UNDERGRADUATE EARLY CHILDHOOD BE PREPARED TO NURTURE www.designedforlife.me 1
CONTENTS EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING overview 3 COURSE Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) 4 ADMISSIONS Alternate entry 10 Entry requirements for international students 10 Fee and scholarship information 10 How to apply 12 Contact information 12 2
AVAILABLE COMPLETELY VIA DISTANCE EDUCATION WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE TO STUDY EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING AT AVONDALE? There couldn t be a more perfect time to consider a career in early childhood education or to upgrade your current qualifications to degree level. There is currently a shortage of early childhood teachers with a four year bachelor s degree. The Australian Government is also about to implement its universal access in childhood education initiative (mid 2013), putting Australia on the cusp of significant growth in its early childhood sector. Avondale teaching graduates have a reputation for being some of the most capable teachers in Australia. In 2011, 90 percent of students were offered a full-time teaching position straight after graduation. Avondale also has strong industry connections with various primary schools, preschools and day care centres throughout Lake Macquarie and Australia, giving you access to quality work experience opportunities throughout your degree. Avondale s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) is also offered via distance education, allowing you to study at a time that suits you - after work, on weekends, or while the kids are at school. Avondale has been providing excellence in Christian higher education since 1897. We are committed to providing education that prepares people to make a significant difference in the world. 3
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (BED) (EARLY CHILDHOOD) CRICOS code: 057306M 066836K (Honours) Degree Type: Undergraduate Locations Offered: Lake Macquarie Campus Study Mode: On campus or via distance education Course Duration: Four years full-time (or part-time equivalent) The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) will prepare you to change the world and transform children s lives through teaching and mentoring. You will graduate as a teacher who is reflective, creative and confident in the classroom. You will also have a deep understanding of children s play, thinking, learning and development. As a highly practical degree, you will engage in practical classroom experience in your first semester. It will prepare you to be a responsible and ethical leader of children, at an age when they need positive role models. The degree prepares and qualifies you to enter the teaching profession in long day care, preschool and infant school environments. During the course, you will engage in seven practical experience opportunities. These are undertaken in a variety of early childhood environments and infant classrooms to enable the application of theory in a practical setting. 4
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS DIRECT ENTRY ATAR of 63.00+ (or equivalent eg. OP of 17 or less) ALTERNATE ENTRY If your ATAR is below 63.00 (or equivalent), you may still be able to gain entry into this degree on a conditional basis. Previous work experience and educational qualifications will also be considered upon application. For further information on alternative pathways into a course visit www.avondale.edu.au/admissionrequirements WHERE IT COULD TAKE YOU Early Childhood graduates leave with the skills to gain employment in the following areas: Infant teacher (Prep or Kindy to Year 2) Preschool teacher Day care centre room leader or nominated supervisor (after one year of teaching) Family day care coordinator Early intervention and special education teacher (after postgraduate study). Graduates leave qualified to teach in church, private, independent and state school systems in both Australia and overseas. In addition to education-related careers, teachers often find careers in the corporate world where organisational and relationship skills are valued by employers. COURSE STRUCTURE SUMMARY The BEd (Early Childhood) is composed of 32 units (192 credit points) of study over eight semesters. All units are worth six credit points (unless otherwise specified). 5
CURRICULUM STUDIES UNITS Curriculum Studies focus on the practices and processes of teaching the early childhood curriculum. In these studies, you are familiarised with NSW school system syllabus documents with the intention that you will be prepared to teach effectively in any school system. The units also present the early childhood curriculum as an integrated and emergent curriculum, while focusing on key theory and practice. You will be familiarised with the following key learning areas: EDCE11000 Integrated and Emergent Curriculum - Science and Technology EDCE12000 Integrated and Emergent Curriculum - The Arts I EDCE21500 Integrated and Emergent Curriculum - Numeracy and Technology EDCE22000 Integrated and Emergent Curriculum - The Arts II EDCE23000 Integrated and Emergent Curriculum - Multiple Literacies EDCE24000 Integrated and Emergent Curriculum - PDHPE EDCE25000 Integrated and Emergent Curriculum - Bible and HSIE EDCP22500 Curriculum Studies - English I EDCP29800 Curriculum Studies - Mathematics I EDCP23000 Curriculum Studies - PE EDCP28600 EDCP28800 Curriculum Studies - HSIE II Curriculum Studies - Science and Technology I* EDUC29500 EDUC22100 EDUC37400 EDUC38300 Multicultural Education and Indigenous Studies Children with