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Section Title

Recommended Study Sequence

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Accreditation

This course is accredited with the NSW Institute of Teachers.

Admission

Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline.

For applicants external to UWS, applications for the Master of Teaching (Primary) course must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

For applicants internal to UWS applications for the Master of Teaching (Primary) course may be made through using the School of Education Course Nomination form located on the UWS website. Further information on admission to postgraduate courses is available on the Local Admissions section of the UWS website.

Applicants whose first degree was undertaken in a country where English is not the common spoken language, will need to demonstrate a minimum score of 7 IELTS (or equivalent TOEFL score) with a minimum of 6.5 on all subtests.

Applicants who have been required to undertake the IELTS before application to the degree also will be required to undertake a further test of academic writing and speaking skills prior to being placed in a professional setting for practice teaching. Teacher education students who do not meet requirements of the written and spoken language tests cannot expect to complete the course in the “accelerated” (18 months) mode.

Additional Information for Applicants:

Applicants must meet the Key Learning Area requirements of the NSW Institute of Teachers.

Where these requirements are not met, applicants may be offered concurrent enrolment in up to four undergraduate units of study.

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points including the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Recommended sequence

Course structure for UWS Graduates who have completed four Master of Teaching (Primary) units (ie 101116, 101283, 101284, 101287)

Accelerated Full-time mode (12 months)

Year 1

1H session

Module 2

Primary English and Literacy 1

This unit is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to key concepts associated with the teaching of the English Key Learning Area in the K-6 years, set in the broader context of contemporary new literacies environments. It will examine the processes involved in the teaching of listening and reading with a focus on traditional print-based literacies and multiliteracies. Students will investigate the teaching and learning of listening and reading of a range of factual and literary texts, involving everyday and specialised knowledge for a range of readers/viewers. Students will be introduced to the use of children’s literature and authentic texts for the development of students’ reading skills and abilities.

Primary Mathematics and Numeracy 1

The unit will develop students’ understandings of children’s construction of mathematical concepts during the years from Kindergarten to Year 4. Students will develop their ability to assess young children’s mathematical understandings and to provide learning experiences for a diversity of learners, including investigation and the use of technology, to enhance the growth of children’s mathematical thinking. The unit will study the NSW K-6 Syllabus in all of its strands, with a particular emphasis on Working Mathematically.

Learning for Teaching

This unit examines the theory and practice of teaching, Students will develop skills in planning, implementing and evaluating classroom teaching strategies and learning experiences to meet primary school students’ curriculum needs. Analysis of various classroom organisation and management strategies that focus on classroom dynamics, will assist the students in developing philosophies of teaching and learning. It explores how theory and research underpin and inform curriculum development and pedagogical practice. Integrated in the learning will be the use of information technologies.

Professional Practice I

The Professional Experience unit ‘Professional Practice 1’ is designed to introduce student teachers to the philosophical, ethical, practical and pedagogical perspectives of becoming a teacher in the primary school context. The unit requires student teachers to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary to begin teaching. As part of this process their professional experience will incorporate a continuous process of self-reflection, self-awareness and the capacity to modify and adjust teaching practice to best meet the needs of all students. The professional experience aims to facilitate the development of teacher education students as reflective practitioners who possess deeply-held commitments to quality education for students and high order communication competencies.

Module 3

Primary Human Society and its Environment

This unit focuses on Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) as a key learning area in the K-6 curriculum. It provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge of the content, including the outcomes and subject matter, pedagogies and experiences incorporated in HSIE. Students develop their own content knowledge about changes and continuities, environments, social systems and structures and cultures as well as their understandings, skills and dispositions for planning, programming, teaching and assessing HSIE learning. The unit emphasises teaching strategies that will engage diverse learners, preparing them for informed and effective citizenship, contributing to the quality of their society and environments.

Primary Science & Technology

Science and Technology is a fundamental key learning area in primary schools. This unit is designed to help prospective teachers develop positive attitudes towards science and technology as an area of study, to develop some in-depth knowledge of the content of science and technology education and the relevant syllabus requirements, and, knowledge of pedagogies appropriate to science and technology education.

