Outline

Overview

This second practice education unit provides students with the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge obtained in the first two years of the undergraduate degree to practice. This unit focuses on development of professional knowledge, skills and attitudes in a practice context. Students will engage in learning experiences which support the continued development of: therapeutic and professional communication, the ability to articulate and carry out the occupational therapy role within a designated practice context; and to implement aspects of the occupational therapy process as relevant to the context. A secondary focus of this unit is to support students confidence in their capacity to be self regulating learners within a practice context.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	BIOS1168 and OCCP2105 and OCCP2101 and OCCP2102 and OCCP2103 and OCCP2104
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	OCCP3061
Assumed knowledge ?	OCCP1101 and OCCP1102 and OCCP2091 and OCCP2089
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sumei Wrigley, sumei.wrigley@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 6 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Peer or expert observation or supervision	Student Practice Evaluation Form - Revised (Second Edition) (SPEF-R2) Evaluation of performance on placement.	0%	Progressive	Completion of midway and final form	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Letter of Introduction Submission of a letter of introduction to placement site supervisor.	0%	Week -01 Due date: 16 Feb 2026 at 23:59	1 page	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical or creative task	Learning Plan Submission of a brief learning plan implemented on placement.	0%	Week 06 Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 23:59	Completed template	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Clinical Placement Reflection Reflection Topic: Lifelong learning	0%	Week 06 Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 23:59	750 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Attendance and Participation Students must attend and actively participate in all required learning activities. Students will evidence this with a complete and accurate record in Sonia via timesheets.	0%	Week 06 Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 23:59	Ongoing. All learning activities	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Letter of Introduction: Students are required to contact their placement site with a letter of introduction using the template provided, and a covering email. Students are required to have a peer from their learning team audit the letter using the checklist provided prior to sending. The letter is to be submitted on Canvas.

Student Practice Evaluation Form – Revised (2nd edition): Using the SPEF-R2, students and educators will each evaluate students’ demonstration of professional skills, knowledge, and attributes during their clinical placement. This is completed midway through placement and at the end. Students are required to submit the midway and final SPEF-R2 (completed by their educator) to Canvas in the appropriate assignment boxes for academics to review.

Learning Plan: Students are required to complete a learning plan (using a template) with two goals, following feedback from their mid-way SPEF-R2 evaluation. This plan needs to be implemented, signed off by the placement supervisor and submitted to Canvas.

Clinical Placement Reflection: Student are required to submit a 750-word reflective task on the strategies they have developed on this placement to become a lifelong learner. It will be based on their learning plan and feedback from the SPEF-R2. This will be submitted to Canvas.

Placement Attendance: Students must attend and actively participate in all required learning activities. Students will evidence this with a complete and accurate record in Sonia via timesheets. Entries must comply with the guidelines provided and be entered ASAP, no later than the earlier of one week following the activity or the final due date.

To pass this unit of study, you must evidence meeting the minimum requirements or appropriately manage the negotiation of adjustments that will not compromise your ability to meet overall course requirements. Attendance may be tracked and records audited. Falsely declaring information on attendance records or timesheets is at best unprofessional and may represent misconduct. Students should follow special consideration procedures if they are unable to attend mandatory / compulsory classes for placement.

Additional Requirements: This placement unit has additional requirements pre-requisite to engagement in specified learning activities and assessments and contributing to the requirement for satisfactory professional and learner behaviours in the unit of study. These may include pre-placement verification requirements, completion of and reporting on placement site WHS inductions, mandatory learning modules as assigned by placement sites, independent and self-learning activities, and placement quality evaluation forms. You must complete all specified unit requirements to be awarded a Satisfied Requirements grade.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021. In this unit, no marks are issued, but rather a Satisfied Requirements (SR) or Failed Requirements (FR) grade. These results are defined as:

Satisfied Requirements (SR): To be awarded in units of study where student achievement is measured as a pass or fail only without a mark to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars established by the faculty.
Failed Requirements (FR): To be awarded in units of study where student achievement is measured either as Satisfied Requirements or Failed Requirements only, without a mark to students who, in their performance in assessment tasks, fail to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard established by the faculty.

