) (B, G)
Chinese - (post - VCE advanced background speakers) (B, G)
Chinese - (post - VCE non background speakers) (B, G)
Dance (B)
Drama (B)
Earth Science (B)
Environmental Science (B)
Environmental Science (W)
Health and Physical Education (B, G)
Indonesian (beginners) (B, G)
Indonesian (post-VCE) (B, G)
Information Technology (B, G, W*)
Language and Literature - Literature focus (G)
Language and Literature - Linguistics focus (B)
Language and Literature - Literature focus (B)
Language and Literature - Literature focus (W)
Mathematics (B, G, W*)
Media and Communication (B) offered to students commencing 2007
Multimedia Technology (B)
Performing Arts (B)
Studies of Society and Environment (Humanities) (B, W)
Studies of Society and Environment (Humanities) (G)
Visual Arts (B)
Visual Arts (G)
*These sequences available to Warrnambool students by off campus study from 2007
Note: Units in major sequences are subject to changes. Consult course advisor if required.
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Course structure
(for students who commenced prior to 2007)
Level 2
Trimester 1
| EXE201 | Creating Effective Learning Environments (B, G, W) |
| ECL210 | Multiliterate Learners in Early Years Environments (B, G, W) |
| EXP201 | Primary School Experience 2a (B, G, W) |
And one level 2 unit from the approved major discipline sequence
Trimester 2
| EXE202 | Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting (B, G, W) |
| SLE102 | Physical Geography (B, G) |
| ESM210 | Children and Mathematics: Developing Mathematical Concepts (B, G, W) |
| EXP202 | Primary School Experience 2b (B, G, W) |
And one level 2 unit from the approved major discipline sequence
Level 3(Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus and Warrnambool Campus)Trimester 1| ESM310 | Teachers and Mathematics: Creating An Effective Classroom (B, G, W) |
| EXP301 | Primary School Experience 3a (B, G, W) |
And one level 3 unit from the approved major discipline sequenceAnd one elective discipline unit at level 2 or higher
Trimester 2
| ECL310 | Multiliterate Learners in Middle Years Environments (B, G, W) |
| ECS310 | Primary Humanities, Societies and Environments (HSE) (ONLINE) |
| EXP302 | Primary School Experience 3b (B, G, W) |
And one level 3 unit from the approved major discipline sequenceAnd one elective discipline unit at level 2 or higher
Level 3(Melbourne Burwood Campus)Trimester 1| ESM310 | Teachers and Mathematics: Creating An Effective Classroom (B, G, W) |
| EXP301 | Primary School Experience 3a (B, G, W) |
And one level 3 unit from the approved major discipline sequenceAnd one elective discipline unit at level 2 or higher
Trimester 2
| ECL310 | Multiliterate Learners in Middle Years Environments (B, G, W) |
| ECS310 | Primary Humanities, Societies and Environments (HSE) (ONLINE) |
| EXP302 | Primary School Experience 3b (B, G, W) |
And one level 3 unit from the approved major discipline sequenceAnd one elective discipline unit at level 2 or higher
Level 4Trimester 1| EXE401 | Professional Relationships (B, G, W) |
| ECA409 | Teaching the Arts in Primary Schools (B, G, W) |
| ESH416 | Primary Physical and Health Education (X) (Final year of offer 2014) |
| EST400 | Primary Technology Education: Creativity and Design (B, G, W) |
| EXP401 | Primary School Experience 4a (B, G, W) |
| EXP402 | Primary School Experience 4b (B, G, W) |
Note: Students undertaking a major study in Languages Other Than English (LOTE) at either Melbourne Burwood Campus, Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus or Warrnambool Campus will undertake ESJ457 Studies in Curriculum 1 (ESJ457 students to select Curriculum Studies in LOTE Education specialism) in trimester 1 instead of EST400 Primary Technology Education: Creativity and Design
Trimester 2
| EXE402 | Transition to Beginning Teaching (B, G, W) |
| ECA410 | Primary Arts Education: Focussed Study (B, G, W) |
| ECL410 | Literacy Teacher - Researchers in New Times (B, G, W) |
| ESM410 | Professional Practice and Mathematics: Designing an Inclusive Program (ONLINE) |
| EXP402 | Primary School Experience 4b (B, G, W) |
| EXP403 | Primary School Experience 4c (B, G, W) |
Note: ESM410 Professional Practice and Mathematics: Designing an Inclusive Program is delivered in wholly on-line mode.
