Key facts
UNE unit code: EDEC362
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
In this unit, you will explore the role of the performing and visual arts in early childhood education, with a focus on both theory and practice. You will learn how performing arts benefit children’s learning and development, and why they are a vehicle for deeper, richer and more memorable learning experiences; and explore theories of the performing arts and how performing arts can be integrated throughout early childhood curricula.
Through hands-on and reflective practice, you will be immersed in the studio practice of drawing so that you can respond to and support children’s art making processes. Drawing on theoretical frameworks, you will develop your understanding of how visual arts contribute to learning and how to embed these practices meaningfully in the early childhood curriculum.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
This unit addresses ACECQA's Curriculum requirements, referred to as Curriculum Specifications (CS).
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- consider the benefits of performing arts for children’s development and identify ways it can be an integrated form of learning (CS 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 3.7, 3.8, 6.4);
- explain the theoretical underpinning of the performing arts (CS 2.4, 3.7, 3.8, 5.2, 6.4).
- discuss the effective use of authentic visual art media and practices and reflect on ways visual arts can be an integrated form of learning (CS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.4, 3.7, 6.4); and
- use socio-cultural theories to explain the roles of a teacher, artists, peers and art museums in the visual arts (CS: 2.4, 3.7, 5.2, 6.4).
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | (a) Video demonstration of presenting a skill for children within the performing arts with justification of the benefits for children's learning and development, and (b) theoretical explanation of the benefits of performing arts for children’s learning and development. Relates to CS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.4, 3.7, 3.8, 5.2, 6.4 No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Produce personal creative artefacts with theoretical reflections showing how the development of authentic arts skills can respond to and support children’s art making processes. Relates to CS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.4, 3.7, 5.2, 6.4 No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
It's Arts Play. Young Children Belonging, Being and Becoming Through the Arts
ISBN: 9780190333911
Dinham, J., & Chalk, B., Oxford University Press 2nd ed. 2022
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)
It's Arts Play. Young Children Belonging, Being and Becoming Through the Arts
ISBN: 9780190354688
Dinham, J., & Chalk, B., Oxford University Press 3rd. ed. 2025
Text refers to: Trimester 3 (Online)
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