Code SPAAUK
Languages Specialisation
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About this Specialisation
Provides an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge, understandings and skills to teach Languages in the primary years.
This specialisation highlights the nature of teaching and learning Languages in the primary context, focusing on curriculum and Languages pedagogy as they apply to classroom instruction. Emphasis is placed on integration and cross curriculum teaching and learning as well as the role Languages play in our globalised world and within cultural contexts.
Special entry requirements
All applicants are required to have studied a language to a high level (certification required) or are native speakers. Therefore, when enrolling, students will be advised that if they do not have the language level required (ATAR, Diploma of Modern Languages, Bachelor of Arts – Languages, native speaker or TAFE diploma) they will be advised not to enrol in the specialisation. In order to ensure that the student is proficient in their language, it is essential that this process of self-selection’ is in place as students will be responsible for teaching Languages in their school and they need to have a certain level of language proficiency. NB: Native speakers will also need to present evidence of language proficiency as it cannot be assumed that a native speaker speaks the formal language form (they could speak a dialect), that they have an understanding of the grammar of the language or that they are able to write in their language. Native speakers will need to present evidence of having completed some study in their language or completion of the online Language Trainers tests (https://www.languagetrainers.com.au/level-tests.php). These are free online tests available in a number of different languages. Tests consist of 70 questions. Native speakers must achieve an intermediate level at minimum in both the Language Level Test and the Listening Tests, with equivalents considered.
Code SPAAUK
Availability & Campus
| Location | Availability |
|---|---|
| Joondalup | |
| Mount Lawley | |
| South West | |
| Online |
Details
Structure
For more detailed unit information for this Specialisation take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookNotes
Important notes
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Engagement will feature in this specialisation as each of the three units has a WIL component in it. In each unit, students will be required to complete 1 hour field experience in their own time in a school or organisation which work with, or teach speakers or other languages. As the units are 8 weeks in duration, this would result in students completing 24 hours of WIL. Students will be required to complete a reflective journal of their experiences which will part of their 1st or 2nd assignment. This part of the assessment will be presented as an e-portfolio (Pebblepad). Students can choose to complete their WIL at the same school or organisation for each of their units, or choose to visit different locations. It will be the student’s responsibility to organise this however, names of organisations/schools where they can go to complete their WIL will be provided to the students by the Unit Coordinator.
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Students will be required to undertake practical WIL experience located in a Languages classroom or environment. This will allow student to learn from experienced mentors and in situ as well as to apply on and reflect upon the content they are learning in their study.
Attendance requirements
Engagement will feature in this specialisation as each of the three units has a WIL component in it. In each unit, students will be required to complete 1 hour in their own time in a school or organisation which work with, or teach speakers or other languages. As the units are 8 weeks in duration, this would result in students completing 24 hours of WIL. Students will be required to complete a reflective journal of their experiences which will part of their 1st or 2nd assignment. This part of the assessment will be presented as an e-portfolio. Students can choose to complete their WIL at the same organisation for each of their units, or choose to visit different locations. It will be the student’s responsibility to organise this however, names of organisations/schools where they can go to complete their WIL will be provided to the students by the Unit Coordinator.
Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required
The WIL component will comply with the ECU WIL Policy. Students must supply a valid National Coordinated criminal History Check from the Department of Education, Western Australia and any students 18 years of age and over must supply a valid Working With Children Check from the Department of Child Protection, Western Australia.
Professional practice rules
Students are required to adhere to the Professional Practice Rules & Procedures and Code of Professional Conduct for ECU Pre-service Teachers.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply theory and reflect on research to effectively teach languages to young learners.
- Plan for the effective teaching and implementation of Languages programmes in the primary school context.
- Design integrated and cross-curricula experiences for teaching Languages effectively in the primary school context.
Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities
Completing this specialisation will provide employment opportunities in primary Languages education, including English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D), as currently a gap exists this area in Western Australia and in ITE courses.
Possible future job titles
Languages Teacher, Primary Teacher, Primary Education