Graduate Diploma in Education Primary

* Part-time study is only available at Batemans Bay, Bega and Shoalhaven.

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Education Primary provides a professional course of pre-service education for prospective 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. They are also expected to be 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. Part time study is only available at satellite campuses.

The GDipEd program involves lectures, seminars, tutorials, individual assignments, group exercises and 55 days (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 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. Candidates must have also met the NSW Institute of Teachers' (NSWIT) subject content requirements for primary school teaching in their undergraduate degree.

Entry to the course is based on academic merit and suitability of the first degree to teaching requirements as determined by NSWIT. Applicants must apply to the Faculty of Education for a Formal Assessment of their undergraduate degree prior to submitting a Postgraduate Coursework application for entry to the course. A statement of interests and experience in Education will also 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 all requirements within 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.

These requirements in the Course Program (see below), are listed and include 55 days of full-time professional experience.

Course Program

*This instance is only available to international midyear enrolments at Wollongong campus, and part time students (3 semester) commencing in Autumn 2013 at Bega, Batemans Bay and Shoalhaven.

Other Information

Education email: ssc@uow.edu.au