Faculty of Education Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (BECS)

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Faculty of Education

Table of Contents

1. Overview
    1.1. Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Honours)
2. Course objectives
3. Entry requirements
4. Enquiries
5. Concurrent diplomas
    5.1. Diploma in Arts
    5.2. Diploma in Creative Arts
    5.3. Diploma in Information Systems
    5.4. Diploma in Modern Languages
    5.5. Diploma in Music (Practical)
6. Course structure
    6.1. Overview
    6.2. Workload
    6.3. Credit
    6.4. Course outline for students commencing the Parkville program in 2002
    6.5. Course outline for students commencing the Parkville program in 1998, 1999, 2000 or 2001
    6.6. Course outline for students enrolled prior to 1998
7. Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Pathways Program)
    7.1. Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Pathways Program) (Honours)
    7.2. Course outline for students commencing the course in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002
    7.3. Course outline for students enrolled prior to 1999
8. Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Singapore Program)
    8.1. Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Singapore Program) (Honours)
Subject Lists
    Subject descriptions: Parkville Program 2002
        First year
        Second year
        Third Year
        Fourth Year
    Subject descriptions: Parkville program 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001
        First year
        Second year
        Third year
    Fourth Year
    Subject descriptions: Parkville program prior to 1998
        Third year
    Subject descriptions: Pathways Program 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002
        First year
        Second year
        Third Year
    Fourth Year
    Subject descriptions: Pathways Program prior to 1999
        Second year
        Third year
        Fourth year
    Subject descriptions: Singapore Program
        First year
        Second year
        Third year

1. Overview

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (BECS) is a 400-point, four-year degree course designed to meet the growing demand for early childhood educators who can work in a range of settings including child-care, kindergarten and the early years of school and will provide dual qualification for them to work as early childhood educators in preschools and primary schools. The course will emphasise the developmental needs of young children and examine teaching and learning practices appropriate to children from birth to eight years across these settings.

The BECS course consists of six main areas of study:

• Teaching and Professional Practice. This strand comprises 115 days of supervised placement experience, 45 days in primary schools and 70 days in preschool settings. This strand will be closely linked to the year-long education subjects in the Learning and Teaching Strand.

• Curriculum, Learning and Teaching Strand. This four-year sequence will provide a major study of educational theory and practice in early childhood education and will emphasise the role of observation and reflective practice in the design and implementation of curriculum for young children.

• Child Development. This sequence of five subjects provides a major study over four years and provides students with knowledge across the key domains of early childhood development from a cross-disciplinary perspective. These studies form a critical component of the course and confirm that the craft of an early childhood educator is based in a developmental pedagogy using observation of children's' development as the foundation for curriculum design and implementation.

• Professional Orientation Strand. This sequence of subjects concentrates on management theory and practice for early childhood professionals. It emphasises the breadth of professional roles in early childhood and school settings and includes studies in the strategies for working with children, parents and other professionals in these diverse settings.

• Learning Area Studies. These studies include early childhood curriculum and compulsory studies in the Curriculum and Standards Framework learning areas, except the key learning area LOTE. These subjects emphasise the discipline and pedagogical bases of curriculum for young children across all key learning areas (KLAs) and link learning across the prior to school and school contexts. The subjects provide scope for students to gain confidence in the subject content for the various KLAs with an in-depth knowledge of levels one and two and an introduction to levels three and four. The learning area studies include a subject in the second year of the course on the use of computers in learning and teaching for young children. An indigenous studies subject in the third year emphasises the learning needs of indigenous Australians and aspects of indigenous culture.

• A special research study in the final year is offered at both pass and honours level.

For an overview of the course for those who commenced prior to 2002 please refer to the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies entry in the University of Melbourne Undergraduate Studies Handbook 2001.

Students who commenced the BECS course prior to 2002 are not qualified to teach in primary schools.

1.1. Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Honours)

To qualify for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Honours) award a student must satisfy the following requirements in addition to the normal course requirements:

• have obtained an average mark of at least 75 in Practicum 1-4;

• have obtained a mark of 65 or more in the Special Research Study - Honours;

• have obtained an average mark of 75 or more in all other subjects in the course.

