Graduate Diploma in Education Secondary

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Education Secondary provides a professional course of pre-service education for intending secondary school teachers. The structure of the program seeks to combine the practical and theoretical elements of teaching by engaging students in professional aspects, including Methods work and classroom practice, from the beginning of the course. Underpinning and integrated with the professional aspects are curriculum studies and the “foundation” disciplines of education. Each component is intended to contribute to the development of concepts and skills relating to an understanding of, and competence in, teaching. It is expected that prospective teachers will develop as autonomous professionals who will be competent, innovative, and capable of contributing to the formulation of curriculum in schools and committed to their own continuous professional growth.

The course is for one year full-time at Wollongong campus, over an extended academic year of 36 teaching weeks from mid February to late November. Part-time study is only available at satellite campuses. The Methods areas offered each year will depend on the number of applications received in each area.

The GDipEd program involves lectures, seminars, tutorials, individual assignments, group exercises and eleven weeks of full-time professional experience in schools.

Literacy Requirements

To satisfy the outcomes of all professional experiences students will require highly developed written and spoken English literacy skills. Students may be required to complete private tuition or courses in English literacy to develop their spoken and written English skills to a level of competency that will enable them to meet professional experience outcomes. These outcomes are required to satisfactorily pass this course.

Entry Requirements

Entry is available to graduates of this or another approved university who seek teacher qualifications. Entry to the course is based on academic merit and suitability of the first degree to teaching requirements. Preference will be given to graduates of the University of Wollongong. A statement of interests and experience in Education will be requested from applicants and will be considered as part of the selection process.

Prohibited Employment Legislation

Under the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment ) Act 1998, all students enrolled in this degree are required to complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration before undertaking any professional experience that involves children or young people.

Course Requirements

Students must satisfactorily complete every subject and major component in their program of study before the Graduate Diploma in Education will be awarded. More specific details of assessment will be given in individual subject outlines. Students are required to successfully complete Core and Methods subjects relevant to their particular area of study. The Method areas which are available may differ from year to year.

Secondary Methods currently offered are: Business Studies, Legal Studies, Geography, Modern History, English, Computing Studies, Drama, French, Mathematics, Science, Visual Art, Music, Physical and Health Education, Society and Culture. Students are advised to check with the Faculty regarding the availability of specific Methods subjects.

Students are also advised to check with the Faculty through the Faculty's Student Service Centre (Building 23, Room G21) regarding the combinations of methods which will satisfy the requirements of the NSW Department of Education. A Formal Assessment letter from the Faculty of Education stating that the student's undergraduate program is acceptable to the NSW Institute of Teachers for recognition as a teacher of the chosen methods area(s) is compulsory for each student in their application.

Course Program