To receive a ‘Satisfied Requirements’ (SR) grade in this unit of study, students must complete all hurdle tasks to the appropriate standard and achieve a pass grade on the SPEF-R2. As this unit includes placement, students are reminded that the FMH Sydney School of Health Sciences Placement Provisions and FMH Professionalism Provisions 2019 will apply.

Irrespective of other performance in the unit, ‘Failed Requirements’ (FR) grade for the unit of study will be issued where a student breaches client/patient privacy or for other serious breaches of professional standards.

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:

Information about late penalties can be found in the University Coursework Policy 2021 and the University Assessment Procedures 2011. Late submissions could delay the processing of grades for OCCP3101 Practice Education 2 and possibly prevent enrolment and progression to OCCP3103 Practice Education 3 (June Intensive).

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	Learning outcomes
Week -01	Preparation for Practice Education 2: Lifelong Learner; Reflective Practice; Integrating Theory and Practice; Client Centred Practice ; Professional Practice	Workshop (12 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

This unit has minimum attendance requirements that include on-campus mandatory classes, placement attendance and self-directed learning. It is anticipated students will complete a minimum of 211 hours towards their compulsory 1000 hours of practice education during OCCP3101. Failure to meet attendance requirements may prevent students from satisfactorily completing this unit of study.

Pre-placement and post-placement classes: These are interactive seminar and tutorial classes and attendance is mandatory (14 hours)
Placement attendance of 36-40 hours/week for 5 weeks: Students must attend placement every working day, five days per week, from the start date to the finish date of the placement notified in Sonia (200 hours)
Self-directed learning: It is expected that students will complete at least 4 hours self-directed learning in specific preparation for the placement they have been allocated, which may or may not be directed by the site. Additionally, students should complete self-directed learning to add to placement attendance to a minimum of 40 hours per week, for which completion of unit of study related tasks online and for assessments can be counted (4 hours).

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

There are no specific required textbooks for this unit. All resources will be provided through the OCCP3101 Canvas Page and links.

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 professional behaviours appropriate to the expectations of the University and placement setting.
LO2. Develop professional strategies that enable life-long learning, inclusive of developing personal cultural capabilities.
LO3. Implement all aspects of the occupational therapy process, with appropriate supervision.
LO4. Articulate the role of the occupational therapist in thepractice setting.
LO5. Apply professional reasoning to guide the delivery of culturally safe health practices with reference to occupational therapy theory and evidence-based practice.

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 occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct 2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice 3. Occupational therapy process and practice 3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals 3.4. Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals 3.5. Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct 2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct 3. Occupational therapy process and practice
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct 3.3. Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals
	Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 - 1.1. Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct 2.1. Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice 3.5. Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client