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Details of major sequences
Biology (B, G)
(offered by Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment)
| SLE111 | Cells and Genes (B, G, W) |
| SLE132 | Biology: Form and Function (B, G) |
(Prerequisites apply)
Two credit points from SBB2 or SQB2 - coded units.
Two credit points from SBB3 or SQB3 - coded units.
Biological Chemistry (B)
The Biological Chemistry major provides the fundamental language of chemistry and chemistry arithmetic essential for students wishing to understand the more chemically oriented facets of modern biology.
(offered by Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment)
| SLE131 | Principles of Chemistry * |
| SLE222 | Biochemical Metabolism (B, G) |
| SBC231 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| SBC232 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
* SLE131 - First year Chemistry units have changed from 2013. Students to please contact Student Support for unit advice.
Chemistry (G)
(offered by Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment)
Students should seek course advice in choosing their units.
| SLE131 | Principles of Chemistry * |
Two credit points from SBC2 - coded units
Two credit points from SBC3 - coded units
* SLE131 - First year Chemistry units have changed from 2013. Students to please contact Student Support for unit advice.
Chinese (beginners) (B)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education)
Chinese (post - VCE non-background speakers)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education)
| AIC385 | Chinese for Business Purposes A (B) |
| AIC386 | Chinese for Business Purposes B (B) |
Chinese (post - VCE advanced background speakers) (B)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education)
| AIC385 | Chinese for Business Purposes A (B) |
| AIC386 | Chinese for Business Purposes B (B) |
Chinese (post - VCE non-background speakers) (B)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education)
| AIC385 | Chinese for Business Purposes A (B) |
| AIC386 | Chinese for Business Purposes B (B) |
Dance (B)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education)
| ACD101 | Introduction to Contemporary Dance Practice A (B) |
| ACD102 | Introduction to Contemporary Dance Practice B (B) |
| ACD203 | Contemporary Dance Practice and History A (B) |
| ACD204 | Contemporary Dance Practice and History B (B) |
| ACD307 | Specialised Technique and Dance Performance (B) |
| ACD308 | Choreographic Research and Performance (B) |
Note:
(i) Entry by audition is required for ACD101.
(ii) Students will need to undertake their audition in level one even if they do not take their Dance or Drama units until level two.
Drama (B)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education)
| ACP101 | Principles of Live Performance (B) |
| ACP177 | Modern and Postmodern Drama (B) |
| ACP279 | The Integrated Performer (B) |
| ACP280 | Performance, Text, Realisation (B) |
| ACP378 | Out of the Ether: Devised Performance (B) |
| ACP323 | Out of the Box: Theatre Practice in Alternative Contexts (B) |
Earth Science (B)
(offered by Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment)
| SLE102 | Physical Geography (B, G) |
| SLE239 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (B) |
Choose two from the following:
| SLE305 | Catchment and Coastal Management (B) |
| SQE331 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| SLE342 | Risks to Healthy Environments (B) |
Environmental Science (B)
(offered by Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment)
Choose two from the following:
| SLE132 | Biology: Form and Function (B, G) |
| SLE114 | Introduction to Parks and Wildlife Conservation (B) |
| SLE121 | Environmental Sustainability (B) |
| SLE151 | Biodiversity: A Global Perspective (B) |
Choose two from the following:
| SLE207 | Environmental Planning and Impact Assessment |
| SLE215 | Ecotourism and Interpretation (B) |
| SLE216 | Bushfire Management (B) |
| SLE310 | Pest Plants and Animals (B) |
| SLE342 | Risks to Healthy Environments (B) |
Environmental Science (W)
(offered by Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment)
Choose one of the following:
| SLE161 | Aquaculture and the Environment (W) |
One of the following:
One of the following:
| SLE261 | Diversity of Fishes (W) |
| SQP211 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
Students undertake the following:
| SLE347 | Restoration of Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems |
AND
| SLE319 | Environmental Planning and Assessment (W) |
Health and Physical Education (B, G)
(offered by Faculty of Health)
Note: Students at Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus may need to take some units via off-campus study.