2H session

Module 3

Primary Mathematics and Numeracy 2

Mathematics is constructed by a thinking individual with the assistance and support of others. Some of these ‘others’ are called ‘teachers’. In this unit, beginning teachers investigate how they can facilitate and support the learning of mathematics by students during the Stage 2 to Stage 4 (Years 3 to 8) school years to allow these students to show their full potential as mathematics learners. The unit will study the NSW K-6 Syllabus in all of its strands, with a particular emphasis on Working Mathematically. A strong emphasis will be placed on investigation, exploration, problem solving and the use of technology in the development of mathematical issues.

Primary Creative Arts

This unit introduces students to theoretical models and sound pedagogical practices in Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts in the primary classroom. Collaborative, experiential and blended learning as well as reflective practices are the key operating principles of the unit. Students will explore the theory and practice of the arts in the education process of children through practical and professional experiences. The unit provides an understanding of the importance of the art forms both as powerful teaching and learning strategies across the primary curriculum and as creative arts in their own right.

Module 4

Primary English and Literacy 2

This unit is designed to provide a comprehensive account of the teaching of speaking and writing in the primary years of schooling. Students gain an understanding of different theories of early language development and the functions and production of spoken and written texts. They investigate a range of genres of school writing, their textual structures and grammar and learn to apply these to both mainstream and ESL contexts of learning, gaining a critical awareness of varying pedagogic approaches.

Inclusive Teaching for Effective Learning

Effective and inclusive teaching requires knowledge of how students learn as well as proficiency in applying appropriately tailored teaching strategies to cater for individual developmental needs. This unit provides a foundation of knowledge and practice that facilitates development of appropriate and inclusive attitudes and skills for teaching students with special needs in the main stream. In particular the capacity to structure individualised education and behaviour management programs will be developed drawing on practical experiences and a broad familiarity with the field.

Teaching in New Times

This unit aims to directly challenge students to inquire into, reflect upon and subsequently develop classroom pedagogies and assessment practices that work towards socially just learning outcomes in new times and new teaching environments. It introduces students to contemporary theories and practical frameworks that open up opportunities for them to take individual responsibility for translating syllabus documents into teaching and learning experiences that encourage learners of all social and cultural backgrounds to have engaging and productive relationships with education, schools and classrooms.

Professional Practice II: Engaging in the Profession

Students need to have a variety of experiences that are set in the context of their future profession. Through these experiences students will be prepared by exploring issues involved in understanding the needs of learners within specific school and classroom contexts, and then supporting them in designing and teaching experiences to cater for these learners in a way that will enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This unit also gives students opportunity to reflect on the processes involved, and refine their competencies as beginning teachers. The unit includes a final practicum experience that will show the interrelationship between theory and practice as well as enabling students to construct new knowledge and new ways of practice as part of their transition into the teaching profession.

Full-time (18 Months)

Year 1

1H session

Module 2

Primary English and Literacy 1

This unit is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to key concepts associated with the teaching of the English Key Learning Area in the K-6 years, set in the broader context of contemporary new literacies environments. It will examine the processes involved in the teaching of listening and reading with a focus on traditional print-based literacies and multiliteracies. Students will investigate the teaching and learning of listening and reading of a range of factual and literary texts, involving everyday and specialised knowledge for a range of readers/viewers. Students will be introduced to the use of children’s literature and authentic texts for the development of students’ reading skills and abilities.

Primary Mathematics and Numeracy 1

The unit will develop students’ understandings of children’s construction of mathematical concepts during the years from Kindergarten to Year 4. Students will develop their ability to assess young children’s mathematical understandings and to provide learning experiences for a diversity of learners, including investigation and the use of technology, to enhance the growth of children’s mathematical thinking. The unit will study the NSW K-6 Syllabus in all of its strands, with a particular emphasis on Working Mathematically.

Learning for Teaching

This unit examines the theory and practice of teaching, Students will develop skills in planning, implementing and evaluating classroom teaching strategies and learning experiences to meet primary school students’ curriculum needs. Analysis of various classroom organisation and management strategies that focus on classroom dynamics, will assist the students in developing philosophies of teaching and learning. It explores how theory and research underpin and inform curriculum development and pedagogical practice. Integrated in the learning will be the use of information technologies.

