Graduate Diploma in Education Primary

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Education Primary provides a professional course of pre-service education for intending primary 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 (Key Learning Areas-KLA) and classroom practice, from the beginning of the course. Underpinning and integrated within 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 a 72 credit point program accelerated into one extended calendar year, commencing mid January and concluding late November. It is not possible to commence the course in the middle of the year and part time study is only offered at the satellite campuses.

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.

Students are also advised to check with the Faculty through the Faculty's Student Service Centre (Building 23, Room G21) regarding the combinations of undergraduate subjects 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 Primary is compulsory for each student in their application.

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 all subjects relevant to their particular area of study.

A letter from the Faculty of Education stating that the student's undergraduate program is acceptable to the Department of Education and Training for employment as a teacher of Primary Education is compulsory for each student in their application.

Course Program