2. Course objectives

Graduates of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies will:

• have an understanding of the development of children in the age ranges of birth to eight years and the implications for the provision of care and educational services in child-care, kindergarten and primary school settings;

• demonstrate an understanding of current curriculum theories and pedagogy in the design and implementation of child-centred, play-based and developmentally appropriate curriculum and the implications of this for young children in child-care, kindergarten and primary school settings;

• be able to plan, implement and evaluate learning experiences across a range of learning areas for infants and children and show an awareness of development, individual needs and desired learning outcomes

• demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of Australian society and the influence of culture, family circumstances, gender and disability on development and the influence of these on the education of young children;

• show an awareness of the importance of parent involvement in the education of young children and be able to form partnerships with parents concerning their child's care and education;

• understand basic principles of management, leadership, advocacy for collaborative work-based practices in children's services and in primary schools;

• understand the diverse roles of teachers in child-care, kindergarten and primary school settings;

• show an awareness of current issues in early childhood education and the need for continued reflection and research as a basis for examining the significance of these issues on educational practice; and

• at honours level have acquired the skills necessary to design research questions and conduct small-scale research.

For objectives of the course for those who commenced prior to 2002 please refer to the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies entry in the University of Melbourne Undergraduate Studies Handbook 2001.

3. Entry requirements

Applicants must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education or approved equivalent Year 12 certificate with a study score of at least 25 in VCE English (any) Units 3 and 4. The 2001 clearly in rank was an ENTER score of 70.95.

4. Enquiries

For further information about this course please contact the faculty office, Tel: +61 3 8344 8285.

5. Concurrent diplomas

It is possible for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies also to enrol in a concurrent diploma. This will normally add one year to the duration of the degree course. Prospective students should note that timetabling difficulties may arise between subjects taught in different faculties.

5.1. Diploma in Arts

Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies students are eligible to apply for the Diploma of Arts offered by the Faculty of Arts. Enrolment must be approved by both the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Education. Further details are available from the Arts Faculty office (Tel: +61 3 8344 5235).

5.2. Diploma in Creative Arts

Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies students are eligible to apply for the Diploma in Creative Arts offered by the Faculty of Arts. Enrolment must be approved by both the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Education. Further details are available from the Arts Faculty office (Tel: +61 3 8344 5235).

5.3. Diploma in Information Systems

Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies students are eligible to apply for the Diploma in Information Systems offered by the Faculty of Science. Enrolment must be approved by both the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Education. Further details are available from the Science Faculty office (Tel: +61 3 8344 6404).

5.4. Diploma in Modern Languages

Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies students are eligible to apply for the Diploma in Modern Languages (DML) offered by the Faculty of Arts. Enrolment must be approved by both the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Education. Further details are available from the Arts Faculty office (Tel: +61 3 8344 5235).

5.5. Diploma in Music (Practical)

Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies students are eligible to apply for the Diploma in Music (Practical) offered by the Faculty of Music. Enrolment must be approved by the Faculty of Music and the Faculty of Education. Further details are available from the Music Faculty office (Tel +61 3 8344 5258).

6. Course structure

6.1. Overview

The course can be completed in a minimum of four and maximum of 10 years.

To qualify for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies, you must satisfy the following requirements:

• accumulate a total of 400 points;

• complete child development studies of 62.5 points;

• complete curriculum, learning and teaching studies of 50 points;

• complete professional orientation studies of 50 points;

• complete teaching and professional practice studies of 62.5 points;

• complete learning area studies of 162.5 points; and

• complete the Special Research Study or Special Research Study (Honours) of 12.5 points.

For an overview of the course structure for those who commenced prior to 2002 please refer to the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies entry in the University of Melbourne Undergraduate Studies Handbook 2001.

6.2. Workload

The standard workload for each year is 100 points. Special permission may be granted to enrol in 112.5 points in years other than the first year of the course.