Professional Practice I

The Professional Experience unit ‘Professional Practice 1’ is designed to introduce student teachers to the philosophical, ethical, practical and pedagogical perspectives of becoming a teacher in the primary school context. The unit requires student teachers to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary to begin teaching. As part of this process their professional experience will incorporate a continuous process of self-reflection, self-awareness and the capacity to modify and adjust teaching practice to best meet the needs of all students. The professional experience aims to facilitate the development of teacher education students as reflective practitioners who possess deeply-held commitments to quality education for students and high order communication competencies.

2H session

Module 3

Primary Human Society and its Environment

This unit focuses on Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) as a key learning area in the K-6 curriculum. It provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge of the content, including the outcomes and subject matter, pedagogies and experiences incorporated in HSIE. Students develop their own content knowledge about changes and continuities, environments, social systems and structures and cultures as well as their understandings, skills and dispositions for planning, programming, teaching and assessing HSIE learning. The unit emphasises teaching strategies that will engage diverse learners, preparing them for informed and effective citizenship, contributing to the quality of their society and environments.

Primary Science & Technology

Science and Technology is a fundamental key learning area in primary schools. This unit is designed to help prospective teachers develop positive attitudes towards science and technology as an area of study, to develop some in-depth knowledge of the content of science and technology education and the relevant syllabus requirements, and, knowledge of pedagogies appropriate to science and technology education.

Primary Mathematics and Numeracy 2

Mathematics is constructed by a thinking individual with the assistance and support of others. Some of these ‘others’ are called ‘teachers’. In this unit, beginning teachers investigate how they can facilitate and support the learning of mathematics by students during the Stage 2 to Stage 4 (Years 3 to 8) school years to allow these students to show their full potential as mathematics learners. The unit will study the NSW K-6 Syllabus in all of its strands, with a particular emphasis on Working Mathematically. A strong emphasis will be placed on investigation, exploration, problem solving and the use of technology in the development of mathematical issues.

Primary Creative Arts

This unit introduces students to theoretical models and sound pedagogical practices in Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts in the primary classroom. Collaborative, experiential and blended learning as well as reflective practices are the key operating principles of the unit. Students will explore the theory and practice of the arts in the education process of children through practical and professional experiences. The unit provides an understanding of the importance of the art forms both as powerful teaching and learning strategies across the primary curriculum and as creative arts in their own right.

Year 2

1H session

Module 4

Primary English and Literacy 2

This unit is designed to provide a comprehensive account of the teaching of speaking and writing in the primary years of schooling. Students gain an understanding of different theories of early language development and the functions and production of spoken and written texts. They investigate a range of genres of school writing, their textual structures and grammar and learn to apply these to both mainstream and ESL contexts of learning, gaining a critical awareness of varying pedagogic approaches.

Inclusive Teaching for Effective Learning

Effective and inclusive teaching requires knowledge of how students learn as well as proficiency in applying appropriately tailored teaching strategies to cater for individual developmental needs. This unit provides a foundation of knowledge and practice that facilitates development of appropriate and inclusive attitudes and skills for teaching students with special needs in the main stream. In particular the capacity to structure individualised education and behaviour management programs will be developed drawing on practical experiences and a broad familiarity with the field.

Teaching in New Times

This unit aims to directly challenge students to inquire into, reflect upon and subsequently develop classroom pedagogies and assessment practices that work towards socially just learning outcomes in new times and new teaching environments. It introduces students to contemporary theories and practical frameworks that open up opportunities for them to take individual responsibility for translating syllabus documents into teaching and learning experiences that encourage learners of all social and cultural backgrounds to have engaging and productive relationships with education, schools and classrooms.

