GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN EDUCATION

Application and Course Information 2009

The Graduate Diploma in Education (GDE)** is currently offered as a professional one-year postgraduate teacher education program for graduates of the University of Wollongong or other approved universities who seek recognised teacher qualifications in primary and secondary teaching. It also serves as an introduction to the disciplines of education for those who may wish to pursue higher studies in the field.
**The name of this degree may change.

Recent changes instigated by the N.S.W. Institute of Teachers (N.S.W.I.T.), have resulted in modifications to the nature and duration of this qualification. It is imperative that you refer, on a regular basis, to the Faculty of Education's web page for updates.

The program involves lectures, seminars, tutorials, individual assignments, group exercises and blocks of supervised practice teaching in schools. Teaching practice and experience in classroom settings are provided in collaboration with local schools. The program provides a teaching qualification that is recognised by the N.S.W.I.T., as the major employing body, the N.S.W. Department of Education and Training, the Catholic Education Office, the Association of Independent Schools and employing authorities in other states. It is also accepted internationally.

Notes:

• Entry to the program is competitive, as applications normally exceed the available places.
• Places are only offered for the Methods listed below.
• All UOW programs are ONLY available as full-time, on-campus programs. No distance or flexible delivery options are available.
• All applications should be submitted to Uniadvice, UOW, Wollongong Campus.

General Enquiries:

Faculty of Education
Student Service Centre
Building 23, Room G21
4221 3981
Email: sscgen@uow.edu.au

Download GDE Information Brochure (pdf)
GDE Information Brochure (doc)

Shoalhaven Campus (Primary Methods only)
Dr Rae Luckie
Ph: 02. 4448 0843
Email: rae@uow.edu.au

Bega Campus (Primary Methods only)
Dr Sue Duchesne
Ph: 02. 64947235
Email: sued@uow.edu.au

Applying for Entry into the GDipEd

Entry Criteria:

The following criteria are used to determine entry:

1. Applicants must hold a completed Bachelor's degree before commencing the Graduate Diploma program. This degree must meet the N.S.W.I.T's requirements for teaching in the desired teaching method.
2. A letter of assessment and approval, issued by the Faculty of Education, must be included in your application. The application deadline for this assessment is 30 June 2008, however, you may apply for this assessment letter before this date if you have finished your degree or have enrolled in your final session of subjects.
3. University of Wollongong graduates receive preference in the offers of places in the program. It is expected that this trend will continue. That is, first preference will be given to eligible UOW graduates. Applicants from other universities will be considered where spaces are available.
4. A strong academic performance is required. That is, at least a credit average, for example, a minimum WAM of 70.
5. Demonstrated interest, and/or previous related experience, for example, coaching a sporting team, teaching scripture or training in the work place will be considered. Applicants should include this documentation with their application.
6. There are a number of positions reserved for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students. Students should indicate in their application if they wish to be considered for these places.
7. The strict deadline for submission of the completed application to Uniadvice, including the Faculty assessment, is 31 October 2008.

Planning and Assessing Your Degree to Meet Entry Requirements

The requirements of the N.S.W.I.T. (and the University of Wollongong) are summarised below:

One (1) full academic year of study, at the University of Wollongong, equals
12 credit points at 100-level or higher. This is also referred to as "two semester units"
This is normally two x 6 credit point subjects.

Two (2) full academic years of study, at the University of Wollongong, equals 12 credit points at 100-level plus 12 credit points at 200-level with a total of at least 24 credit points. This is also referred to as "four semester units"

This is normally two x 6 credit point subjects at first year level and two x 6 credit point subjects at a second year level.

Three (3) full academic years of study, at the University of Wollongong, equals
12 credit points at 100-level plus 12 credit points at 200-level plus 12 credit points at 300-level with a total of at least 36 points. This is also referred to as "six semester units".

This is normally two x 6 credit point subjects at first year level plus two x 6 credit point subjects at a second year level plus two x 6 credit point subjects at a third year level.

Assessing Your Degree

1. Informal Assessment: If you require further advice regarding your subject choice in your undergraduate program, you may submit your proposed undergraduate pattern of study to the Student Service Centre for informal assessment, at the beginning or during the progression of your degree.
   
