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Education

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)

Do you love to see children engaged in and excited about learning new things? Do you sense a calling to primary teaching or early years education? The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) is an Initial Teacher Education program that equips you for a fulfilling career teaching early childhood and all primary school year levels. Studying at AC will ensure that as a teacher you are equipped to embed biblical principles in your teaching and are positioned to fulfil your purpose as primary and early childhood teacher.

Course Duration
4 years full time, up to 12 years part time
Study Modes
Online Recorded, Online Live, Face to Face, Placements
Study Locations
Online, Sydney*, Teaching School Hubs
* Some subjects are available on campus, see the timetable to confirm location and mode.
Start Dates
Feb (S1), Term 3 (July)
Fees
$2,300 per subject
FEE-HELP
Subjects/Units
32

What is the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)?

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) is designed to meet the ACECQA standards for early childhood teaching program assessment and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the undergraduate teacher level and is accredited by TEQSA and NESA. It equips you for provisional registration as generalist teachers for early childhood teaching and all primary school year levels. You will receive a core pedagogy in each of the Key Learning Areas and professional experience. Alphacrucis staff support our teachers in training and encourage a close-knit community of learners as you progress towards completing your degree. In addition to developing general skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication, you will be equipped with theoretical knowledge in curriculum development and pedagogy, to prepare you for classroom teaching.

Who is this for?

Individuals passionate about early childhood and primary education

Career changers sensing a calling to early childhood or primary school teaching

Aspiring educators seeking a comprehensive and accredited teaching qualification

Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) can find employment in early childhood centres, schools (faith-based, government, and non-government schools), not-for-profit and mission-focused organisations, and community service-oriented positions. Career progression opportunities include roles such as early childhood centre manager/owner, lead teacher, year coordinator, head of curriculum, and principal. Additionally, graduates may progress towards postgraduate studies upon completion of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary).

It has been so encouraging and helpful to see firsthand how what I am studying is outworked in a classroom, and in a school.

Brittany Shapcott

Accreditation

AC’s education awards are accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), learn more here. In addition, they are designed to meet the Australian Professional Standards for Graduate Teachers and recognised by AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership). This allows for our graduates to apply to register as teachers across all school sectors in Australia. AC also has partnerships with over 100 Independent schools to train our students, including an embedded teaching model where students learn whilst being placed in a school community with teaching schools.* These partnerships greatly enhance practical learning experiences and career opportunities for our students and graduates. AC offers postgraduate courses for teachers and school leaders in partnership with the National Institute for Christian Education (NICE).

Course Structure

Subjects & Units

More Information

For more information and details of previous course structures see Student Handbook.

*You can also use the Subject & Unit Search to explore the subjects (including electives) available to enrol in for this course and can filter by subject area and level.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

What people say

  • Learning Outcomes

    Knowledge

    • Broad and coherent knowledge of Christian doctrine, tradition and history as a foundation for the development of a Christian worldview.
    • In-depth knowledge of key issues and practices in the discipline area of early childhood and primary teaching.
    • General knowledge of scholarship and recent developments in the KLA’s pertaining to primary teaching, including, where appropriate, across disciplines.
    • Broad and coherent understanding regarding the planning, implementation, assessment and reporting of pedagogically sound learning activities consistent with a Christian worldview and appropriate to the demands of the teaching context.

    Skills

    • Analyse and interpret the stages of development in physical, cognitive, social/emotional and spiritual growth in children and apply it to diagnosis and teaching strategies for progression of students.
    • Analyse and synthesise various pedagogical approaches with differing ideologies and develop skills and strategies (including technologies) to enhance the quality of learning for all students, including those from marginalised communities.
    • Communicate effectively coherent ideas and proposed solutions to peers and general audiences in diverse contexts.
    • Identify and critically evaluate new developments of research and scholarship in the discipline area of early childhood and primary teaching.
    • Discuss and analyse contemporaneous topics, issues and challenges impacting on early childhood and primary teaching, from a Christian worldview, to develop appropriate solutions.
    • Comply with professional codes of ethics and regulations which impact on the ability to work with children and keep abreast of changes in the legislation and practice applicable to the specific teaching context.
    • Work independently, responsibly and with the level of professionalism expected of an expert in early childhood and primary teaching.
    • Collaborate with the broader community of Christian teachers and school leaders to provide appropriate collegial support.
    • Undertake self-reflection and evaluation of teaching performance for the purpose of vocational development.

    Admission Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    Recent Secondary Education (within the past 2 years)

    Completion of NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) with an ATAR of 65 or higher (or the completion of the International Baccalaureate or interstate or overseas equivalent qualification and result)

    Special admission is also available for Year 12 students whose ATAR (or equivalent) falls within 5 points of the published guaranteed ATAR but have done well in subjects relevant to the course of study.

    Vocational Education and Training (VET)

    Applicants with a complete Certificate IV or higher by an authorised institution or registered training organisation are advised to seek provisional entry.

    Higher Education Study

    Completion of an AQF Level 5 Higher Education Diploma (or higher) by an authorised institution.

    Work and Life Experience – Applicants over 21 who do not meet academic requirements

    If you are over 21: apply for admission and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate of the course.

    This is an alternate pathway for applicants who do not meet other academic requirements.

    Working With Children Check (WWCC)

    All students are required to complete the new Working with Children Check (or state equivalent) online before they will be allowed to participate in professional practice subjects.

    Students will be classified as a ‘volunteer’ in Education.

    Literacy and Numeracy Test

    AC students are required to sit for and pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) prior to enrolling in their final Professional Experience Placement.

    Anaphylaxis e-Training

    Training is provided free online by the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). On completion of the online module participants receive a certificate of completion which must be included with your application. The training is required to be successfully undertaken every two years. This is the only training for anaphylaxis management in schools that New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) will accept.

    NSW Department of Education Child Protection Awareness Training

    All students are required to complete the NSW Department of Education Child Protection Awareness Training before enrolling into a work integrated learning subject and undertaking Professional Experience. Students who have met the academic and essential entry requirements can progress into the course prior to completing this training.

    International Students – Language Requirements

    IELTS (or equivalent) Score of 7.5 (with no score below 7.0 in any of the four skills areas).

    How to Apply

    • Get Started

      Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

    • Apply

      It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 228 355.

    • Offer

      We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.

    Key Dates
    Semester 1
    Term 1
    February / March
    Term 2
    April
    Semester 2
    Term 3
    July / August
    Term 4
    November