Special Needs Planning, Assessment and Evaluation Leadership and Advocacy CHRISTIAN STUDIES UNITS These units address ethical, social and religious values relevant to life and the workplace.the education degree sequence is outlined below: EDUC14300 Christian Studies for Teachers I EDUC24300 EDUC34300 Christian Studies II* Christian Studies III Philosophy of Christian Education * You may choose to study a substitute unit from the following School of Ministry and Theology units: BBNT16000 Gospels A BBNT17000 Epistles A ENGL21000 The Bible as Literature ENGL25000 Literature and Religion (odd years) THCH16500 SDA History and Ministry of Ellen White THWR36400 World Religions * Unit offered in odd years only for students studying in distance mode PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EXPERIENCE UNITS Professional Development and Experience units address the strategies, skills and practices involved in teaching in an early childhood setting and provide opportunities for continuous professional experience, offering increasing responsibilities within a variety of settings, for periods of two to six weeks at a time. The course requires a completion of a total of 140 days of professional experience in the following units: EDEP10000 Professional Development and Experience IA EDEP10100 Professional Development and Experience IB EDEP20000 Professional Development and Experience IIA EDEP20100 Professional Development and Experience IIB EDEP30000 Professional Development and Experience IIIA EDEP30100 Professional Development and Experience IIIB EDEP35000 Professional Development and Experience IVA EDEP35100 Professional Development and Experience IVB EDUCATION UNITS The following education units provide a theoretical base to the teaching and learning process: EDUC13500 Child Development I EDUC15600 Literacy in Education EDUC15800 Literacy and Numeracy for Teachers EDUC21900 ICT, Learning and Numeracy EDUC23500 Child Development II SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO EDUCATION STUDENTS COURSE SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIP - EDUCATION Avondale offers a number of education degree scholarships to new students from Australia and New Zealand who have a passion for their chosen course and a desire to study at Avondale. For specific details regarding this scholarship, visit www.avondale.edu.au/scholarships ASA REGIONAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP A limited number of regional education scholarships worth $5,000 per annum for three years are available to selected Avondale Education and Teaching students. Emphasis in allocation of regional scholarships will be given to students willing to teach in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Mildura (Victoria), Bundaberg (Queensland) and Northern Queensland. For a full list of Avondale scholarships and information on how to apply, visit www.avondale.edu.au/scholarships 6
CONFIDENCE & EXPeRIENCE JEMMA CAMPBELL The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) is a specialised degree that equips students to teach in a variety of early childhood settings. The degree really gave me the confidence and experience I needed to become the early childhood teacher that I wanted to be. Avondale not only provided me with a quality course in early childhood, it also gave me lots of experience in the field before graduating. The experienced lecturers at Avondale are more than happy to give one-on-one assistance and answer any questions that you may have throughout the course. As part of my studies, I was given the opportunity to visit a variety of schools and early childhood settings for my professional experience units. This beneficial experience enabled me to see how children develop and learn before they start primary school. Avondale also provided me with many opportunities to be involved in a variety of school and community events. This enabled me to connect with others in my chosen profession and further develop my skills as a teacher. Avondale lecturers not only gave me the knowledge to become an excellent teacher, they also gave me a holistic view of teaching and opened my eyes to the difference that we can make in this world. Avondale has provided me with some wonderful memories, experiences and life-long friends from all over the world. Jemma Campbell Then: Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) Now: Prep Teacher at Northpine Christian College 7
LEARNING TO ADAPT AMANDA ROCHFORD After just six months of study at a local public university, I dropped out. I wasn t enjoying the degree, I found the campus impersonal and the lecturers uncaring. I reassessed my study options and decided that I d give teaching a go. I started a degree in secondary teaching as I had a love of mathematics and wanted to major in it, but after half of the practicum, I realised that it was not the right fit for me and that I might possibly be interested in primary teaching. My supervisor at Avondale was extremely understanding and allowed me to finish the second half of my professional experience in a kindy classroom instead, to get a feel for it. I knew instantly that I had found my niche and switched to a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood). I found the course and the lecturers instantly engaging and found that the professional experience requirement each semester gave me increased confidence in my decision to change my degree area. It also gave me the practical experience I needed to begin part-time work in the early childhood field during my studies. During the degree and especially the professional experience units, I learnt that children are unpredictable, as is life and you have to learn to adapt. The knowledge of child development and the experience I gained during the degree has not only helped me in the workplace, but also with raising my own two children. I look forward to working back in childcare when my kids begin school. Amanda Rochford Then: Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) Now: Before becoming a mum, Amanda was working as a Room Leader at Kids Korner Long Day Care Centre 8