   Download "Request for Informal Assessment" Form (pdf)
   Download "Request for Informal Assessment" Form (doc)
   
   
2. By 30 June in the year prior to your proposed GDE studies, you must apply to the Faculty of Education for a formal assessment of your degree. This letter of assessment / approval of pattern of study should be included in your application which must be submitted to UniAdvice on or before 31 October 2008. However, you may apply for the letter before 30 June, if you have completed your undergraduate program.
   
   Download "Request for Official Assessment" Form (pdf)
   Download "Request for Official Assessment" Form (doc)

The turn-around time for these assessments is at least five (5) working days. Students are advised to check their program of study with requirements listed on the N.S.W.I.T. web page, during the course of their undergraduate degree.

The requirements of the N.S.W.I.T. (and the University of Wollongong) for teaching areas offered at the University of Wollongong are summarised below. For more detailed descriptions of each category, please refer to the NSWIT document at

http://www.nswteachers.nsw.edu.au/Subject-content-requirements-abridged.html

Primary

The N.S.W.I.T. requires minimum study in a relevant undergraduate (and appropriate post graduate) degree/s.
This minimum is:

Two full academic years (four semester units) of study in one key learning area and one full academic year (two semester units) of study in two other key learning areas. The key learning areas are:

• English
• Maths
• Science and Technology
• Human Society and Its Environment
• Creative and Practical Arts
• Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

For more detailed descriptions of each category, please refer to the N.S.W.I.T. document / web page:

http://www.nswteachers.nsw.edu.au/Subject-content-requirements-abridged.html

Secondary

To be considered for a position in the GDE (Secondary) students must have completed undergraduate degrees that make them eligible to undertake two (2) Secondary teaching methods. While there are many teaching areas, the Methods listed below are those available at the University of Wollongong.

The DET is offering scholarships for undergraduate and GDE studies in Mathematics, Science and English. For further details contact the Scholarships Unit at the DET or visit the website:

https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/employment/teachnsw/scholarships_uni.htm

Some Methods subjects may not be offered in 2009 if the demand is low

Art

Within a completed degree, at least one full academic year (two semester units) of practical studies in 2 and 3 and/or 4 dimensional art forms, one full academic year (two semester units) of art theory / art history and one full academic year (two semester units) of studio art making practice.

(Please note: 2D = painting, drawing, photography, 3D = ceramics, sculpture, 4D = performance works, video or digital animation)

Art can be a single or double method.

UOW example:

Within a completed Bachelor of Creative Arts degree, a major in Visual Arts which includes 12 credit points (2 semester units) of drawing, 6 credit points (one semester unit) of sculpture, 12 credit points (2 semester units) in Art History and 12 credit points (2 semester units) in practical studio studies.

Computer Studies (Information Systems)

3 full academic years (six semester units) of Computer Studies, which must include 12 credit points (two semester units) of information and communications technologies.

Computer Studies can be a single or double method (or with Maths – studied as three methods)

UOW example:

Within a completed Bachelor's degree, a major in computing technology subjects which includes 12 credit points (2 semester units) of information and communications technologies (IACT).

Drama

3 full academic years (six semester units) of theatre / drama studies.

Drama is a single method.

UOW example:

Within a completed Bachelor's degree, a major in Drama including performance, production and theory.

As a second or additional teaching area, 24 credit points (four semester units) of performance, production and theory.

English

Three full academic years (six semester units) of study in English Literature subjects.

English is a single method.

UOW example:

Within a completed Bachelor's degree, a major in English Literature.

History (Modern only)

(as second teaching area and a single method with English, Drama or a Language)

Two full academic years (four semester units) of study in History.

UOW example:

Within a completed degree and in combination with a first teaching subject requirements, 24 credit points (four semester units) of Modern History.

Human Society and Its Environment

UOW only offers four HSIE teaching methods:

• Business Studies/Commerce,
• Legal Studies,
• Geography
• Modern History.

3 full academic years (six semester units) of study in Geography, Modern History or Legal Studies.

For Business Studies/Commerce, students must have three core subjects as follows: one (1) Accounting or one (1) Finance plus one (1) Management plus four (4) other subjects from Marketing, Human Resources, Economics or Business Law.

PLUS

2 full academic years (four semester units) of study in a second, different HSIE subject as listed below:
Business Studies/Commerce, Legal Studies, Geography or History

HSIE can be a single or double method.

