Program Overview

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Bachelor of Primary Education

Program Overview

The University of Notre Dame Australia's Bachelor of Primary Education degree is a four-year program that prepares students to teach primary-aged children in Catholic, independent, and government schools in Australia. The program focuses on the characteristics, development, and needs of primary school children and the knowledge, skills, and experience required to teach them at an excellent standard.

Program Structure

The program consists of four years of full-time or part-time study, with flexible study options available. Students will complete 30 weeks of school-based professional teaching experience and have the opportunity to select a specialization in Religious Education, English Education, Mathematics Education, Service Learning and Social Justice (WA only), or Special and Inclusive Education.

Core Curriculum

The program includes the following core curriculum:

• CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
• CORE II: Elective
  • Electives in philosophy and/or theology
  • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and/or theology
  • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
  • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
  • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

Entry Requirements

WA

• Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank of 70
• International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25
• Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher
• Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP
• Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry
• Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section

NSW

• Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank
• Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score
• Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher
• Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP
• Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry
• Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section

Discipline-Specific Requirements

• Applicants to all initial teacher education programs must complete a statement of purpose
• Assessment of non-academic capabilities for entry into teacher education is a national requirement

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Primary Education, graduates will be able to:

1. Synthesize knowledge of curriculum as prescribed in state syllabus documents and the Australian Curriculum
2. Plan and implement teaching and learning engagements for children of diverse backgrounds and abilities based on sound understandings of pedagogy that draw on research and theory
3. Demonstrate the appropriate cultural sensitivities and knowledges necessary to teach primary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in ways that recognize, respect, and respond to their unique stories, cultures, practices, and ways of knowing, being, and seeing
4. Apply research-based theory in multiple, varied, and extended Professional Experience opportunities with accomplished teachers in a mentoring context in classrooms and schools
5. Create effective learning opportunities and outcomes based on contemporary understandings of child development in the physical, social, cognitive, emotional, and cultural domains
6. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to engage appropriately and effectively with parents and caregivers, as well as stakeholder professionals and external organizations, through the acquisition of a wide and varied repertoire of assessment, evaluation, reporting, and communication strategies
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of continual professional development in both formal and informal settings in collaboration with colleagues inside and outside the school, to build collective teacher efficacy
8. Demonstrate the ability to integrate contemporary information and communication technologies to enhance learning creatively and effectively
9. Interpret student data to design and implement authentic assessment to report on and improve student learning
10. Articulate professional values and ethical standards that demonstrate a commitment to secure socially just and sustainable futures for all learners

Practical Component

During the course of the degree, students will be required to complete 27-32 weeks of practical professional experience.

• EDUC1040 Development and Learning
• EDUC2072 (Fremantle) EDUC2073 (Sydney) Professional Experience 2
• EDUC3071 (Fremantle) EDUC3072 (Sydney) Professional Experience 3
• EDUC4049 (Fremantle) EDUC4050 (Sydney) Professional Engagement and Internship

Career Opportunities

With a Bachelor of Primary Education, graduates will be able to work in independent, government, or Catholic schools.

Real-World Experience

Students will learn from academics who are industry leaders, and through 30 weeks of practicum placements and internship programs, they will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

Professional Accreditation

The Bachelor of Primary Education has been accredited with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia, which qualifies graduates for registration/accreditation as a teacher in any Australian state or territory.

Opportunities and Experiences

The University of Notre Dame Australia offers various opportunities for students to study abroad and become active global citizens. These opportunities include exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities.

Scholarships

Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

Fees and Costs

This program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

• Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
• International Full-Fee Paying

Tuition costs depend on an international student's study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of the program.

For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs, and scholarships page.