Primary school teachers educate children in years 1–6 across the range of Australian curriculum learning areas.

This initial teacher education degree provides the qualification required to teach primary school students in the Australian Government, Catholic and Independent school sectors. Graduates are eligible for registration as a teacher in all Australian states and territories, and in countries that recognise Australian teaching qualifications.

The course takes a student-centred approach to teaching and learning, encouraging analytical and critical thinking. Core education units comprise the bulk of this degree, but you will also select three units that allow you to specialise in an offered area of the primary school curriculum.

As part of the course, you will complete four professional work experience placements in schools. These placements are undertaken in full-time blocks, regardless of your study mode. You may have the opportunity to undertake a rural, interstate or overseas placement.

Teaching placements

• Year 2: a two-week full-time block and three-week full-time block
• Year 3: a four-week full-time block
• Year 4: a ten-week full-time block (one school term

Why study

• Curtin’s Education courses were ranked in the top 150 in the world in the 2020 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
• Staff teaching in the Primary program are active researchers and scholars who represent a high level of expertise in their disciplinary fields.
• Curtin has a long history of excellence in the area of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) which are key areas of focus in education. 
• You will be immersed in a technology-enhanced learning environment, where group interaction and collaborative activities will help develop your teaching capability.
• This course integrates education theory with classroom practice for all areas: you will undertake 19 weeks of supervised teaching practice in schools throughout your degree.
• The School of Education receives consistently positive feedback from employers, who say Curtin graduate teachers are of excellent quality and well prepared for the education industry.

How this course will make you industry ready

• All units are mapped to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, ensuring you graduate with the relevant competencies required to teach successfully.
• You will build a professional digital portfolio that showcases your teaching abilities to potential employers.
• You will also complete 19 weeks of teaching practice over the course of your studies, including a 10-week internship where you will take responsibility for a class of children under the mentorship of a qualified teacher.

Professional recognition

Curtin's Bachelor of Education is recognised nationally as an initial pre-service teaching qualification.

Careers

• Primary school teacher
• Curriculum designer
• Policy development officer
• Education administration officer
• Trainer, mentor or coach
• Special programs officer

Industries

• Primary education (government and non-government)
• Early education (government and non-government)