2009 Undergraduate Courses
2009 Postgraduate Courses
Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary)
Testamur Title of Degree: |
Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) |
Abbreviation: |
GDipEd |
Home Faculty: |
Education |
Duration: |
1 year |
Total Credit Points: |
54 |
Delivery Mode: |
Face-to-face with online support |
Starting Session(s): |
GDE Autumn |
Location: |
Wollongong |
UOW Course Code: |
686 |
CRICOS Code: |
063259G |
Overview
The Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) provides a professional course of pre-service education for intending secondary school teachers. It also serves as an introduction to the study of education for those who wish to pursue further studies in the field, for example, at Masters level. 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, over an extended academic year of 36 teaching weeks from mid February to late November. It is not possible to study the course part-time, or to commence the course in the middle of the year.
The GDipEd program involves lectures, seminars, tutorials, individual assignments, group exercises and eleven weeks of full-time professional experience in schools. Students are advised that the structure of the course makes it essential that it be undertaken as full-time study.
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: Commerce/Business Studies, Legal Studies, Geography, History, English, Computing Studies, Drama, French, Mathematics, Science, Art, Music, Physical and Health Education.
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 letter from the Faculty of Education stating that the student's undergraduate program is acceptable to the Department for recognition as a teacher of the chosen methods area(s) is compulsory for each student in their application.
Course Program
Subjects |
Session |
Credit Points | |
For those students pursuing secondary school methods: 54cp Program, as below. | |||
Professional Experience |
GDE Annual |
0 | |
Literacy Across the Curriculum |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
Learning and Behaviour |
GDE Autumn |
6 | |
Educational Sociology |
GDE Autumn |
6 | |
Professional Skills for PDHPE (PHE students only) |
GDE Autumn |
6 | |
Aboriginal Education |
GDE Autumn |
6 | |
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (not PHE methods students) |
GDE Spring |
6 | |
Learners with Special Needs |
GDE Spring |
6 | |
Quality Teaching |
GDE Spring |
6 | |
Plus two Secondary Methods in an approved combination, chosen from the following list (6cp each) | |||
Science Method 1 |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
Science Method 2 |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
Mathematics Method 1 |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
Mathematics Method 2 |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
English Method |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
History Method |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
Geography Method |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
Commerce and Business Studies Method |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
Legal Studies Method |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
Music Method 1 |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
Music Method 2 |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
Visual Arts Method 1 |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
Visual Arts Method 2 |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
Drama Method |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
French Method |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
Computer Studies Method 1 |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
Computer Studies Method 2 |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Method 1 |
GDE Annual |
6 | |
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Method 2 |
GDE Annual |
6 | |