Professional Practice II: Engaging in the Profession

Students need to have a variety of experiences that are set in the context of their future profession. Through these experiences students will be prepared by exploring issues involved in understanding the needs of learners within specific school and classroom contexts, and then supporting them in designing and teaching experiences to cater for these learners in a way that will enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This unit also gives students opportunity to reflect on the processes involved, and refine their competencies as beginning teachers. The unit includes a final practicum experience that will show the interrelationship between theory and practice as well as enabling students to construct new knowledge and new ways of practice as part of their transition into the teaching profession.

Course structure for UWS Graduates who have not completed four Master of Teaching (Primary) units and ALL graduates from another university.

Accelerated Full-time mode (18 months)

Year 1

1H session

Module 1

Educational Psychology for Primary Teaching

Effective teaching in the primary classroom requires an understanding of children’s developmental needs, knowledge of how students learn, and proficiency in tailoring teaching strategies to cater to a range of learning styles and abilities. This unit develops theoretical and applied understandings of child development and demonstrates how educational psychology perspectives on learning, motivation and classroom environments can be applied to enhance teacher effectiveness and student learning outcomes. Particular emphasis is given to establishing and maintaining positive and productive classroom environments and to developing responsive teaching practices that stimulate cognitive learning while promoting social and emotional well being. Philosophies of learning and teaching will be developed in this unit.

Primary Personal Development, Health & Physical Education (PDHPE)

This unit focuses on the learning area of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education in primary schools. Through an examination of theories, movement, health and well-being practices, syllabus, modules and support documents, students will develop the necessary skills to plan, teach and manage personal development, health and physical education learning in primary schools, within the contexts of health promoting schools and communities. Students will also develop their personal skills and confidence in movement, health and well-being.

Classrooms Without Borders

This unit builds professional teaching skills by enhancing understandings of socio-cultural differences through the engagement of students, with agencies that focus on minority and disadvantaged communities in the Greater Western Sydney region only, particularly Aboriginal, migrant, ESL and refugee communities. It seeks to promote active and responsible citizenship, and an awareness of social justice and equity principles that are essential for both teaching and learning. It positions learning as highly dependent on the development of trust, rapport and critical understandings of diversity. Learning is understood as a complex interchange that is reciprocal, lifelong, and without borders, as it is experienced both in/outside formal classrooms.

Education, Knowledge, Society and Change

Education is a complex field comprised of diverse and dynamic teacher, student and community populations. This unit examines the socio-political, economic and cultural milieu that shapes teachers’ work and school education in an increasingly multifaceted, globalized environment. It is essential those interested in education or related human services, engage with and understand the diversity of both individuals and broader community to promote equitable practices and to facilitate educational and professional transformation. Developing sociological understandings of education, knowledge, society and change provides students with an enhanced awareness of equity issues as well as crucial analytical and critical tools to address diverse needs in complex and ever-changing professional contexts.

2H session

Module 2

Primary English and Literacy 1

This unit is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to key concepts associated with the teaching of the English Key Learning Area in the K-6 years, set in the broader context of contemporary new literacies environments. It will examine the processes involved in the teaching of listening and reading with a focus on traditional print-based literacies and multiliteracies. Students will investigate the teaching and learning of listening and reading of a range of factual and literary texts, involving everyday and specialised knowledge for a range of readers/viewers. Students will be introduced to the use of children’s literature and authentic texts for the development of students’ reading skills and abilities.

Primary Mathematics and Numeracy 1

The unit will develop students’ understandings of children’s construction of mathematical concepts during the years from Kindergarten to Year 4. Students will develop their ability to assess young children’s mathematical understandings and to provide learning experiences for a diversity of learners, including investigation and the use of technology, to enhance the growth of children’s mathematical thinking. The unit will study the NSW K-6 Syllabus in all of its strands, with a particular emphasis on Working Mathematically.

Learning for Teaching

This unit examines the theory and practice of teaching, Students will develop skills in planning, implementing and evaluating classroom teaching strategies and learning experiences to meet primary school students’ curriculum needs. Analysis of various classroom organisation and management strategies that focus on classroom dynamics, will assist the students in developing philosophies of teaching and learning. It explores how theory and research underpin and inform curriculum development and pedagogical practice. Integrated in the learning will be the use of information technologies.

