Policy in Practice: The Classroom in Context
UndergraduateCUR-EDP3112026
Course information for 2026 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Examine the social, cultural, linguistic, and economic forces which impact classrooms and learning outcomes. Investigate options that reduce the effects of inequalities through curriculum choices and pedagogical practices.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 22 Feb 2026
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Price from
- $766
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Policy in Practice: The Classroom in Context
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- understand, critique and evaluate current legislative, administrative and organisational policies and processes required for teachers
- analyse and evaluate the challenges in applying written policy to classroom practice, specifically considering legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability, and/or students from linguistically culturally diverse backgrounds including working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers
- evaluate and apply an understanding of policy theory and application to reflect on their professional learning needs against Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, specifically in considering difference and diversity and their significance in education
- formulate an informed perspective on an educational issue and create a plan that considers relevant policy, theoretical perspectives, current issues and how these impact application in a classroom or school context.
- An introduction to policy in education
- Policy in theory and practice
This subject was previously known as Cultural Contexts in Primary Education.
This subject delves into the complexities of educational policy and its practical application within classroom and school environments. Students explore legislative, administrative, and organisational policies relevant to teaching. They critically analyse the challenges of translating written policies into effective classroom practices, with a specific focus on meeting the needs of diverse student populations. Additionally, students evaluate policy theory and its impact on teaching practices, considering differences and diversity. The unit encourages students to develop informed perspectives on educational issues and create actionable plans aligned with relevant policies.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.
- Presentation (40%)
- Plan (60%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- CUR-BED-DEG-2026 - Bachelor of Education (Primary Education)
Elective
- CUR-FAST-DEG-2026 - Fast track your Curtin on campus study
Prior study
You must either have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject, or currently be enrolled in the following subject(s) in a prior study period; or enrol in the following subject(s) to study prior to this subject:
one of
- CUR-EDC140-Exploring and Contesting Curriculum
CUR-EDC111 (Not currently available)
Please note that your enrolment in this subject is conditional on successful completion of these prerequisite subject(s). If you study the prerequisite subject(s) in the study period immediately prior to studying this subject, your result for the prerequisite subject(s) will not be finalised prior to the close of enrolment. In this situation, should you not complete your prerequisite subject(s) successfully you should not continue with your enrolment in this subject. If you are currently enrolled in the prerequisite subject(s) and believe you may not complete these all successfully, it is your responsibility to reschedule your study of this subject to give you time to re-attempt the prerequisite subject(s).
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
CUR-EDP310 (Not currently available)
Others
Successful completion of 300 credit points.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Education (Primary Education)
UndergraduateCUR-BED-DEG
Fast track your Curtin on campus study
UndergraduateCUR-FAST-DEG