| HBS107 | Understanding Health (B, G, W, X) |
| HSE102 | Functional Human Anatomy (B, G, X) |
| HSE204 | Motor Learning and Development (B, G, X) |
| HSH207 | Socio-Economic Status and Health (B, X) |
| HSE313 | Understanding Children's Physical Activity (B, G, W, X) |
| HSH314 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
Note: (i) HSH207 Geelong students are required to enrol on-campus at Burwood, although not required to attend class on-campus at Burwood.
(ii) Some students may need to seek course advice to complete the Health and Physical Education sequence.
Indonesian (beginners) (B, G)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education)
| AIF146 | The Language, Culture and People of Indonesia (B, G, X) |
| AIF142 | Conversational Indonesian B (B, G, X) |
| AIF241 | Formal and Informal Indonesian A (B, G, X) |
| AIF242 | Formal and Informal Indonesian B (B, G, X) |
| AIF341 | Professional and Academic Indonesian A (B, G, X) |
| AIF342 | Professional and Academic Indonesian B (B, G, X) |
Indonesian (post - VCE) (B, G)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education)
| AIF241 | Formal and Informal Indonesian A (B, G, X) |
| AIF242 | Formal and Informal Indonesian B (B, G, X) |
| AIF341 | Professional and Academic Indonesian A (B, G, X) |
| AIF342 | Professional and Academic Indonesian B (B, G, X) |
Choose 2 units from:
| AIF316 | Reading and Writing Jawi (B, G, X) |
| AIF345 | Indonesian for Business Purposes (B, G, X) |
| AIF354 | History and Development of the Indonesian Language (B, G, X) |
| AIF320 | Indonesian Society Through Literature |
Note:
(i) AIF320 are offered in alternate years 2015, 2017.
(ii) AIF316, AIF354 & AIF345 are offered in alternate years 2014, 2016.
Information Technology (B, G, W*)
(offered by Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment)
*Note: Available to students at Warrnambool Campus by off-campus study.
| SIT101 | Fundamentals of Information Technology (B, G, X) |
| SIT103 | Introduction to Database Design (B, G, X) |
| SIT201 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| SIT231 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| SIT396 | Complex Analysis (B, G, X) |
Language and Literature (G)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education)
Literature focus
| ALL102 | From Horror to Romance: Genre and Its Obsessions (B, G, W, X) |
| ALL154 | Power Politics and Texts for Young People (B, G, W, X) |
| ALL230 | Re-Imagining Literature for Young People (B, G, W, X) |
| ALL373 | Greek Tragedy: Death, Sex and Vengeance |
| ALL379 | Representing Australia (ONLINE) |
Notes:
(i) Students are required to select either ALL373 or ALL379.
(ii) The unit ALL379 is delivered in wholly online mode.
(iii) ALL379 is offered in trimester 3.
(iv) ALL373 is not offered 2014, re-offered 2015.
