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. It is not possible to commence the course in the middle of the year and 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 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 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. Candidates must have also met the NSW Institute of Teachers' (NSWIT) subject content requirements for Secondary 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 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 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:
1) all core subjects, including 55 days professional experience; and
2) 2 Methods subjects, in a combination approved by the Faculty of Education at the time of enrolment.

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.

Course Program

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

Other Information

Further information is available at:
Education email: ssc@uow.edu.au