The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) prepare graduates to teach in both early childhood and primary school settings. The course will be of interest to individuals interested in pursuing a teaching career in which they can adapt their expertise to suit the learning needs of a broad age group (birth to 12 years).

Course content focuses on three broad areas:

• Curriculum and pedagogy for birth to 12 years
• Creating inclusive learning environments that nurture diversity
• Transition to, and development of, a career in education

Students will study a range of curriculum with a particular focus on the key curriculum areas of literacy, mathematics and science. For students planning to seek employment in the Catholic system, a specialist sequence in religious education is available. Our graduates will develop expertise to work with young children, their families and communities. They will develop skills to support the creation of learning environments that nurture and support children as they learn.

Many of our students study education at ACU because they are interested in making a positive difference in the lives of children. We encourage our students to work collaboratively for justice in order to make and to share a more just and equitable society. Our Professional and Community Engagement program, embedded into our courses, provides a number of opportunities for students to complete practicum in settings that are consistent with these values.

To ensure we graduate profession ready teachers we have built into the course a number of units focusing on the individual development of a teacher. Units include:

• Curriculum Decision-making in the Early Years: Connections and Continuities.
• Early Childhood Leadership, Management and Advocacy.
• Transition into the Profession

Graduates of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) are well positioned for further study in the Master of Education.

Graduates are eligible for registration as a primary school teacher in government, independent and Catholic schools, and as an early childhood teacher in the prior to school sector.