Language and Literature (B)
(ALL-coded unit offered by Faculty of Arts and ELL-coded units offered by Faculty of Education)
Linguistics focus
| ALL154 | Power Politics and Texts for Young People (B, G, W, X) |
| ELL101 | Language: Speech and Sounds (B) |
| ELL102 | Language: Words and Structure (B) |
| ELL201 | Language and Social Contexts |
| ELL202 | Texts Across Cultures (B) |
Language and Literature (B)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education)
Literature focus
| ALL101 | The Stories We Tell: Inventing Selves and Others (B, G, X) |
| ALL154 | Power Politics and Texts for Young People (B, G, W, X) |
| ALL230 | Re-Imagining Literature for Young People (B, G, W, X) |
| ALL373 | Greek Tragedy: Death, Sex and Vengeance |
Or
| ALL375 | Shakespeare: Six Plays, Six Worlds (B, G, X) |
Or
| ALL376 | Classics and Trash (G, X) (This unit was titled Surviving Myth in 2011) |
Note:
ALL373 is not offered 2014, re-offered 2015.
Language and Literature (W)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education)
Literature focus
| ALL101 | The Stories We Tell: Inventing Selves and Others (B, G, X) |
| ALL201 | Love, Death and Poetry (B, G, X) |
| ALL154 | Power Politics and Texts for Young People (B, G, W, X) |
| ALL326 | Material Girls, Material Boys (B, G, W, X) |
| ALL230 | Re-Imagining Literature for Young People (B, G, W, X) |
Mathematics (B, G, W*)
(offered by Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment)
Note:
(i) Students at Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus may need to take some units in off-campus study mode.
(ii) *Available to students at Warrnambool Campus by off-campus study.
(iii) ** SIT281 is required for students intending to study SIT392.
(iv) Students enrolled prior to 2006 should consult the course advisor.
| SIT192 | Discrete Mathematics (B, G, X) |
| SIT194 | Introduction to Mathematical Modelling (B, G, X) |
and
Students may select from:
| SIT281 | Cryptography (B, G, X) ** |
or
| SIT292 | Linear Algebra and Applications to Data Communications (B, X) |
| SIT291 | Mathematical Methods for Information Modelling (B, X) |
Choose two from:
| SIT396 | Complex Analysis (B, G, X) |
| SIT392 | Public-Key Cryptography (B, X) |
| SIT399 | Advanced Topics in Mathematics (B, X) |
Media and Communication (B)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education to students commencing in 2007)
| ALC101 | Contemporary Communication: Making Sense of Text, Image and Meaning (B, G, S, X) |
| ALC102 | Contemporary Communication: Making Sense of New Media (B, G, X) |
Select 2 second level units from:
| AAM219 | Contemporary Australian Cinema (B) |
| AAM220 | Cinemas and Cultures (B, X) |
| ALC208 | Researching Media: Texts, Audiences and Industries (B, G, X) |
| ALC209 | Screening Contemporary Masculinities (B, X) |
| ALC215 | Globalisation and the Media (B, G, X) |
Select the third level unit:
| ASC346 | Sociology of the Media and Popular Culture (B, G, X) |
Select 1 third level unit from:
| ALC314 | Advertising: Designing Desires (ONLINE) |
| ALC320 | Approaches to Media: Audiences and Effects (ONLINE) |
Notes:
(i) ALC314, ALC320 are wholly online units.
(ii) ALC101, AAM219 also offered trimester 3.
Multimedia Technology (B)
(offered by Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment - available from 2007)
| SIT161 | Principles of Interactive Media (B) |
| SIT162 | Interactive Media Systems (B, X) |
| SIT262 | Unit description is currently unavailable |
| SIT263 | Interface Design (B, X) |
| SIT361 | Multimedia Systems and Technology (B) |
| SIT362 | Advances in Interactive Media |
Performing Arts (B)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education)
| ACP101 | Principles of Live Performance (B) |
| ACP177 | Modern and Postmodern Drama (B) |
| ACD110 | Dance Improvisation and Body Awareness (B) |
| ECA310 | Discovering Music A (B, G, W) |
| ECA311 | Discovering Music B (B, G, W) |
Note: ECA310, and ECA311 are School of Education units offered from 2007.