Professional Practice I

The Professional Experience unit ‘Professional Practice 1’ is designed to introduce student teachers to the philosophical, ethical, practical and pedagogical perspectives of becoming a teacher in the primary school context. The unit requires student teachers to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary to begin teaching. As part of this process their professional experience will incorporate a continuous process of self-reflection, self-awareness and the capacity to modify and adjust teaching practice to best meet the needs of all students. The professional experience aims to facilitate the development of teacher education students as reflective practitioners who possess deeply-held commitments to quality education for students and high order communication competencies.

Module 3

Primary Human Society and its Environment

This unit focuses on Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) as a key learning area in the K-6 curriculum. It provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge of the content, including the outcomes and subject matter, pedagogies and experiences incorporated in HSIE. Students develop their own content knowledge about changes and continuities, environments, social systems and structures and cultures as well as their understandings, skills and dispositions for planning, programming, teaching and assessing HSIE learning. The unit emphasises teaching strategies that will engage diverse learners, preparing them for informed and effective citizenship, contributing to the quality of their society and environments.

Primary Science & Technology

Science and Technology is a fundamental key learning area in primary schools. This unit is designed to help prospective teachers develop positive attitudes towards science and technology as an area of study, to develop some in-depth knowledge of the content of science and technology education and the relevant syllabus requirements, and, knowledge of pedagogies appropriate to science and technology education.

Year 2

1H session

Module 3

Primary Mathematics and Numeracy 2

Mathematics is constructed by a thinking individual with the assistance and support of others. Some of these ‘others’ are called ‘teachers’. In this unit, beginning teachers investigate how they can facilitate and support the learning of mathematics by students during the Stage 2 to Stage 4 (Years 3 to 8) school years to allow these students to show their full potential as mathematics learners. The unit will study the NSW K-6 Syllabus in all of its strands, with a particular emphasis on Working Mathematically. A strong emphasis will be placed on investigation, exploration, problem solving and the use of technology in the development of mathematical issues.

Primary Creative Arts

This unit introduces students to theoretical models and sound pedagogical practices in Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts in the primary classroom. Collaborative, experiential and blended learning as well as reflective practices are the key operating principles of the unit. Students will explore the theory and practice of the arts in the education process of children through practical and professional experiences. The unit provides an understanding of the importance of the art forms both as powerful teaching and learning strategies across the primary curriculum and as creative arts in their own right.

Module 4

Primary English and Literacy 2

This unit is designed to provide a comprehensive account of the teaching of speaking and writing in the primary years of schooling. Students gain an understanding of different theories of early language development and the functions and production of spoken and written texts. They investigate a range of genres of school writing, their textual structures and grammar and learn to apply these to both mainstream and ESL contexts of learning, gaining a critical awareness of varying pedagogic approaches.

Inclusive Teaching for Effective Learning

Effective and inclusive teaching requires knowledge of how students learn as well as proficiency in applying appropriately tailored teaching strategies to cater for individual developmental needs. This unit provides a foundation of knowledge and practice that facilitates development of appropriate and inclusive attitudes and skills for teaching students with special needs in the main stream. In particular the capacity to structure individualised education and behaviour management programs will be developed drawing on practical experiences and a broad familiarity with the field.

Teaching in New Times

This unit aims to directly challenge students to inquire into, reflect upon and subsequently develop classroom pedagogies and assessment practices that work towards socially just learning outcomes in new times and new teaching environments. It introduces students to contemporary theories and practical frameworks that open up opportunities for them to take individual responsibility for translating syllabus documents into teaching and learning experiences that encourage learners of all social and cultural backgrounds to have engaging and productive relationships with education, schools and classrooms.

Professional Practice II: Engaging in the Profession

Students need to have a variety of experiences that are set in the context of their future profession. Through these experiences students will be prepared by exploring issues involved in understanding the needs of learners within specific school and classroom contexts, and then supporting them in designing and teaching experiences to cater for these learners in a way that will enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This unit also gives students opportunity to reflect on the processes involved, and refine their competencies as beginning teachers. The unit includes a final practicum experience that will show the interrelationship between theory and practice as well as enabling students to construct new knowledge and new ways of practice as part of their transition into the teaching profession.

