Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Overview

Our Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) qualifies you to teach children from 0-5 years of age. 

You’ll learn how to keep tiny attention spans interested and prepare for a rewarding career in kindergartens, preschools, early learning centres and more. 

Discover how to respond to students and families of diverse cultures and backgrounds, including Indigenous cultures.

Aims and objectives

At the completion of the Bachelor of Education (Primary) graduates will be able to:

• apply their broad and coherent knowledge of students aged birth to 12 years and how they learn to show initiative and judgement when making decisions or solving problems
• use their broad and coherent knowledge of Primary School content areas within the Australian context to critically review theory and practice
• show initiative and judgement to plan for, and implement, effective teaching and learning in diverse contexts with the capacity to solve problems with intellectual independence
• adapt knowledge and skills to critically analyse information in diverse contexts, and to create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments
• assess, provide feedback and report on student learning using clear and coherent communication with the ability to critically analyse, consolidate and synthesise assessment information
• take responsibility and accountability for own learning to identify, engage in and apply professional learning, individually and in collaboration with others
• engage professionally with colleagues, families and children, and the communication skills to present clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas.

Academic Progress – Special Requirements

In addition to the standard academic progress rules, the Bachelor of Education (Primary) has the following additional academic progress rules which are established in accordance with Academic Courses Regulation 62(2):

1. A student is classified as 'at risk' of unsatisfactory progress if they
   • (a) behave in a manner which breaches the Swinburne Student Charter whilst on a teaching placement
   • (b) fail to attempt both component tests of the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) prior to completing 100 credit points of studies
2. A student is classified as having 'unsatisfactory progress' if they
   • (a) fail to successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE) prior to completing 200 credit points of studies or following three attempts
   • (b) fail a Teaching Placement unit
   • (c) have their teaching placement terminated early by a school. In the case of early termination of a teaching placement by a school, the student will be deemed as having 'unsatisfactory progress' and a progress review processes will commence within two weeks of the cessation of the placement
     
     

Students who are identified as having unsatisfactory progress will be subject to the show cause provisions in the Progress Review section of the Academic Progress Policy.

Career opportunities

Graduates with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) will be specialised in the education and development of young children from five to 12 years of age. They will be qualified to undertake teaching positions in primary schools.

Professional recognition

This course meets the academic requirements outlined by The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). VIT recognition enables graduates to register as a teacher Australia wide.

On completion of an Education degree, all Teachers must register with the appropriate teacher body. Any criminal offence or proceedings need to be declared as part of the registration process. If you have any concerns about your future eligibility please discuss this with your relevant teacher registration body. 

Professional placements

Placements are a key part of your education course and are a requirement for teacher registration. Swinburne Online will provide guidance and support through the Professional Placements Office to enable students to arrange their own placements.

Professional experience requires student teachers to hold a current Child Safety Screening checks, as required by their State/Territory, before commencing a professional placement. Find out more about placements.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Education (Primary) is 150 credit points (normally 12 units)