Studies of Society and Environment (Humanities) (B, W)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education)
| AIA105 | Visions of Australia: Time and Space From 1700 to 2010 (B, G, W, X) |
| AIA106 | Populate Or Perish: Australia's People (B, G, W, X) (Commencing 2014.) |
Or
| AIH108 | The World After the War: 1945 - 1991 (B, G, X) |
| AIH109 | Unit description is currently unavailable null |
Or
| ASC101 | Introduction to Sociology A (B, G, W, X) |
| ASC102 | Introduction to Sociology B (B, G, W, X) |
Level 2 - two units from level 2 AIA, AIH and ASC units
Level 3 - two units from level 3 AIA, AIH and ASC units
Note: Other units may be selected in consultation with the course director. Units available vary between campuses.
Studies of Society and Environment (Humanities) (G)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education)
| AIA105 | Visions of Australia: Time and Space From 1700 to 2010 (B, G, W, X) |
| AIA106 | Populate Or Perish: Australia's People (B, G, W, X) (Commencing 2014.) |
| ASC101 | Introduction to Sociology A (B, G, W, X) |
| ASC102 | Introduction to Sociology B (B, G, W, X) |
and
| ASC346 | Sociology of the Media and Popular Culture (B, G, X) |
Or
| ASC370 | Sociology and the Law (X) |
and
| ASC387 | Love, Sex and Relationships (B, G, W, X) |
Notes: (i) ASC370 is offered in trimester 3.
(ii) Other units may be selected in consultation with the course director.
Visual Arts (B, W)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education)
| ACV101 | Studio Art: Painting A (B, S) |
| ACV102 | Studio Art: Painting B (B, S) |
| ACV205 | Studio Art: Painting C (B, S) |
| ACV206 | Studio Art: Painting D (B, S) |
| ACV307 | Studio Art: Painting E (B, S, W) |
| ACV308 | Studio Art: Painting F (B, S, W) |
Visual Arts (G)
(offered by Faculty of Arts and Education)
| ACV101 | Studio Art: Painting A (B, S) |
| ACV102 | Studio Art: Painting B (B, S) |
| EEA211 | Navigating the Visual World (B, G, S, W) |
| EEA212 | Visual Culture: Images, Meaning and Contexts (B, G, S, W) |
| ECA433 | Arts Education Discipline Study 3 (B, G, W, X) |
| ECA434 | Arts Education Discipline Study 4 (B, G, W, X) |
Note:
(i) EEA211, EEA212, ECA433 and ECA434 are School of Education units
Elective discipline sequences
Elective discipline sequence units are selected, in consultation with the course adviser, from any of the major discipline sequences listed or from any other major sequence related to a key learning area offered by either the Schools of Arts, Faculty of Health or Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, normally at level 2 or higher for which prerequisite requirements are met. Alternatively, students may build on their selected major discipline sequence.
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Working with Children Check
The Working with Children Act 2005 (Vic.) requires a person who engages in child-related work, as defined in the Act, to obtain an assessment notice under the Act, known as a Working with Children Check (WWCC). The Act is administered by the Department of Justice: justice.vic.gov.au
School experience placements in schools in the course of a university degree are “child-related work”. Under the Working with Children Act 2005 (Vic.), administered by the Department of Justice, a student teacher must obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) before commencing school experience placements in a school. The WWCC must remain current throughout the course. It is an offence under the Act to engage in school experience without holding a WWCC.
Students will not be allowed to commence school experience in any school in Victoria until a Working with Children Check is obtained. The Department of Education has requested that on the application form a student nominates the University as the (or one of the) employers. The University will then be sent a copy of the assessment notice. Because the University needs to assure a school that a student placed at the school has a current Working with Children Check, each student must give their authority to provide the assurance - a student will be required to sign an authority for the University to inform a school that a WWCC has or has not been obtained.
