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Unit outline_

EDEC2009: Creative Arts in Early Childhood 1

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

This unit aims to develop students' understanding of the role of the Creative Arts in the lives, learning and development of young children. Students will develop understandings of the elements and principles of Visual Arts, Drama, Music and Dance as relevant to young children's playful artistic explorations. Students will develop their understanding of the early childhood teacher's role in planning, implementation evaluating play-based learning environments that support children's meaning making through Creative Arts. They will also gain skills in the development of early childhood Creative Arts curriculum using the Early Years Learning Framework.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
66 credit points including EDEC2006
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
EDEC2001
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
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
Assignment Observing and implementing creative arts in an early childhood setting
Professional experience documentation and analytical reflections
35% Formal exam period
Due date: 28 Nov 2024 at 23:59
1200 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Small continuous assessment Creative arts critical reflections portfolio
Critically reflective writing
35% Multiple weeks
Due date: 04 Oct 2024 at 23:59
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO3 LO2
Presentation group assignment Song sharing
Oral presentation
15% Week 04
Due date: 22 Aug 2024 at 23:59
800 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation group assignment Exploring the work of professional artists with young children
Creative work
15% Week 12
Due date: 24 Oct 2024 at 23:59
1000 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Creative presentation 1 - song sharing (20%). see Canvas for full details. 
  • Creative presentation 2 - exploring the work of professional artists with young children (15%): creative 'response' to an art work seen at the Chau Chak Wing Museum . See Canvas for full details
  • Critical reflections portfolio (35%): Students are required to document and critically reflect on their Arts in early childhood professional learning journey. 
  •  
  • Observing and implementing creative arts in an early childhood setting (30%): Students will document and analyse young children’s creative arts experiences during their professional experience placement in EDEC2010. See Canvas for full details.

 

NOTE: Students must submit all assignments to be eligible to pass the 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:

Penalties for late assignment submission will apply, as set out in 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 the unit - creativity and the arts in early childhood Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Music and movement Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Music and movement Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 04 Music and movement Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Visual arts Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 06 Visual arts Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Visual arts Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 08 Creativity/ integrated arts Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 09 Drama, puppetry, storytelling Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 10 Drama, puppetry, storytelling Workshop (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4
Week 11 Excursion; Chau Chak Wing Museum Workshop (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 12 Final presentations Presentation (3 hr) LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6

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

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

Required text: Ewing, R. (Ed.). (2012). The Creative Arts in the Lives of Young Children: Play, Imagination and learning. Melbourne: ACER. (no  e-version available). Purchase is recommended. 

 

All other readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library Reading List link available on Canvas.

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. recognise, analyse and use the elements of drama, visual arts, music and dance in supporting children’s meaning-making in each art form
  • LO4. demonstrate skills and confidence in interacting with young children in and through the creative arts
  • LO5. select and evaluate quality arts resources for children from birth to five years
  • LO6. plan, implement and evaluate authentic and meaningful integrated Creative Arts experiences in early childhood settings.

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
4.4. Socially inclusive practice
LO2
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
2.1. Alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches.
2.2. Play based pedagogies
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
3.7. Creative arts and music
4.4. Socially inclusive practice
5.2. Contemporary theories and practice
LO3
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
2.1. Alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches.
2.2. Play based pedagogies
2.4. Teaching methods and strategies
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
3.7. Creative arts and music
6.3. Professional identity and development
LO4
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
2.1. Alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches.
2.2. Play based pedagogies
2.3. Guiding behaviour / engaging young learners
2.4. Teaching methods and strategies
3.7. Creative arts and music
3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
6.3. Professional identity and development
LO5
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
2.2. Play based pedagogies
2.5. Children with diverse needs and backgrounds
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
3.7. Creative arts and music
3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
4.4. Socially inclusive practice
6.3. Professional identity and development
LO6
Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - ACECQA
2.1. Alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches.
2.2. Play based pedagogies
2.3. Guiding behaviour / engaging young learners
2.4. Teaching methods and strategies
2.5. Children with diverse needs and backgrounds
3.1. Early Years Learning Framework
3.7. Creative arts and music
3.9. Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
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 A Learning, development and care
1.4 A Child health, well-being and safety
2.1 A Alternative pedagogies and curriculum approaches.
2.2 A Play based pedagogies
2.3 A Guiding behaviour / engaging young learners
2.4 A Teaching methods and strategies
2.5 A Children with diverse needs and backgrounds
3.1 A Early Years Learning Framework
3.7 A Creative arts and music
3.9 A Curriculum planning, programming and evaluation
4.5 A Culture, diversity and inclusion
5.3 A Ethics and professional practice
6.3 A Professional identity and development

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

In response to student feedback, minor changes have been made to length and weighting of assignments, to more effectively reflect the work involved

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organisation. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator/Field Education Manager will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organising reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

Disclaimer

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