Unit outline_

EDMT6006: Legal Studies Curriculum 3

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit will prepare students to be effective teachers of Stage 6 Legal Studies. The unit will develop competencies and skills in lesson planning, programming and pedagogy in teaching Legal Studies in Stage 6. An understanding of the NSW Board of Studies Years 11-12 Legal Studies Syllabus will be emphasised and students will develop lesson plans, programs, teaching resources and a range of Legal Studies teaching materials. Further emphasis will be placed on ways that Board of Studies HSC assessment requirements can be met including developing assessment tasks and programs. Use of ICT for both teaching and preparation will be a focus of this unit.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
48 credit points including EDMT5003 and EDMT5004
Corequisites
? 
EDMT6500
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Claire Golledge, claire.golledge@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Claire Golledge, claire.golledge@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment hurdle task Lesson plan, micro teaching and reflection
Lesson plan, micro teaching and reflection
30% Week 03
Due date: 16 Mar 2025 at 23:59
1350 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment hurdle task Designing and assessment
Designing an assessment task for Stage 6
30% Week 08
Due date: 14 Apr 2025 at 23:59
1350 words
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment hurdle task Curriculum reform white paper and presentation
Write a white paper about proposed changes to the NSW Legal Studies syllabus and present your ideas to the group
40% Week 09
Due date: 28 Apr 2025 at 23:59
1800 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

  • Lesson plan, micro-teaching and reflection: You are to develop a lesson plan for a 20 minute teaching sequence from the Preliminary HSC Legal Studies Syllabus which you will teach to the cohort during your regular class seminar in week 4. Based on discussion and feedback after your teaching session, you should then submit a 300 word critical reflection on your teaching episode. Upload lesson plan, teaching resources and your reflection for marking and feedback. 
  • Assessment task: Design a formal assessment task and draft a notification for one aspect of the Stage 6 Legal Studies syllabus. The task CANNOT be an exam. Include a reflective statement explaining how the assessment task allows students to demonstatrate the outcomes selected, and how the task can be differentiated to meet a range of learning needs.  
  • Curriculum reform white paper and presentation: You are to engage with the new draft syllabus for Stage 6 Legal Studies and write a discussion paper about the effectiveness and appropriateness of proposed changes to the syllabus, focussing on two key changes of your choice. Distill your ideas into a 10 minute presentation. 
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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 guide to grades.

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

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

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.

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Stage 6 Legal Studies Curriculum and teaching Legal Studies Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 02 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in Legal Studies Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Planning learning sequences in Legal Studies Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 Assessment for learning and formative assessment strategies Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 External resources and courtroom based learning Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 06 Differentiation in the Legal Studies Classroom Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 07 Teaching about law reform in the Legal Studies classroom Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 08 Moral and ethical challenges and teaching sensitive issues in Legal Studies Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 09 Professional Learning and ongoing development as a Legal Studies teacher Lecture and tutorial (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

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.

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 understanding of the complex role of curriculum in school settings, and apply relevant policies, procedures and protocols when working with syllabus documents.
  • LO2. Critically analyse and evaluate teaching and learning resources that enhance students’ learning in Legal Studies.
  • LO3. Describe how knowledge of Legal Studies education to recognise the agentic role of curriculum when it is co constructed with learners, leaders and community.
  • LO4. Display increasing competence in teaching, planning, and assessing in ways that meet the needs of diverse learners who are progressing to a variety of post-school pathways.
  • LO5. Incorporate the needs and interests of students from a range of social, ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds including the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students that takes this into account in authentic ways.
  • LO6. Describe the importance of engaging in continual and reflective professional dialogue and demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continual professional learning in Legal studies education.

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
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
2.1.1 T (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.2.1 T (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.3.1 T (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
2.6.1 T (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
3.1.1 T (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.2.1 T (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.3.1 T (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.4.1 T (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
3.6.1 T (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of strategies that can be used to evaluate teaching programs to improve student learning.
4.1.1 T (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
4.2.1 T (Graduate) Demonstrate the capacity to organise classroom activities and provide clear directions.
5.1.1 T (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
5.2.1 T (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of providing timely and appropriate feedback to students about their learning.
5.3.1 T (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment moderation and its application to support consistent and comparable judgements of student learning.
5.4.1 T (Graduate) Demonstrate the capacity to interpret student assessment data to evaluate student learning and modify teaching practice.

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

This course has not been significantly updated in many years and so has been refreshed to reflect curriculum changes and the need for a refreshed approach to assessment.

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

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.