Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Services)

About the Course

The Bachelor of Teaching (ECS) is a unique residential (block) program, bringing together early childhood teacher education and Indigenous knowledge.

Students attend compulsory teaching periods (7-10 day blocks) on the beautiful Macquarie University campus in North Ryde, Sydney four times per year. During residential blocks, all students are provided with meals and accommodation from either of the two local residential colleges Dunmore Lang and Robert Menzies College. Travel is also provided to those living interstate and the friendly staff at Warawara administers all.

The Bachelor of Teaching (ECS) is a 3 year equivalent degree offered over four years as a combination of part and full time modes. Students study both at the university and at home with the support of Warawara staff, tutors, lecturers, mentors, their workplace and other students.

Students come from many parts of Australia and therefore their influence is felt far and wide. Students often become powerful advocates for children and their families as well as great leaders in their communities.

Essential Requirements

You will need to be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and have sufficient literacy to handle the course readings and student workload. If your application is successful, you will be required to attend a 2-3 day Testing and Assessment Program (TAP), funded by Centrelink, to determine your ability to cope with the course and allow you the opportunity to ask questions.

Desirable

Priority will be given to those people already working in early childhood settings.

Information on How to Apply

Warawara provides an alternative entry program, which means a Higher School Certificate or equivalent is NOT required. Applicants are required to fill out an alternative entry program application form and submit it to Warawara by the end of October. For the official deadline, please contact Warawara on the contacts provided below.

Enrolment

An "Alternative Entry Program Application Form" in addition to a "Statement of Aboriginality" must be completed by students intending to study the program and returned to Warawara.

Students may be eligible "credit for previous studies" if they have completed "Diploma" level studies in child care or have other studies at university level. This is assessed on an individual basis.

Next Intake

The Bachelor of Teaching (ECS) does not intake students each year. The next scheduled intake to commence the program is 2011. This is currently being revised.

FAQS

What supports do I get for my studies?

Various supports exist including: (ITAS)

Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme which funds local "mentors" to work individually with students on their studies

How do I get time off work to attend Uni?

Warawara and the Australian Government (DEEWR) have negotiated a funding agreement to assist students by providing funds for their child care centre to hire replacement Indigenous staff while they are at Macquarie.

Do I have to attend the on-campus schools?

Yes, the on-campus teaching is integral to the program. Students who cannot attend must supply some documentation (e.g. medical certificate) to justify their absence.

Who pays for my travel and accommodation?

The Australian Government Indigenous Education Strategic Initiatives Program funds travel and accommodation for Indigenous students in higher education to attend compulsory on-campus schools.

I haven't been to school for many years, how will I cope?

Many students of the BTeach are mature aged students who left school many years ago. There is coursework integrated into the program to develop communication and study skills.

Do I do placements in other early childhood services?

Placements are required in three units of the program. These are done in local early childhood settings.

For further information, please contact

Course Coordinator

Natalie Burns

W3A, Room 316
Macquarie University, NSW 2109 Australia
Freecall: 1800 066 465
Phone: 02 9850 9970
Fax: 02 9850 7735
E-mail: Natalie.Burns@scmp.mq.edu.au
Web: Natalie Burns