Full-time (24 Months)

Year 1

1H session

Module 1

Educational Psychology for Primary Teaching

Effective teaching in the primary classroom requires an understanding of children’s developmental needs, knowledge of how students learn, and proficiency in tailoring teaching strategies to cater to a range of learning styles and abilities. This unit develops theoretical and applied understandings of child development and demonstrates how educational psychology perspectives on learning, motivation and classroom environments can be applied to enhance teacher effectiveness and student learning outcomes. Particular emphasis is given to establishing and maintaining positive and productive classroom environments and to developing responsive teaching practices that stimulate cognitive learning while promoting social and emotional well being. Philosophies of learning and teaching will be developed in this unit.

Primary Personal Development, Health & Physical Education (PDHPE)

This unit focuses on the learning area of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education in primary schools. Through an examination of theories, movement, health and well-being practices, syllabus, modules and support documents, students will develop the necessary skills to plan, teach and manage personal development, health and physical education learning in primary schools, within the contexts of health promoting schools and communities. Students will also develop their personal skills and confidence in movement, health and well-being.

Classrooms Without Borders

This unit builds professional teaching skills by enhancing understandings of socio-cultural differences through the engagement of students, with agencies that focus on minority and disadvantaged communities in the Greater Western Sydney region only, particularly Aboriginal, migrant, ESL and refugee communities. It seeks to promote active and responsible citizenship, and an awareness of social justice and equity principles that are essential for both teaching and learning. It positions learning as highly dependent on the development of trust, rapport and critical understandings of diversity. Learning is understood as a complex interchange that is reciprocal, lifelong, and without borders, as it is experienced both in/outside formal classrooms.

Education, Knowledge, Society and Change

Education is a complex field comprised of diverse and dynamic teacher, student and community populations. This unit examines the socio-political, economic and cultural milieu that shapes teachers’ work and school education in an increasingly multifaceted, globalized environment. It is essential those interested in education or related human services, engage with and understand the diversity of both individuals and broader community to promote equitable practices and to facilitate educational and professional transformation. Developing sociological understandings of education, knowledge, society and change provides students with an enhanced awareness of equity issues as well as crucial analytical and critical tools to address diverse needs in complex and ever-changing professional contexts.

2H session

Module 2

Primary English and Literacy 1

This unit is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to key concepts associated with the teaching of the English Key Learning Area in the K-6 years, set in the broader context of contemporary new literacies environments. It will examine the processes involved in the teaching of listening and reading with a focus on traditional print-based literacies and multiliteracies. Students will investigate the teaching and learning of listening and reading of a range of factual and literary texts, involving everyday and specialised knowledge for a range of readers/viewers. Students will be introduced to the use of children’s literature and authentic texts for the development of students’ reading skills and abilities.

Primary Mathematics and Numeracy 1

The unit will develop students’ understandings of children’s construction of mathematical concepts during the years from Kindergarten to Year 4. Students will develop their ability to assess young children’s mathematical understandings and to provide learning experiences for a diversity of learners, including investigation and the use of technology, to enhance the growth of children’s mathematical thinking. The unit will study the NSW K-6 Syllabus in all of its strands, with a particular emphasis on Working Mathematically.

Learning for Teaching

This unit examines the theory and practice of teaching, Students will develop skills in planning, implementing and evaluating classroom teaching strategies and learning experiences to meet primary school students’ curriculum needs. Analysis of various classroom organisation and management strategies that focus on classroom dynamics, will assist the students in developing philosophies of teaching and learning. It explores how theory and research underpin and inform curriculum development and pedagogical practice. Integrated in the learning will be the use of information technologies.

Professional Practice I

The Professional Experience unit ‘Professional Practice 1’ is designed to introduce student teachers to the philosophical, ethical, practical and pedagogical perspectives of becoming a teacher in the primary school context. The unit requires student teachers to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary to begin teaching. As part of this process their professional experience will incorporate a continuous process of self-reflection, self-awareness and the capacity to modify and adjust teaching practice to best meet the needs of all students. The professional experience aims to facilitate the development of teacher education students as reflective practitioners who possess deeply-held commitments to quality education for students and high order communication competencies.