Australian occupational therapy competency standards 2018 -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1		Professionalism
1.1		Complies with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia’s standards, guidelines and Code of conduct
1.10		Practises within limits of her/his own level of competence and expertise
1.11		Maintains professional competence and adapts to change in practice contexts
1.12		Identifies and uses relevant professional and operational support and supervision
1.13		Manages resources, time and workload accountably and effectively
1.14		Recognises and manages her/his own physical and mental health for safe, professional practice
1.15		Addresses issues of occupational justice in practice
1.16		Contributes to education and professional practice development of peers and students, and
1.17		Recognises and manages any inherent power imbalance in relationships with clients.
1.2		Adheres to legislation relevant to practice
1.3		Maintains professional boundaries in all client and professional relationships
1.4		Recognises and manages conflicts of interest in all client and professional relationships
1.5		Practises in a culturally responsive and culturally safe manner, with particular respect to culturally diverse client groups
1.6		Incorporates and responds to historical, political, cultural, societal, environmental and economic factors influencing health, wellbeing and occupations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
1.7		Collaborates and consults ethically and responsibly for effective client-centred and interprofessional practice
1.8		Adheres to all work health and safety, and quality requirements for practice
1.9		Identifies and manages the influence of her/his values and culture on practice
2		Knowledge and learning
2.1		Applies current and evidence-informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice
2.10		Maintains digital literacy for practice.
2.2		Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making
2.3		Identifies and applies best available evidence in professional practice and decision-making
2.4		Understands and responds to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health philosophies, leadership, research and practices
2.5		Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting
2.6		Maintains and improves currency of knowledge, skills and new evidence for practice by adhering to the requirements for continuing professional development
2.7		Implements a specific learning and development plan when moving to a new area of practice or returning to practice
2.8		Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice
2.9		Maintains knowledge of relevant resources and technologies, and
3		Occupational therapy process and practice
3.1		Addresses occupational performance and participation of clients, identifying the enablers and barriers to engagement
3.10		Reviews, evaluates and modifies plans, goals and interventions with the client and relevant others to enhance or achieve client outcomes
3.11		Evaluates client and service outcomes to inform future practice
3.12		Uses effective collaborative, multidisciplinary and interprofessional approaches for decision-making and planning
3.13		Uses appropriate assistive technology, devices and/or environmental modifications to achieve client occupational performance outcomes, and
3.14		Contributes to quality improvement and service development.
3.2		Performs appropriate information gathering and assessment when identifying a client’s status and functioning, strengths, occupational performance and goals
3.3		Collaborates with the client and relevant others to determine the priorities and occupational therapy goals
3.4		Develops a plan with the client and relevant others to meet identified occupational therapy goals
3.5		Selects and implements culturally responsive and safe practice strategies to suit the occupational therapy goals and environment of the client
3.6		Seeks to understand and incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ experiences of health, wellbeing and occupations encompassing cultural connections
3.7		Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making
3.8		Identifies and uses practice guidelines and protocols suitable to the practice setting or work environment
3.9		Implements an effective and accountable process for delegation, referral and handover
4		Communication
4.1		Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively
4.11		Identifies and articulates the rationale for practice to clients and relevant others.
4.2		Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context
4.3		Works ethically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations to understand and incorporate relevant cultural protocols and communication strategies, with the aim of working to support self-governance in communities
4.4		Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies
4.5		Complies with legal and procedural requirements for the responsible and accurate documentation, sharing and storage of professional information and records of practice
4.8		Maintains collaborative professional relationships with clients, health professionals and relevant others
4.9		Uses effective communication skills to initiate and end relationships with clients and relevant others

Responding to student feedback

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

This is the fourth time this unit of study has been offered. Changes have been made in response to feedback from the previous cohort of students.

Additional information

This unit of study outline must be read in conjunction with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Handbook
The handbook also includes specific clinical education information on your course.
The Faculty of Medicine and Health website has information about placements in the School of Health Sciences.
All students are required to familiarise themselves with their academic responsibilities, and the academic policies governing their enrolment and progression. Including the University of Sydney’s Coursework Policy and Faculty provisions. When considering applications and appeals relating to these matters, it will be assumed that students understand their academic responsibilities and are familiar with these key policies and procedures
The Work Integrated Learning Canvas site also provides information specific to Sydney School of Health Sciences placements such as essential preparation, forms and policies.

Work, health and safety

Verification: Students must meet all pre-placement requirements as outlined on the University of Sydney Clinical placements checks and clearances: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/clinical-placement-checks/vaccinations.html (This includes all information relating to COVID-19 vaccinations as advised by NSW Health). It is recommended that students regularly check their verification status. Failure to meet these requirements in accordance with communicated due dates may prevent you from being allocated to and/or completing a placement or placement unit of study irrespective of your enrollment status.

Declarations: Students must have an up-to-date declaration (in Sonia) that they have read and understood key documents related to privacy and confidentiality, codes of conduct, NSW Health policies and general communication/ email etiquette. Failure to meet these requirements may prevent you from being allocated to and/or completing a placement or placement unit of study irrespective of your enrollment status.

WHS Induction: Consistent with New South Wales WHS legislation, you are required to complete a WHS induction within the first few days of placement, and if relevant, at any time your placement requires you to work in another setting. This is an essential legal requirement to ensure that all risks are minimised for you, and others for whom you are responsible. The University has a duty of care to you to ensure you have been inducted appropriately. Similarly, you are responsible for demonstrating that you are aware of and know how to manage risk appropriately. You should complete the WHS Checklist from Sonia.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

OCCP3101: Practice Education 2

Intensive February - March, 2026 [Professional practice] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links