6.3. Credit

Credit towards the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies may be granted for previous relevant tertiary studies. Credit is determined by the faculty and awarded at the time of enrolment.

Credit is not normally granted for studies undertaken more than 10 years prior to the year of admission to the degree.

For further details a copy of the Faculty of Education Credit Policy is available from the faculty office.

6.4. Course outline for students commencing the Parkville program in 2002

The normal pattern of study for a full-time student is as follows:

6.5. Course outline for students commencing the Parkville program in 1998, 1999, 2000 or 2001

The normal pattern of study for a full-time student is as follows:

Students upgrading from the Diploma of Social Science (Child Care Services) undertake 465-428 Practicum 4D and 465-429 Practicum 4Einstead of 465-400 Practicum 4.

Refer to the faculty office for credit details.

6.6. Course outline for students enrolled prior to 1998

Please refer to the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies entry in the University of Melbourne Undergraduate Studies Handbook 2001.

7. Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Pathways Program)

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies Pathways Program is designed to give holders of a TAFE Diploma of Children's Services the opportunity to upgrade their qualification to degree level by undertaking the BECS course part time and on an external basis.

Students entering the Pathways Program from 1999 receive 150 points credit towards the BECS course and complete the remaining 250 points externally, normally over five years. Students enrolled in this course prior to 1999 complete 200 points, normally over four years.

Students will have the opportunity to attend an orientation program at the beginning of the course. An additional campus program will be provided during each semester.

Completion of this course does not qualify graduates to teach in primary schools.

7.1. Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Pathways Program) (Honours)

To qualify for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Pathways Program) (Honours) award a student must satisfy the following requirements in addition to the normal course requirements:

• obtained an average mark of 75 or more in Practicum 3P-4P;

• obtained a mark of 65 or more in Special Research Study P-Honours;

• obtained an average mark of 75 or more in all other subjects in the course.

7.2. Course outline for students commencing the course in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002

The normal pattern of study is as follows:

7.3. Course outline for students enrolled prior to 1999

Please refer to the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies entry in the University of Melbourne Undergraduate Studies Handbook 2001.

8. Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Singapore Program)

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Singapore Program) is taught in Singapore through an arrangement with the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM). Holders of the Diploma in Early Childhood Studies from SIM (or equivalent) have the opportunity to upgrade their qualification to degree level by undertaking the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies in a combined distance/intensive mode.

Students enrolled in the Singapore Program receive 200 points credit towards the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies and complete the remaining 200 points in Singapore, normally over three years.

This course is only available to international students. Subjects are not available under the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS).

Completion of this course does not qualify graduates to teach in primary schools.

8.1. Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Singapore Program) (Honours)

To qualify for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (Singapore Program) (Honours) award a student must satisfy the following requirements in addition to the normal course requirements:

• have obtained an average mark of 75 or more in 465-414 Special Practicum Study Singapore;

• have obtained a mark of 65 or more in Special Research Study Singapore (Honours);

• have obtained an average mark of 75 or more in all other subjects in the course.

Subject descriptions: Parkville Program 2002

First year

Second year

Third Year

Fourth Year

Subject descriptions: Parkville program 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001

First year

Second year

Third year

Fourth Year

465-400 Practicum 4
465-401 CDS41 Social Diversity
465-402 CDS42 Assessment & Evaluation
465-403 CTP41 Inclusive Curriculum
465-404 ECP41 Leadership & Advocacy
465-405 ECP42 Administrative Processes
465-406 ECP43 Managing The Centre
465-407 Special Research Study
465-416 Special Research Study (Honours)
465-428 Practicum 4D
465-429 Practicum 4E

Subject descriptions: Parkville program prior to 1998

Third year

Subject descriptions: Pathways Program 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002

First year

Second year

Third Year

Fourth Year

465-420 CDS41P Social Diversity
465-422 CTP41P Inclusive Curriculum
465-425 ECP43P Managing the Centre
485-359 CFS32P Science

Subject descriptions: Pathways Program prior to 1999

Second year

Third year

Fourth year

Subject descriptions: Singapore Program

First year

Second year

Third year

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