UOW example:

Within a completed Bachelor's degree, a major in Commerce/Business Studies plus 24 credit points (four semester units) of Geography.

Languages

Note: French methods only may be available at University of Wollongong in 2009.

Three full academic years (six semester units) of study in post-introductory French.

Language is a single method.

UOW example:

Within a completed Bachelor's degree, a major in French, which includes 36 credit points (six semester units) of any combination of 200 level and 300 level French.

Mathematics

3 full academic years (six semester units) of study in pure Mathematics

Maths is a double method.

UOW example:

Within a completed Bachelor's degree, a major in Mathematics.

Music

3 full academic years (six semester units) which must include musicological study in a range of musical styles, a strong component of contemporary and western art music, compositional techniques and a minimum of two full academic years (four semester units) of music performance studies.

Music can be a single or double method.

UOW example:

Within a completed Bachelor's degree, a major in Sound, Composition and Performance.

Physical Education and Health

3 full academic years of degree level study in PDHPE, which contains three semester units of health education studies (including mental health, sexual health, drug education, child protection education, gender and risk taking behaviours) and three semester units in physical education studies (including contemporary dance, gymnastics, aquatics, track and field, games and sports).
Note: The Faculty of Education offers a Graduate Certificate in Physical and Health Education for graduates who have completed a relevant undergraduate degree but may not have sufficient background in some of these required areas. Details can be found under the PE specialisation in the Faculty's Postgraduate Program.

PE/H is a double method.

Science

2 full academic years (four semester units) of one science and one full academic year (two semester units) in a second science. One of these areas of science studies must be in either Physics or Chemistry.

Science is a double method.

UOW example:

Within a completed Bachelor's degree, a major in Biology plus 12 credit points (two semester units) of Chemistry.

For more detailed descriptions of each category, please refer to the N.S.W.I.T. document / web page:

http://www.nswteachers.nsw.edu.au/Subject-content-requirements-abridged.html

How to apply for a position in the program

1. At the beginning of the last year of your degree, apply to the Faculty of Education for your prescription / approval letter following the steps below:
   1. Obtain an enrolment record from Student Central in Building 17, showing your complete program of study, including Spring Session subjects if you are in your final year.
   2. Take it to the Faculty of Education Student Service Centre in Building 23.
   3. Complete the "Request for Official Assessment" form (available at the SSC in Building 23 or download here)
   4. Submit "Request for Assessment" form and enrolment record to SSC before beginning of spring session.
   5. Allow at least 20 working days for the official assessment to be mailed to you.
2. Obtain a Postgraduate Coursework Application form from Student Central (Building 17), or download from the Prospective Students link on the UOW website (http://www.uow.edu.au/prospective/apply/index.html).
3. Attach your Formal Assessment Form, stating that your undergraduate degree is approved for teaching in the chosen Methods area(s).
4. The strict deadline for receipt of applications is 31 October, 2008.
   This application is to be submitted directly to UniAdvice in Building 36.
5. You should include a statement regarding your teaching philosophy (no more than one page) and a brief overview (no more than one page) of any previous formal or informal teaching positions or leadership roles.
6. Offers are made in early December 2008. Acceptance and enrolment are in January 2009.
7. You cannot defer your offer into the program. You will need to re-apply for each year in which you wish to study.
8. No other courses may be studied concurrently with the GDE. You will not be permitted to enrol in additional subjects to complete undergraduate degree requirements while enrolled in the GDE. Currently, the GDE cannot be commenced mid-year.

The Program

The GDE is an intensive, full time program. The timetable changes several times during the year and there are 12 weeks of full time professional experience in schools or community settings. Students must ensure that any part-time work commitments do not conflict with this schedule.

Work commitments will not be accepted as a reason for non-attendance at classes.

The GDE program comprises 48 credit points that are organised into four strands:

• Person
• Professional Skills
• Place
• Pedagogy

The practical application of these campus-based strands is realised during the Practice Teaching experience.

Person

This strand explores the nature of the learner and the role of the teacher. It will include a focus on the psychology and pedagogy of learners with an emphasis on their diverse needs. Issues of classroom management will be explored through the lens of the diversity of learners and their environments. Issues relating to personal development and health will be explored, including child protection and welfare.

