Bachelor of Teaching (Primary Education)

Practical courses connect theory with practice and are strongly aligned with sector needs to ensure work-ready graduates equipped with skills and knowledge required for teaching positions or for further study at postgraduate level.

What you will Learn

Graduates of this programme will be able to:

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding and knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in primary education settings to support tamariki Māori and rangatahi Māori to enjoy educational success as Māori;
• Utilise skills for engaging appropriately and effectively with tamariki and rangatahi, their parents, families and whānau, as well as colleagues, stakeholder professionals and external organisations;
• Critically analyse effective practices for planning, differentiating and implementing learning and teaching practices for tamariki and rangatahi of diverse backgrounds and which meet specific learning needs across the full range of abilities in primary education settings;
• Utilise current research on tamariki and rangatahi development in the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and cultural domains to facilitate accurate and useful planning, programming and assessment of learning and for learning in primary education settings;.
• Demonstrate learning gained in multiple, varied practicum opportunities in primary education contexts with the support of accomplished mentors;
• Apply critical reflection to continually improve knowledge and skills, and collaborate effectively with professional colleagues within and beyond their primary education context.

Partner school

Ākonga require the support of an approved partner school in order to enter this programme. Open Polytechnic can assist with acquiring this support.

Ākonga are based in a local primary school (partner school) for two full days per week if full time, or one full day per week if part time (in addition to practicum). These days are decided between the ākonga and the school, and ākonga are expected to attend between 9am and 3pm. There are 140 days in total across this degree.

This time in schools ensures ākonga have the opportunity to directly connect theory with practice. During school-based practice ākonga will be exposed to a range of learning experiences and will develop their teaching practice alongside qualified teachers. Ākonga are expected to contribute to the mahi of their partner school, based on their own area of skill or interest.

If you have an existing relationship with a school (you already work there, or are well known to them), please approach them to seek candidate support for your application. Schools are busy places, so please contact them first to make an appointment. When you are in discussions with the school, please email or bring them a copy of this School Placement Information. This document includes the following:

• Partner School Letter: This letter explains why you are approaching the school for support.
• Programme Leaflet: This gives the school an overview of the programme and details the responsibilities required by the school.
• Candidate Support Form: Schools should complete and return this form to confirm their support.

We suggest you give yourself plenty of time to do this before the application close-off date.

If you do not have an existing relationship with the school, please do not approach a school directly, rather indicate this on the pre-enrolment check (also linked in the ‘Choose courses and apply’ tab).

Career opportunities

This programme leads to employment in primary education and other teaching settings, and related professions.
It is a recognised initial teacher education qualification for the purposes of meeting the requirements for application to register as a teacher with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa
New Zealand.

Programme delivery

Noho marae

Ākonga participate in three compulsory noho marae (overnight stay) during the programme. Noho are held in 4 or 5 centres across the country. Ākonga will have an opportunity to connect with local tikanga and kawa (marae protocols and Māori practices), and te reo Māori.

Please complete this form to select your preferred location:

Noho Marae  2024 April/May

For ākonga enrolled in Tō Tātou Tiriti courses, below are the dates and locations of the noho marae offered in the first half of 2024 (details for noho marae offered in the second half of 2024 will be posted once confirmed). Please note that while these dates and venues are as confirmed as they can be, a change might occasionally be required.

• Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta/Upper Hutt: 13-14 April 2024, Ōrongomai Marae
• Ōtautahi/Christchurch: 4-5 May 2024, Ōnuku Marae
• Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland: 11-12 May 2024, Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae, MIT
• Rotorua: 18-19 May 2024, Tangatarua Marae
• Ōtepoti/Dunedin: 25-26 May 2024, Puketeraki Marae

Practicum

Throughout this programme ākonga complete three practicums, totalling 120 days. During practicums you are expected to be at schools before 8:30am and to be available until 4pm each day. In these practicums, ākonga engaging with tamariki, family, whānau and communities, as well as other members of the teaching profession. Throughout their practicums ākonga are supported to engage in a wider community of practice and build their professional connections.

During practicums, ākonga have an opportunity to demonstrate the progress they are making towards achieving the Key Teaching Tasks and their ability to meet the Standards for the Teaching Profession (in a supported environment).

Maximum Programme Completion Time 

To be awarded the qualification, the programme must be completed in no more than 6 years of first enrolment, unless there are exceptional circumstances.