Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary)

Upon successful completion, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate broad, coherent knowledge, understanding and skills of learning to meet the needs of a diverse range of students and in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
2. Demonstrate a broad coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of the concepts, substance and structure of teaching areas and how to teach them effectively using a wide range of resources including ICT.
3. Plan, analyse, implement and evaluate a range of teaching and learning strategies, including the effective management of the learning environment, that are responsive to the learning needs of diverse students with varying abilities and characteristics.
4. Plan and build positive, supportive and safe learning environments and relationships that support inclusive student participation and foster positive behaviours.
5. Develop, evaluate and implement a range of assessment strategies that facilitate student learning, allow consistent and comparable judgments, provide timely and appropriate feedback, inform teaching practice and are reported on reliably.
6. Engage as vibrant members of the teaching profession, transmitting their knowledge, skills and ideas to others, and committed to lifelong professional learning and reflective, evidence-based practice.
7. Communicate and engage ethically and effectively with students, parents/carer, colleagues, other professionals and the school community, broader community and external professionals.
8. Facilitate the development of reflective, culturally aware and responsive pre-service teachers who are able to contribute effectively in our society.
9. Meet the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers – Graduate level.

Graduates of this degree will have the skills, knowledge and practical hands-on practical experience required to teach in both primary and secondary schools. Graduates may also find career opportunities in education administration or policy development within the education sector, government or not for profit organisations.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for registration as primary and/or secondary teachers in government, independent, Catholic, and other faith-based schools. This program has been listed on the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) accredited programs list and meets the teacher education component of the qualification requirement for registration (accreditation) as a primary and secondary school teacher in all states and territories.

Online students who successfully complete this course will be eligible to apply for teacher registration in Victoria. Those seeking registration in other states/territories can apply for registration under mutual recognition.

Secondary education

To be eligible for admission to this course, students must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level or equivalent:

• English: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English;
• Mathematics: Units 1 and 2: satisfactory completion of two units (any study combination) of General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics OR Units 3 and 4: any Mathematics.

A student must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR of 58.5 or OP equivalent. In addition, students will be required to demonstrate suitability for teaching.

All applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

Practicum placement

All initial teacher education programs must include a defined period of professional experience, where pre-service teachers practice teaching in a school under the direct supervision and guidance of an appropriately qualified teacher. 

ACU offers students a minimum of 80 days of professional experience that occurs in structured supervised settings. Supervised professional experience is at the heart of all our pre-service teacher education courses and the faculty will find appropriate placements to suit the needs of your course.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Coordinator about applying for RPL.

Qualify as both a primary and secondary teacher to inspire, nurture and develop inclusive research informed learning experiences for young people. You will become qualified to teach across school year levels from the early years to Year 12. The Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary) gives you the flexibility of multiple career options. You will develop knowledge and skills in primary curriculum areas including English, mathematics, the arts, health and physical education, social sciences and technologies. You will also choose one specialist secondary teaching area to complete your course.

Recommended Study Pattern

To qualify for this degree, a student must complete:

320 cp from the Schedule of Unit Offerings, consisting of:

1. 60 cp from Education Studies units (Part A);
   1. 60 cp from Effective Teaching units (Part B);
   2. 110 cp from Primary Curriculum and Discipline Studies units (Part C);
   3. 80 cp from First Teaching Area units
      1. 60 cp from Secondary Discipline Studies units (Part D);
      2. 20 cp from Secondary Curriculum Studies units (Part E);
   4. 10 cp from Primary and Secondary Specialisation Units to extend Primary specialisation (Part F);
   5. 0 cp from ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Units (Part G)

Other requirements:

1. Students must pass all professional experience components, including professional experience embedded within units.
   1. Requirements for working with children: All students enrolled must have the appropriate approvals before they may enter a classroom. These are Blue Card (Queensland), Working with Vulnerable People Registration (Australian Capital Territory), or Working with Children Check (New South Wales, Western Australia, and Victoria), Working with Children Clearance (Northern Territory), or Police Record Check (South Australia and Tasmania). International students must bring police check documentation from their own countries. To meet the requirements for working in settings other than schools, a National Police Check may be required. All students who have lived in another country for 12 months or more must provide a police check from that country for that period.