Year 2

1H session

Module 3

Primary Human Society and its Environment

This unit focuses on Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) as a key learning area in the K-6 curriculum. It provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge of the content, including the outcomes and subject matter, pedagogies and experiences incorporated in HSIE. Students develop their own content knowledge about changes and continuities, environments, social systems and structures and cultures as well as their understandings, skills and dispositions for planning, programming, teaching and assessing HSIE learning. The unit emphasises teaching strategies that will engage diverse learners, preparing them for informed and effective citizenship, contributing to the quality of their society and environments.

Primary Science & Technology

Science and Technology is a fundamental key learning area in primary schools. This unit is designed to help prospective teachers develop positive attitudes towards science and technology as an area of study, to develop some in-depth knowledge of the content of science and technology education and the relevant syllabus requirements, and, knowledge of pedagogies appropriate to science and technology education.

Primary Mathematics and Numeracy 2

Mathematics is constructed by a thinking individual with the assistance and support of others. Some of these ‘others’ are called ‘teachers’. In this unit, beginning teachers investigate how they can facilitate and support the learning of mathematics by students during the Stage 2 to Stage 4 (Years 3 to 8) school years to allow these students to show their full potential as mathematics learners. The unit will study the NSW K-6 Syllabus in all of its strands, with a particular emphasis on Working Mathematically. A strong emphasis will be placed on investigation, exploration, problem solving and the use of technology in the development of mathematical issues.

Primary Creative Arts

This unit introduces students to theoretical models and sound pedagogical practices in Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts in the primary classroom. Collaborative, experiential and blended learning as well as reflective practices are the key operating principles of the unit. Students will explore the theory and practice of the arts in the education process of children through practical and professional experiences. The unit provides an understanding of the importance of the art forms both as powerful teaching and learning strategies across the primary curriculum and as creative arts in their own right.

2H session

Module 4

Primary English and Literacy 2

This unit is designed to provide a comprehensive account of the teaching of speaking and writing in the primary years of schooling. Students gain an understanding of different theories of early language development and the functions and production of spoken and written texts. They investigate a range of genres of school writing, their textual structures and grammar and learn to apply these to both mainstream and ESL contexts of learning, gaining a critical awareness of varying pedagogic approaches.

Inclusive Teaching for Effective Learning

Effective and inclusive teaching requires knowledge of how students learn as well as proficiency in applying appropriately tailored teaching strategies to cater for individual developmental needs. This unit provides a foundation of knowledge and practice that facilitates development of appropriate and inclusive attitudes and skills for teaching students with special needs in the main stream. In particular the capacity to structure individualised education and behaviour management programs will be developed drawing on practical experiences and a broad familiarity with the field.

Teaching in New Times

This unit aims to directly challenge students to inquire into, reflect upon and subsequently develop classroom pedagogies and assessment practices that work towards socially just learning outcomes in new times and new teaching environments. It introduces students to contemporary theories and practical frameworks that open up opportunities for them to take individual responsibility for translating syllabus documents into teaching and learning experiences that encourage learners of all social and cultural backgrounds to have engaging and productive relationships with education, schools and classrooms.

Professional Practice II: Engaging in the Profession

Students need to have a variety of experiences that are set in the context of their future profession. Through these experiences students will be prepared by exploring issues involved in understanding the needs of learners within specific school and classroom contexts, and then supporting them in designing and teaching experiences to cater for these learners in a way that will enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This unit also gives students opportunity to reflect on the processes involved, and refine their competencies as beginning teachers. The unit includes a final practicum experience that will show the interrelationship between theory and practice as well as enabling students to construct new knowledge and new ways of practice as part of their transition into the teaching profession.

Master of Teaching (Primary)

The Master of Teaching (Primary) provides professional teaching qualifications for students possessing appropriate bachelor degrees. It prepares graduates for careers in primary school settings and other educational fields in NSW and beyond.

