BA-BTeach

360 credit points

INDEX

Dual Degree for primary teaching.

Duration                                4 years full-time or equivalent part-time

Available at                           Melbourne Campus VIC (St Patrick's)

Overview

The course is designed to facilitate the education of those preparing to be effective beginning teachers. It provides the opportunity to undertake the necessary studies for specialised teacher preparation for Catholic, government and non-government schools. The aims and outcomes specified above are achieved through a structure that balances the needs for the academic, professional and personal development of the teacher.

The course incorporates:

• an option for studies in religious education and theology to meet accreditation requirements of the Catholic or Lutheran education system;
• studies in spiritual development and Christian experience and practice;
• studies in discipline areas to provide high level tertiary skills and advanced knowledge of thinking within the field of education;
• studies of educational approaches to link theory with practice and to prepare students for career-long learning about education;
• professional field-based practicums to provide guided opportunities for students to experience the school context of teaching and learning, and to study and reflect on practice.
  

Mode of Offering
The course is offered on-campus, normally full-time for 4 years.

Admission

Apply to VTAC.

Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 a study score of at least 25 in English (any) and in Units 1 and 2 in Mathematics (any).

Extra Requirements: ‘Mature Age’ applicants must also complete an ACU Additional Information form available from the Student Centre.

Special Admission

There are special admission arrangements for applicants who have completed previous tertiary studies, for non-Year 12 applicants, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. Applicants whose educational qualifications do not satisfy the requirements for admission to the course, but who have a sound and sufficient basis for application supported by documentation, may be granted admission. Intending applicants should contact the Student Centre for further details.

Course Structure

Unit Offerings

Unit offerings will vary subject to student demand and lecturer availability.

Elective units will vary between campuses and from year to year.

The units within the key component areas are listed and described below.

Elective Sequences

                Elective Major Sequence                    8 units

                Elective Minor Sequence                    4 units

Education Foundation Studies

                Education Minor Sequence                4 units

                Curriculum Focused Studies              5 units

Professional Studies

                Curriculum Studies                            10 units

`               Teaching Studies                               2 units

Professional Experience    3 units

Total                                                                  36 units

Arts Sequences

12 units

The Elective Major Sequence is intended to further the liberal education and intellectual growth of the student.

The Elective Minor Sequence in Theology is included as necessary preparation for teachers in religious education. Students not seeking accreditation to teach Religious Education can choose from an approved list of minor sequences. All sequences chosen must be relevant as background for teaching in schools.

Compulsory Unit

In keeping with the University’s mission, all students must undertake at least one unit in Theology or Ethics from an approved list.

Education Sequences (9 units)

The Education Minor Sequence and Curriculum focussed studies provide social and contextual knowledge necessary for an understanding of education and schooling. Students study major concepts and theories which inform teaching and professional studies. Content knowledge underpinning curriculum studies is also covered.

Professional Studies (12 units)

Professional Studies contains the strands Curriculum Studies and Teaching Studies. Students acquire the pedagogical knowledge, skills and attitudes required for teaching all curriculum and key learning areas of the primary school. Strong links are provided between theory and practice as students gain experience in planning and facilitating learning in the primary school.

There are also 3 Professional Experience units.

To satisfy registration requirements, students must successfully complete a minimum of 100 days (80 supervised and 20 observation) gaining experience in classrooms and schools. During the four years of the course students are engaged in a variety of teaching and learning experiences mainly in primary schools. In addition to formal field experience, opportunity is also given for students to undertake voluntary community service of an educational kind in non-school settings.

Elective Sequences (12 units)

·         Major studies sequence  (8 units)

·         Minor studies sequence (Theology)

Education Education Minor Sequence (4 units)

Curriculum Focussed Units (5 units)

Professional Studies

Curriculum Studies (10 units)
These units cover all the major areas of the primary school

Teaching Studies (2 units)

Professional Experience (3 units)

*These units form the Education Minor Sequence

# Students not seeking accreditation to teach Religious Education may choose approved alternative units

Requirements for Completion of Award

Satisfactory completion of:

·         12 units in Electives;

·         9 units in Education Foundation Studies;

·         15 units in Professional Studies.

Total of 360 credit points.