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (EARLY CHILDHOOD) - STANDARD STRUCTURE YEAR ONE SEMESTER 1 EDCP29800 CURRICULUM STUDIES MATHEMATICS I EDUC15800 LITERACY AND NUMERACY FOR TEACHERS EDUC15600 LITERACY IN EDUCATION EDEP10000 PROF. DEVELOPMENT AND EXPERIENCE IA SEMESTER 2 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (JULY, 3 WEEKS) 3-5 YEAR OLDS EDUC14300 CHRISTIAN STUDIES FOR TEACHERS I EDCP28800 CURRICULUM STUDIES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY I EDUC13500 CHILD DEVELOPMENT I EDEP10100 PROF. DEVELOPMENT AND EXPERIENCE IB YEAR TWO SEMESTER 3 EDCE21500 CURRICULUM - NUMERACY AND TECHNOLOGY SEMESTER 4 EDCE23000 CURRICULUM - MULTIPLE LITERACIES YEAR THREE SEMESTER 5 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (FEBRUARY, 2 WEEKS) 5-8 YEAR OLDS EDCP23000 CURRICULUM STUDIES PE EDUC24300 CHRISTIAN STUDIES II PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (JULY, 4 WEEKS) 0-3 YEAR OLDS EDCE12000 CURRICULUM THE ARTS I EDUC29500 MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION AND INDIGENOUS STUDIES PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (FEBRUARY, 4 WEEKS) 3-5 YEAR OLDS EDEP20000 PROF. DEVELOPMENT AND EXPERIENCE IIA EDEP20100 PROF. DEVELOPMENT AND EXPERIENCE IIB EDCE24000 CURRICULUM - PDHPE EDCP22500 CURRICULUM STUDIES ENGLISH I EDUC23500 CHILD DEVELOPMENT II EDEP30000 PROF. DEVELOPMENT AND EXPERIENCE IIIA SEMESTER 6 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (JULY, 5 WEEKS) KINDERGARTEN - YEAR 2 EDUC38300 LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY EDCE22000 CURRICULUM THE ARTS II EDUC37400 PLANNING, ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION EDEP30100 PROF. DEVELOPMENT AND EXPERIENCE IIIB YEAR FOUR SEMESTER 7 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (FEBRUARY, 4 WEEKS) 0-5 YEAR OLDS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (FEBRUARY, 2 WEEKS) EDUC22100 CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS EDCE25000 CURRICULUM - BIBLE/HSIE EDUC21900 ICT, LEARNING AND NUMERACY EDEP35000 PROF. DEVELOPMENT AND EXPERIENCE IVA SEMESTER 8 EDUC34300 CHRISTIAN STUDIES III PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (JULY- AUGUST, 5 WEEKS) KINDERGARTEN - YEAR 2 EDCP28600 CURRICULUM STUDIES HSIE II EDCE11000 CURRICULUM - SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDEP35100 PROF. DEVELOPMENT AND EXPERIENCE IVB TEXTBOOK AND OTHER COSTS You can expect to spend approximately AUD$50-$300 on textbooks, lecture notes and excursions per semester, depending on the texts specified for particular units and the location of professional experience. HONOURS The honours option allows you to complete a program in research methodology and conduct your own research under supervision. This program enhances the efforts of high potential students to influence professional practice through research, and facilitates access for students to proceed to researchbased studies at masters or doctorate level. Further information on the honours program is available in the Undergraduate Handbook. Pages from the handbook can be downloaded at www.avondale.edu.au/handbook 9
ALTERNATE ENTRY Decisions on alternative pathways to admission are made by the Academic Registrar in consultation with the relevant Course Convenor and other appropriate personnel. Alternative admission may be obtained by one or more of the following methods: Previous post-secondary qualifications Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Special Consideration (disadvantaging factors impacting on Year 12 results). Detailed information on alternative admission is available from Avondale s Admission Enquiry Centre or in the Undergraduate Handbook. Pages from the handbook can be downloaded at www.avondale.edu.au/handbook CREDIT TRANSFER AND ADVANCED STANDING Avondale has a formal process for the assessment of transfer credit. Requests for credit on the basis of prior learning or experience must be sent to the Course Convenor, supported by official documentation from the institution or organisation where the prior learning/experience occurred. Documentation will normally be in the form of an original copy of an official academic transcript (in English), supported by unit outlines and any other relevant documentation. The Faculty or School Learning and Teaching Committee decides on credit to be granted on the basis of prior learning. For more information visit www.avondale.edu.au/credittransfer ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Overseas applicants will have their qualifications assessed by the Admission Enquiry Centre. Overseas applicants are also required to satisfy Australian Government visa requirements. For a comprehensive list of English and academic entry requirements, visit www.avondale.edu.au/entryrequirements STATE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TEACHERS Endorsement of Avondale s Bachelor of Teaching and Education by the New South Wales Government Institute of Teachers Advisory Panel qualifies graduates for employment as teachers in the NSW State school system. Other Australian state