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Unit outline_

EDEC1009: Creative Arts in Early Childhood 1

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This is the first of two units which will develop students' understanding of the role of the Creative Arts in young children's lives. Students will be introduced to the elements and principles of Visual Arts, Drama, Music and Dance. They will begin to develop their understanding of the early childhood teacher's role in engaging in creative arts play experiences that support children's meaning making and are responsive to their diverse identities, needs and interests. They will engage in learning experiences to build their teaching skills in using singing, art-making, drama, puppetry and story-telling with young children.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
18 credit points including EDEC1005 and EDEC1006
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
EDEC2009
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Amanda Niland, amanda.niland@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Georgia Freebody, georgia.freebody@sydney.edu.au
Amanda Niland, amanda.niland@sydney.edu.au
Olivia Karaolis, olivia.karaolis@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Jill Holland, jill.holland@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small continuous assessment Creative arts reflective journal entries 2,3
Learning journal entries linked to each art form module
25% Multiple weeks 1250 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO2
Online task Creative arts reflective journal entry 1
Reflective task #earlyfeedbacktask
10% Week 02
Due date: 11 Aug 2024 at 23:59
250 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Presentation Creative presentation 1 - song sharing
Selecting and sharing a song with peers
20% Week 04 800 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3
Creative assessment / demonstration Creative presentation 2
Responding to a museum art work
25% Week 12 1200 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3
Assignment Visual arts resource
Visual arts creative resource development
20% Week 13
Due date: 31 Oct 2024 at 23:59
1000 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

1x1200wd equivalent creative presentation (25%), 1x800wd equivalent presentation music (20%), 1x1500wd learning journal (35%),  1 x 1000 wd arts resource planning  (20%). 

NOTE: Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Students must submit all assignments to be eligible for a passing grade in this unit. 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties will apply, as per the University's Assessment Policy

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to creativity and the arts in early childhood Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Music and movement Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 03 Music and movement Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 04 Music and movement Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 05 Visual Arts Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 06 Visual Arts Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 07 Visual Arts Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Creativity, integrated arts Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 09 Drama, puppetry, storytelling Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 10 Drama, puppetry, storytelling Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 11 Creativity and arts explorations of museums Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 12 Creative presentations Presentation (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426
  • Referencing: APA referencing is required for all submitted assessments.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Textbook to purchase:

Ewing, R. (2013). I Creative Arts in the Lives of Young Children. Camberwell, VIC: ACER.

 

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Demonstrate knowledge of the central importance of the Creative Arts to the development and developing sense of identity of children aged from birth to five years
  • LO2. Articulate a knowledge of theories and research related to the creative arts in early childhood
  • LO3. Demonstrate the skills and confidence needed for interacting with young children in and through the creative arts, showing pedagogical sensitivity to children's individual and social identities
  • LO4. Select and evaluate quality arts play resources for children from birth to five years, drawing on theory and research as well as the principles, practices and learning outcomes of the EYLF

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.1. Learning, development and care
2.5. Children with diverse needs and backgrounds
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
3.7. Creative arts and music
4.2. Multicultural education
4.4. Socially inclusive practice
LO2
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.1. Learning, development and care
2.2. Play based pedagogies
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
3.7. Creative arts and music
LO3
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.1. Learning, development and care
1.6. Diversity, difference and inclusivity.
2.2. Play based pedagogies
2.4. Teaching methods and strategies
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
3.7. Creative arts and music
4.4. Socially inclusive practice
6.3. Professional identity and development
LO4
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
1.1. Learning, development and care
1.4. Child health, well-being and safety
2.2. Play based pedagogies
2.3. Guiding behaviour / engaging young learners
2.4. Teaching methods and strategies
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
3.7. Creative arts and music
4.2. Multicultural education
4.3. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives
4.4. Socially inclusive practice
6.3. Professional identity and development
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 T A Learning, development and care
1.4 T A Child health, well-being and safety
2.1 T A Alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches.
2.2 T A Play based pedagogies
2.3 T A Guiding behaviour / engaging young learners
2.4 T A Teaching methods and strategies
2.5 T A Children with diverse needs and backgrounds
3.1 T A Early Years Learning Framework
3.7 T A Creative arts and music
4.4 T Socially inclusive practice
4.5 T Culture, diversity and inclusion
6.3 T Professional identity and development

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

slight adjustments have been made to assignments, to make them more suited to the return to completely on campus learning, and to make extensions of learning from semester 1 units more explicit.

All assignments in this unit must be submitted, for students to be eligible to attain a passing grade

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.