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Monash University

Bachelor of Primary Education

Course code: 1514 ~ Course abbreviation: BPrimEd ~ Total credit points required: 192 ~ 4 years full-time ~ Managing faculty: Education

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Peninsula)

Course description

This is a specialised course designed to fully prepare students for careers as a teacher in primary schools. It provides graduates with a comprehensive background in primary education. The course focuses on the teaching and learning of children in the key learning areas of the arts, English, mathematics, health and physical education, science, SOSE (Studies of Society and Environment) and technology.

Course objectives

The overall aim of the course is to produce a confident and competent teacher who is a well-educated person with a sound knowledge of the theoretical foundations of education and the necessary professional skills. The major objectives of the course are to provide students with a program of studies and experiences which should enable them to: develop competence in general teaching skills and be able to relate these skills effectively to the key curriculum learning areas of the primary school; gain a knowledge of the theoretical foundations of education, particularly those relevant to primary teaching; gain knowledge and develop skills and attributes which will foster learning that contributes to continued personal and professional growth; develop effective interpersonal communication skills.

Course structure

The degree is designed to be cumulative in content. Students study a range of units that provide them with essential understandings relating to children's learning and teaching and units that cover each of the key learning areas of the primary school curriculum. The course also includes a sequence of general studies that provide the understandings, experiences and knowledge to support these curriculum units, and a selection of elective discipline studies that enhance students' personal development. In addition, students undertake a sequence of fieldwork studies and associated fieldwork.

Course requirements

First year

  • EDF1121 Exploring science
  • EDF1122 SOSE culture and society
  • EDF1124 Music fundamentals
  • EDF1201 Computer essentials
  • EDF1203 Curriculum studies: primary English 1
  • EDF1204 Curriculum studies: primary mathematics 1
  • EDF 1303 Learning and educational inquiry 1
  • EDF 1304 Learning and educational inquiry 2

Second year

  • EDF2105 Teaching studies A
  • EDF2122 Studio arts: sculpture/painting
  • EDF2123 Exploring mathematics
  • EDF2125 Fitness leadership
  • EDF2201 Child development 1
  • EDF2203 Curriculum studies: primary studies of society and environment
  • EDF2204 Curriculum studies: primary science
  • EDF3202 Curriculum studies: primary health and PE

Third year

  • EDF2202 Child development 2
  • EDF3105 Teaching studies B
  • EDF3125 Children's literature
  • EDF3201 Curriculum studies: primary art and music
  • EDF3203 Curriculum studies: primary technology
  • EDF3502 Contexts and issues in family studies
  • two electives to the value of 12 points

Fourth year

  • EDF4102 Curriculum studies: primary English 2
  • EDF4104 Curriculum studies: primary mathematics 2
  • EDF4105 Teaching studies C
  • EDF4106 Teaching studies D
  • EDF4201 Child development 4: children with additional educational needs
  • three education electives to the value of 18 points

Fieldwork

Students must complete teaching practice which consists of a minimum of 80 days of satisfactory supervised school experience. Students who are employed in schools must complete a minimum of 40 days of supervised fieldwork in a setting other than the school in which they are employed. Students must be available to undertake fieldwork placements full time.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Primary Education provides initial preparation for primary school teachers. Graduates will be eligible for registration and employment in Victoria as primary school teachers within state and independent schools and related teaching services. For interstate and overseas positions, applicants are advised to check registration and employment requirements with local authorities.

Contact details

Telephone +61 3 9904 4281, email undergraduate.peninsula@education.monash.edu.au or visit http://www.education.monash.edu.au.

Course adviser

Dr Chris Peers