governments have different requirements for teachers to become registered to teach in state schools, but normally registration in one state is considered as meeting the requirements for other states. Information concerning certification requirements is available from the Faculty Dean. You are advised to familiarise yourself with these requirements, as responsibility for registration as a teacher rests with you. SELF-DISCLOSURE AND CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK Current legislation requires those who will be engaged in professional experience involving children or young people to sign a self-disclosure form (Prohibited Persons Declaration) and consent to a criminal record check. All Avondale Bachelor of Education and Teaching students are required to undergo these checks. DELIVERY APPROACHES Methods of teaching and learning include: Distance education Lectures and tutorials Field trips Experimental laboratories Oral and audio visual presentations Assignments Problem-based learning Observations and professional experience. ASSESSMENT METHODS A wide range of methods are used to assess your performance. These include: Theory and practical assignment work Practical experience Tests Assignments End of semester examinations. FEES For current information on tuition, on-campus accommodation and meal costs, visit www.avondale.edu.au/fees FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or a permanent humanitarian visa holder, you may be eligible for a CSP - government subsidised tuition. Students who hold a CSP pay a student contribution amount for each unit of study at a lower fee rate than a full domestic tuition fee. Australian citizens have the option of: Paying student contribution up-front and receiving a 10% discount when paying $500 or more of the contributions for units with the same census date; Deferring the payment of all or part of the student contribution through HECS-HELP. No repayment until income exceeds the threshold ($47,196 2011-12) (CPI Indexed). New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent visa holders are required to pay their student contribution amount up-front. FEE-HELP If you are an Australian citizen or permanent humanitarian visa holder, you may be eligible for FEE-HELP assistance. FEE- HELP is a Commonwealth loan scheme that allows eligible students to defer tuition fee payment and can cover all or part of a student s tuition fees up to a lifetime limit of $89,706 (2012). The FEE-HELP limit is indexed each year. A loan fee of 25% applies to FEE-HELP loans for undergraduate courses of study. The FEE-HELP limit does not include the loan fee. No repayment until income exceeds the threshold of $47,196 (2011-12 CPI Indexed). FEE-HELP is available for all Avondale higher education courses. For further details visit www. studyassist.gov.au SCHOLARSHIPS For a complete list of scholarships available, visit www.avondale.edu.au/scholarships HOW TO APPLY For an information pack and application form, contact the Avondale Admission Enquiry Centre or apply online at www.avondale.edu.au Phone: +61 2 4980 2377 Freecall: 1800 991 392 (within Australia) Email: enquiries@avondale.edu.au Mail: PO Box 19, Cooranbong NSW 2265, Australia CRICOS Provider No 02731D Avondale College Ltd. August 2012 Disclaimer: The information in this document is correct at the time of publication. Policies and course information may change without notice. Any changes will be published on our website at www.avondale.edu.au. Avondale will not be held liable for decisions made on the basis of this publication alone. 10
MANY OPPORTUNITIES KYLIE SIMS I came to Avondale after studying my Children s Services Diploma at TAFE. My friend who was studying her Outdoor Recreation certificate spoke highly of Avondale, so I decided to give it a go. When I first arrived at Avondale, it was during the second semester. Everyone went out of their way to help catch me up to where the other students in the Early Childhood course were. I always felt comfortable consulting my lecturers on assignments or something in a lecture that I didn t understand. Avondale has many opportunities for guidance which I utilised during my time there, such as essay tutors and lecturers being available for consultations. I appreciated that lecturers put their phone numbers on unit outlines and welcomed students to call if they needed extra help. Due to my mid-year start, I took one Early Childhood course via distance education. This enabled me to finish my degree with the people I studied with the whole way through. The work was easy to follow and I had weekly contact with the lecturers running my course. It was a low-stress way to finish off what was a great four years at Avondale. In my current position, I have referred back to many things I learnt in my lectures and tutorials at Avondale. The professional experience I did each year also gave me the hands-on experience I needed to work as a teacher. The reports I got back from my practical experiences are what helped me secure employment after I finished my degree. These types of reports are not required at other universities, so this was definitely an advantage I had over others. Kylie Sims Then: Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) Now: Prep teacher at St Phillip s Christian College 11
HOW TO APPLY For an information pack and application form, contact the Avondale Admission Enquiry Centre or apply online at WWW.AVONDALE.EDU.AU Phone: +61 2 4980 2377 Freecall: 1800 991 392 (within Australia) Email: enquiries@avondale.edu.au Postal: PO Box 19, Cooranbong NSW 2265, Australia 12