Extensions must be requested before an assignment’s due date. Extensions will only be granted if there are extenuating circumstances and they are supported by appropriate documentation i.e., a completed Professional Authority form as per the University’s Disruptions Policy.

You should first contact the unit convenor to discuss your request. If the unit convenor gives approval for an extension, you then need to formally request an extension, and provide relevant supporting documentation, through ask.mq.edu.au. An extension will only be granted following receipt of this completed, formal request.

Unless there are exceptional circumstances late assessments will not be accepted once marks have been determined and assessments returned to students. Assessments cannot be resubmitted.

It is essential that you plan ahead and organise your study time effectively. Poor time management is not grounds for an extension

In the case of a computer malfunction, a draft of your assignment may be requested. Please ensure that you print out a draft regularly, so that it is available for submission on request.  

The University has a Disruption to Studies policy (http://students.mq.edu.au/student_admin/exams/disruption_to_studies/). This policy applies in cases where students experience serious and unavoidable disruption from completing any unit requirements in accordance with their ability. According to the policy, a disruption is regarded as serious and unavoidable if it:

• could not have reasonably been anticipated, avoided or guarded against by the student; and
• was beyond the student's control; and
• caused substantial disruption to the student's capacity for effective study and/or completion of required work; and
• occurred during an event critical study period and was at least three (3) consecutive days duration, and / or
• prevented completion of a final examination.

Students who experience a serious and unavoidable disruption must submit a Disruption to Studies Notification through www.ask.mq.edu.au within five (5) working days of the commencement of the disruption. This notification must include supporting documentation, as per the University’s Disruption to Studies: Supporting Evidence Schedule. Please note that where the particular circumstances pertaining to the disruption are medical in nature, a completed Professional Authority Form is required to be submitted with the Disruption to Studies Notification. Medical certificates will not be accepted as supporting documentation. The Schedule of Disruption to Studies outcomes will be applied as appropriate on a case by case basis (http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/schedule_outcomes.html)

Grading of assessments

Assessment work completed in this unit will be awarded a grade according to the Macquarie University grading policy: (http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.htm):

HD: (high distinction = 85 –100%) denotes work of exceptional quality as demonstrated by deep and critical understanding of the unit content, original and insightful analysis, and wide-ranging use of relevant literature.

D:      (distinction = 75 – 84%) denotes work of superior quality as demonstrated by a high level of analytical thinking, logical argument, a demonstrated extensive knowledge of the topic, and broad use of relevant literature.

C:      (credit = 65 – 74%) denotes work that is of good quality, displays evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes, demonstrated ability to organise the assignment effectively and sustain critical and analytical thinking in reference to relevant literature.

P:      (pass = 50 - 64%) denotes work of satisfactory quality that demonstrates fundamental understanding of the topic, and demonstrated ability to adequately organise the assignment and express ideas clearly and coherently in relation to assigned readings.

F:      (Fail = 0 – 49%) denotes that the student has failed to complete the requirements of the assignment. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of fundamental concepts; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; and incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline.

Assessments considered to be below the standard required for a pass will be checked by a second marker. Failing assignments that are the result of deductions for lateness or loss of marks for referencing, presentation, or plagiarism will not be checked.

Final Grades

The final grade a student receives signifies their overall performance in meeting the learning outcomes for the unit. The number assigned to a grade (Standard Numerical Grade or SNG) reflects the extent to which student attainment matches the grade descriptors.

Your raw mark for the unit (i.e., the total of your marks for each assessment item) may not be the same as the SNG which you receive. Results may be scaled to ensure there is a degree of comparability across the university, so that units with the same past performances of their students should achieve similar results. The process of scaling does not change the order of marks among students. A student who receives a higher raw score mark than another will also receive a higher final scaled mark.

Academic Honesty

The University defines plagiarism in its rules: "Plagiarism involves using the work of another person and presenting it as one's own." Plagiarism is a serious breach of the University's rules and carries significant penalties. Students must read the University's practices and procedures on plagiarism. These can be found in the Handbook of Undergraduate Studies or on the web at: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

The policies and procedures explain what plagiarism is, how to avoid it, the procedures that will be taken in cases of suspected plagiarism, and the penalties if you are found guilty.  Penalties may include a deduction of marks, failure in the unit, and/or referral to the Faculty Discipline Committee.

A new IEC Academic Honesty Handbook has been developed and is available via iLearn. This Handbook should be referred to in regard to specific expectations regarding academic honesty for this unit. 

ECST 110 is being offered as an external unit only for this session. 

Lectures will be recorded weekly and available via ECHO. 

There are two compulsory on-campus days for this unit: Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th September 

If you are are unable to attend both of these days please contact Luke immediately to discuss whether you will be able to complete the unit.

Text Books

Required texts

Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations (2009). Belonging, being and becoming: The early years learning framework for Australia. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia.   (available to download on iLearn)

Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations (2012). Living the Early Years Learning Framework everyday – Team meeting package.  Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia.   (available to download on iLearn)

MacNaughton, G. & Williams, G. (2009). Techniques for teaching young children: Choices in theory and practice. (3^rd ed.). Sydney: Pearson Education.  

Recommended text

Grellier, J. & Goerke, V. (2010). Communication skills toolkit: Unlocking the secrets of tertiary success. (2^nd ed.). Victoria: Cengage Learning

Perrin, R. (2015). Pocket guide to APA style (5th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.