Professional Skills

This strand covers the skills required of teachers as professionals. Emphasis on the development of language and literacy skills, encompassing communication, listening, interviewing, library researching, reporting and personal use of information and communication technology. Focus on developing awareness of school culture and the wider community, developing skills in intercultural communication, class management and protocol to support student welfare. Tertiary literacy development is expressed through the organization and presentation of assessment tasks in a developing portfolio.

Place

This strand is a critical study of the educational policies, historical, social and cultural contexts and philosophical underpinnings of education as they apply to the experiences of learners in schools, in particular, NSW schools. This subject focuses on the diversity of school contexts and learners, and the welfare of students. Teachers' values, perceptions and judgments and the way these impact on assessment and evaluation of student learning are systematically explored in conjunction with processes of curriculum development, implementation and evaluation. Emphasis is placed on the ways in which gender, aboriginality, ethnicity, class, sexuality and difference are constructed. Language use, teaching strategies, student welfare, assessment and information technology in the curriculum are critically examined.

Pedagogy (Methods)

Teaching methodology subjects draw on students' undergraduate and other GDE studies to examine the practical aspects of planning and implementing relevant curricula in the classroom. Most of the teaching methodology subjects are taught by experienced teachers from schools in the Illawarra region. Also the number of places in some methods subjects may have to be limited if applications exceed capacity.

Some Methods subjects may not be offered in 2009 if the demand is low

Each student must undertake two (2) Methods subjects from the list below:

Methods chosen must be either two single Methods, (i.e. two chosen from Computer Studies, English, Modern History, Drama, French, Social Science A, Social Science B, Social Science C, Art A or Music A)

or

A set of double Methods (Social Science A, B, and/or C), Mathematics A & B, Science A & B, Art A & B, Computer Studies A & B, or Music A & B)

Computer Studies Single Method can be studied with Maths A & B to give two teaching areas.

Art, Music and Social Science are offered as both single and double methods.

Practice Teaching

This is a compulsory component of the degree. It focuses on field experience in schools and on practice teaching in schools. Emphasis is placed on lesson planning and classroom management, and catering for a diversity of learners in the classroom. Students will also be required to reflect on the role of the teacher in child protection and welfare. Supervised practice teaching* and field experience undertaken in local schools in the Illawarra area involves a total of 60 days in schools, with teachers approved by the N.S.W. Department of School Education as supervisors and input and visits from University Methods staff. There are options to undertake part of the practice teaching overseas (see page 9) or in other parts of N.S.W. There may also be opportunities to support local schools and community groups in other ways.

*Practice Teaching-2009

In 2009 there will be three periods of practice teaching / school experience in the program; the first is two blocks: three-weeks and three- weeks respectively. The initial three-week block occurs just prior to Easter, the second,three-week block is in June. The third practice teaching block is for five weeks in October/November. There are also five professional experience days across both sessions.

Criminal Record Check

The N.S.W. DET requires all teacher education students applying for placement or employment to undergo a criminal record check prior to commencement in a N.S.W. Government school. This check will be conducted the N.S.W. Police Service and will be coordinated by the N.S.W. DET. This information will be confidential. This procedure will be further explained at enrolment. Students who require any further information on the process should contact the Director of the program.

Overseas Practicum Experiences

The Faculty of Education offers the opportunity of a unique professional and cultural experience as students have the option to

TEACH FOR THREE WEEKS IN

Fiji, China or Malaysia

AS PART OF THE

GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN EDUCATION PROGRAM

Overseas Practice Teaching

Students in the program have the option of undertaking the first three weeks of the second practice teaching overseas. The overseas practice teaching will be in June 2009 and parallels and earns the same credit towards the Graduate Diploma as the three-week local practice teaching. The time overseas offers an illuminating professional experience that is both different from and yet relevant to teaching in Australia. In addition, through contacts with teachers and students, there is the opportunity for a much more meaningful interaction with a different culture than is available to most overseas visitors.

NOTE: A limited number of places are available for overseas practice teachings and a random computer allocation takes place based on preferences lodged by students on the Internet.

Also, please note that the number of students wishing to participate in an overseas professional experience is often greater than the number of places available.

Costs

• Fiji approximately $3000
• China approximately $3000
• Malaysia approximately $3000

More information will be available at the start of the GDE program and it will not be necessary to make a decision until the program commences.

Last reviewed: 22 April, 2008