Outline

Overview

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

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person written or creative task	Arts learning journal entry 1 Reflective task #earlyfeedbacktask	10%	Week 01	600 words	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Creative presentation and submitted work - Music Selecting and sharing a song with peers	15%	Week 05	700 words equivalent	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Arts learning journal entries 2 Learning journal entries linked to each art form module	15%	Week 05 Due date: 07 Sep 2025 at 23:59	600 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Arts learning journal entries 3 Learning journal entries linked to each art form module	15%	Week 08 Due date: 28 Sep 2025 at 23:59	600 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Creative presentation and submitted work - storytelling & puppetry Creating a puppet and story	20%	Week 11	800 words equivalent	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Creative arts presentation and submitted work - museum work Creative arts presentation and submitted work - responding to a museum artefact	25%	Week 12	1200 words equivalent	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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 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. 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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to creativity and the arts in early childhood	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Creativity & Museum visit	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Music and movement	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Music and movement	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Music and movement	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Visual Arts	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Visual Arts	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Visual arts	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Drama, puppetry, storytelling	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Drama, puppetry, storytelling	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Drama, puppetry & storytelling	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Creative presentations	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

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

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
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - 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
	Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - 1.1. Learning, development and care 2.2. Play based pedagogies 3.1. Early Years Learning Framework 3.7. Creative arts and music
	Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - 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
	Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - 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		Learning, development and care
1.4		Child health, well-being and safety
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
4.4		Socially inclusive practice
4.5		Culture, diversity and inclusion
6.3		Professional identity and development

Responding to student feedback

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

Slight adjustments have been made to assignments to make them more creative and interactive, as suits the creative arts.

Additional information

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

EDEC1009: Creative Arts in Early Childhood 1

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links