While the University will hold on file documentation relating to the WWCCs obtained by students engaged in school experience, it is each student’s responsibility to ensure that he or she can produce the WWCC card to the school upon request and to keep the WWCC current under the Act.
Students are required to apply for a WWCC through a participating Australia Post outlet (which can be found on the Australia Post website or the Department of Justice website) and provide proof to the faculty that the WWCC has been undertaken.
Should a student fail to obtain a WWCC, practical training in a school will not be provided, and as practical training is a requirement for completion of a teaching degree, the student may be unable to complete the degree. Should such a situation arise, the University will provide advice on options for tertiary study.
It is the responsibility of students undertaking placements outside Victoria to enquire about and, where necessary, to meet any similar legislative or other requirements concerning working with children.
Professional Experience requirements
Students are required for registration purposes (and for the award of the degree) to have completed over the duration of their course a minimum of 80 days of supervised school experience. Students should ensure they are conversant with the Standards for Graduating Students as required by the Victorian Institute of Teaching. The school experience is organised by the Professional Experience Office and students do not make contact with schools regarding placements under any circumstances. Students are required to comply with the on-line instructions regarding enrolment/re-enrolment in school experience; failure to enrol/re-enrol jeopardises a student’s school experience placement.
Students should note that it is a requirement of the course that school experience is undertaken in conjunction with their curriculum studies and Education Major studies and during the time tabled dates unless, in exceptional circumstances, alternative arrangements are negotiated and agreed to in writing with the Professional Experience Office. Students should note that normally any paid or unpaid work undertaken in a school as an unqualified teacher/teacher’s aide will not be recognised for credit as recognised prior learning in supervised school experience for this course. Students may be required to complete the school experience component of the course outside the academic year.
A satisfactory level of teaching competence during supervised school experience is required for award of the degree. An “unsatisfactory” result on any school experience placement will be referred to the Faculty Academic Progress and Discipline Committee.
Graduates of an accredited teaching course should note that teacher registration is required in Victoria and is administered by the Victorian Institute of Teaching under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic.). Prospective students should acquaint themselves with the requirements for registration in Victoria or in any other relevant location. These requirements include the ability to satisfy the Standards for Graduating Students (available at: vit.vic.edu.au)
Professional Experience enrollment
Students need to carefully follow the instructions correctly when enrolling or re-enrolling online in school experience units. Failure to enrol or re-enrol correctly jeopardises a student’s school experience placement and this could lead to a delay in the award of the degree. Students must follow Faculty rules in relation to the number of days of school experience to be completed for each placement as per the Professional Experience Handbook (available from the campus of enrolment) which includes the published school experience timetable. Students should note that a ‘day’ constitutes a whole school day (not part thereof).
Students should obtain a copy of the Professional Experience Handbook each year from the Professional Experience Office (also available at deakin.edu.au/arts-ed/education/schoolexp). Information contained in the Handbook is updated annually and is a summary of Faculty rules in relation to school experience.
Schedule of School Experience units: Bachelor of Education (Primary)
EXP201 Primary School Experience 2A (B, G, W)
10 days
EXP202 Primary School Experience 2B (B, G, W)
B - 10 days
G/W - 10 day block
EXP301 Primary School Experience 3A (B, G, W)
B - 10 days
G/W - 10 day block
EXP302 Primary School Experience 3B (B, G, W)
B - 10 days
G/W - 10 day block
EXP401 Primary School Experience 4A (B, G, W)
B/W - 10 days
G - 15 day block
EXP402 Primary School Experience 4B (B, G, W)
B/W - 15 day block
G - 10 day block
EXP403 Primary School Experience 4C (B, G, W)
B - 15 day block
G/W - 15 day block
Students are assessed on an Ungraded Pass(UP)/Fail(N) basis. Students will receive a fail grade for unsatisfactory performance, school experience days commenced but not completed or if no contact is made with School Experience Office for placement.
