COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) (Birth – 5 years) begins in the first year with a strong foundation in both theory and practice, ensuring students gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to work effectively in early childhood education settings. In the first semester, students engage in units that introduce essential concepts such as health and safety in early childhood education and care, which is vital for creating safe and nurturing environments for young children. They also complete The Art of Scholarship, a unit designed to build academic skills and encourage critical and reflective thinking that will be applied throughout their degree. Foundations of Wellbeing provides a broader understanding of physical, mental, and social wellbeing, helping future educators to recognize the importance of holistic development in young learners. Alongside these, students undertake their first Professional Development and Experience unit, which includes a five-day placement in July working with children aged three to five years, offering an invaluable opportunity to put theory into practice early in the program.In the second semester, the focus shifts toward the practicalities of working with children in early learning settings. Pedagogies of Relationships explores the crucial role of building strong, supportive connections with children and families, which are central to effective teaching and learning. Play-based Pedagogies introduces students to the value of play as a fundamental approach to early childhood education, supporting cognitive, social, and emotional development. The unit EC Curriculum – The Arts I enables students to develop skills for incorporating creative arts into early learning, fostering imagination and expression in children. Finally, Professional Development and Experience IB continues to strengthen students’ ability to connect classroom learning with real-world teaching experiences. This carefully structured combination of theoretical knowledge and professional practice in the first year equips students with a strong grounding for subsequent years of the program, ensuring they are well prepared to support the holistic development of children from birth to five years.