Teaching and Education at UWS

The Master of Teaching (Primary) is modularised to help students establish links between units and better make sense of the primary school curriculum. The modules enable students to study over 12 months (accelerated mode), 18 months (full-time mode) or 24 months (part-time mode).

Staff in the Master of Teaching (Primary) are highly regarded for their research and scholarship in schools and communities, having several major research and consultancy projects with the NSW Department of Education and Training. Staff incorporate their research and expertise in their teaching so that graduates are prepared with the most up-to-date professional knowledge.

The School of Education at UWS was recently identified as one of the top 10 education faculties or Schools in Australia (study by Melbourne University’s ‘Melbourne Institute’), and in the same study was ranked second in NSW on the basis of research performance and student satisfaction with program and teaching quality.

As one of the largest education Schools in Australia, we have over 2000 students enrolled in primary, secondary and early childhood teacher education programs, special education, social ecology, Indigenous education, and in research and professional postgraduate programs. Over 1000 of our students graduate as qualified teachers each year.

In 2005, UWS established an Education Chapter of the UWS Alumni, and is currently building links with our past graduates. In September 2006, we also launched the Education Knowledge Network which provides information on professional learning, education seminars, research and School partnerships. In 2007, the Education Knowledge Network provided a program of short courses designed to be of interest to education professionals and leaders in Western Sydney and beyond.

It’s all about Career Opportunities

Graduates from the Master of Teaching (Primary) at UWS have high rates of employment success as schools in Western Sydney have high employment opportunities. Employers and principals in Western Sydney value UWS graduates who have completed their professional experiences in schools in the area.

Professional Accreditation

The Master of Teaching (Primary) is fully accredited by the NSW Institute of Teachers.

Duration

One year full-time in accelerated mode, eighteen months full-time standard progression or two years part-time.

Location

Bankstown

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a first degree with appropriate qualifications for primary teaching. The appropriateness of the studies taken in the first degree is determined by UWS but is consistent with the qualifications standards set by the NSW Institute of Teachers Subject Content Requirements for Teaching in a NSW Primary School

GOVERNMENT POLICIES: Education employers have special staff requirements and policies that apply to intending students of education courses. At entry, this involves signing a Prohibited Employment Declaration.

Different pathways and choices

At UWS, our pathway to primary teaching begins with an undergraduate degree, to provide a broad educational qualification and strong academic preparation in a number of the key learning areas of the primary curriculum. The undergraduate degree is then followed by an intensive Master of Teaching course, to provide professional preparation for primary teaching. If 'accelerated', this can take as little as one year.

For those dedicated to a primary teaching program from the start of their studies, a combined degree pathway (Bachelor of Arts/ Master of Teaching) is also available. From 2008 students will complete an Education Studies major during the three years of their Bachelor studies then progress to the Master of Teaching (Primary). Please contact our Course Information Centre on 1300 897 669 for more details. If you already have an undergraduate degree with appropriate subjects, you can also apply to do the Master of Teaching (Primary) as a postgraduate degree.

The UWS Advantage

If you study the UWS Bachelor of Arts you're guaranteed entry to the Master of Teaching (Primary) program. To receive guaranteed entry you need to:

  • achieve a PASS average during your studies at UWS;
  • complete eight units in the Education Studies major; and
  • apply through UAC within one calendar year from the end of the year in which you complete your initial degree.

All UWS graduates are preferred applicants for the UWS graduate primary teaching course, which means your application will be preferentially assessed against graduates of other universities.

You can study any UWS undergraduate course, choosing from areas of study including arts, social science, business, psychology, science, engineering and more. You can use your electives to select some units from the education studies major, and then apply to study our graduate primary teaching course. (For further details on specific courses, please refer to the relevant UWS brochures.)

How to Apply

All domestic applications for entry to UWS postgraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Step by step instructions are available on on How to Apply pages.

Accreditation

The Master of Teaching (Primary) is an accredited course with the NSW Institute of Teachers.

               NSW Teachers Institute

Do you need more information?

Request a course and application information pack:
Course Enquiry Form
International Course Enquiry Form

Alternatively you are welcome to contact us.