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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

158510 v.9 Bachelor of Education (Primary Education)

BEd(Curtin) OR BEd(Hons)(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 020853M
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 4 Years


Course Overview

Bachelor honours degrees prepare students to develop broad and coherent knowledge and skills in a discipline for professional work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 7 qualifications. The honours component prepares students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional work, research and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.


Teaching continues to be a valued and sought after profession in all countries of the world. Curtin provides a high quality and well-regarded undergraduate course for beginning primary school teachers that is recognised both nationally and internationally as a teaching qualification. During the course, there are opportunities for international internship, country professional practice experience and an honours pathway. The School of Education has highly qualified and experienced staff who provide a vibrant and contemporary learning environment.


Professional Recognition

This course is recognised nationally as an initial pre-service teaching qualification.


Career Opportunities

Graduates are qualified to seek employment in the state, Catholic and independent systems of education. Some also seek employment in alternative settings and related industries.


Additional Courses Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials. Additional expenses include fees associated with the Working with Children Check (WWC), the National Criminal History Record Check (NCHRC), the maths and English competency tests and other incidental fees.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au and include flexible entry pathways. Admission to the Honours stream is by invitation and follows high achievement within this bachelor degree.


Study of mathematics in Years 11 and 12 is highly recommended. STAT elements considered are E, V and Q.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates with a bachelor degree may qualify for entry to some graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master by coursework degrees. Graduates with a bachelor degree with honours may also qualify for entry to a master or doctorate by research. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.


Specific Course Completion Details

The School of Education requires all Primary Education students to pass an English and maths competency test in the first year of the Course. These tests comprise of spelling, grammar, and knowledge of mathematics content appropriate to primary aged children.


Course Entry/Completion Note

Students will need a Working with Children card and a National Criminal History Record Check before they go into a school placement. These will need to be submitted at enrolment time.



Course Organisation

Embedded bachelor honours degrees typically comprise an honours stream equivalent to one year of full-time study undertaken during the last year (or two) of study.


This course includes core studies, professional studies units and elective units. Units cater for the different needs of primary education students. Students are able to undertake electives to specialise in an area of interest. At the end of second year students are selected for the honours program or continue with the standard course stream.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. make informed decisions regarding teaching and learning based on a comprehensive understanding of the learner and application of the curriculum

2. be reflective, creative and critical in the approach to teaching and learning and assessment

3. decide what information is needed and where it might be found using appropriate technologies; make valid judgements and synthesise information from a range of sources

4. communicate effectively and work collaboratively in educational contexts

5. use technologies appropriately in educational contexts

6. be self-motivated, critical, and reflective in their practice based on ongoing professional learning

7. think globally and consider issues from a variety of perspectives; apply international standards and practices within a discipline or professional area

8. respect and respond to the diverse needs of students and communities

9. demonstrate leadership in education by analysing and applying appropriate practices based on a sound knowledge of the principles of learning, teaching and assessment


Duration and Availability

Four years full-time study or equivalent part-time study. All regional WA students are able to enrol fully online through the Kalgoorlie location. Those in the Albany region may enrol through the Albany location, which may require some attendance at the Albany UWA campus.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y     Y
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      
2014 Kalgoorlie Campus Semester 1         Y
2014 Kalgoorlie Campus Semester 2         Y
2014 UWA Albany Centre Semester 1         Y
2014 UWA Albany Centre Semester 2     Y    

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
301179 v.5   Child Development for Educators 151 3.0 25.0
309252 v.6   Living and Learning in the Digital World 101 2.0 25.0
314505 v.1   Performing Arts for Educators 161 3.0 25.0
311274 v.2   Valuing Language 131 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
301184 v.6   Learning Theory for Educators 155 2.0 25.0
309308 v.3   Exploring and Contesting Curriculum 111 3.0 25.0
314506 v.1   The Numerate Educator 141 3.0 25.0
314507 v.1   Inquiring about the World 171 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
309286 v.3   Inquiry in the Science Classroom 273 3.0 25.0
309291 v.3   Visual and Media Arts Education 263 2.0 25.0
309306 v.5   Professional Studies and Planning for Teaching 223 2.0 25.0
309276 v.3   Teaching Language and Literacy 231 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
301186 v.4   Indigenous Australian Education 370 3.0 25.0
309310 v.4   Professional Studies and Managing Learning Environment 225 4.0 25.0
309271 v.3   Inclusive Education 251 3.0 25.0
311275 v.2   Children as Mathematical Learners 243 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3
311432 v.1   Primary Education Stream 300.0
  OR  
311433 v.2 *   Honours Primary Education Stream 300.0
  300.0
Year 4 Quarter 3
301192 v.4   Internship 425 100.0
  100.0

*    Admission to honours is by invitation only at the start of third year




Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Humanities on telephone (08) 9266 3400, email humanities@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://humanities.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.