PRIMARY SCIENCE TEACHING
WELCOME TO OPEN POLYTECHNIC Whether you are looking to improve your career prospects, or learn something new, we can help you achieve your goal. We specialise in open learning – learning that gives you more freedom to decide what you study and where you study. Our courses are specifically designed for delivery by distance, which means you can fit your study around your life. And just because you are learning by distance, doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. You will have access to your tutors and lecturers by email or phone and to other students studying the same course through the Online Campus, the student support section of our website. It is our goal to make sure that you enjoy your study and that you succeed. So welcome to learning for today’s world, and congratulations on taking up the challenge of further education.
Please note that information contained in this brochure may be subject to change without notice.
Key dates TRIMESTER 3, 2014 Enrolments open for 2015
1 November 2014
Enrolments close for Trimester 3
2 November 2014
Trimester 3 officially begins Last day for withdrawing (with refund) Last day for withdrawing (no refund)
10 November 2014 7 December 2014 25 January 2015
TRIMESTER 1, 2015 Enrolments close for Trimester 1
17 February 2015
Graduation ceremony attendance applications close
28 February 2015
Trimester 1 officially begins Last day for withdrawing (with refund) Last day for withdrawing (no refund)
2 March 2015 29 March 2015 24 May 2015
TRIMESTER 2, 2015 Enrolments close for Trimester 2 Trimester 2 officially begins Last day for withdrawing (with refund) Last day for withdrawing (no refund)
3 July 2015 13 July 2015 9 August 2015 4 October 2015
TRIMESTER 3, 2015 Enrolments open for 2016
1 November 2015
Enrolments close for Trimester 3
1 November 2015
Trimester 3 officially begins
9 November 2015
Last day for withdrawing (with refund)
6 December 2015
Last day for withdrawing (no refund)
24 January 2016
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Introduction Open Polytechnic has three graduate qualifications in primary science teaching which have been specifically designed for in-service primary school teachers teaching in New Zealand primary schools. The qualifications have been developed to: 路 increase teacher confidence in their science knowledge and understanding 路 improve capability to respond to science teaching challenges, including bicultural and multicultural contexts, and the changing technological landscape 路 improve leadership capability to sustain improvements in science teaching and the contribution of science to society. Although all three qualifications can be enrolled in separately, they have been designed so that teachers can begin their study with either the Graduate Certificate in Primary Science Teaching (Curriculum) or the Graduate Certificate in Primary Science Teaching (Leadership) before applying to credit their study to the Graduate Diploma in Primary Science Teaching. All courses are delivered online with the support of a lecturer.
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Science Behind the Living World
Science Behind the Material World
Science Behind the Physical World
Science Behind the Planet Earth and Beyond
Doing Science to Teach Science
Approaches to Science Teaching
Challenges of Science Teaching
Championing Science
76302
76303
76304
76305
76306
76307
76308
COURSE
76301
COURSE CODE
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GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN PRIMARY SCIENCE TEACHING
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GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN PRIMARY SCIENCE TEACHING (LEADERSHIP)
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GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN PRIMARY SCIENCE TEACHING (CURRICULUM)
OP7611 GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN PRIMARY SCIENCE TEACHING (CURRICULUM) Qualification code: OP7611 Level: 7 Credits: 60 The Graduate Certificate in Primary Science Teaching (Curriculum) takes the perspective that science can be fun. It encourages you and your students to learn science by doing science and discusses the effectiveness with which science concepts and principles are embedded into learning experiences. You will become more confident as a teacher of science and in your own ability to design and deliver learning experiences that support and inspire your students. Your knowledge will help your students to investigate and understand science knowledge and concepts. SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN On completion of this qualification you will be able to: 路 demonstrate knowledge of science that underpins aspects of the New Zealand science curriculum relevant to students 路 discuss aspects of the nature of science, and its relevance to society and science teaching 路 assess the effectiveness of particular learning experiences in addressing fundamental science concepts and understanding of the nature of science 路 design and deliver learning experiences that support and inspire students to understand science knowledge and concepts. Graduates of this qualification may be able to increase their employment opportunities by being a specialist in science teaching. Graduates can also apply to credit their study to the Graduate Diploma in Primary Science Teaching.
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QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE This qualification is made up of five courses. COURSE CODE
COURSE
CREDITS
76301
Science Behind the Living World
10
76302
Science Behind the Material World
10
76303
Science Behind the Physical World
10
76304
Science Behind the Planet Earth and Beyond
10
76305
Doing Science to Teach Science
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Visit our website for a full description of each course. PLAN YOUR STUDY ONLINE It’s easy to start planning your Graduate Certificate in Primary Science Teaching (Curriculum) with our fun and interactive online planning tool called My Study Plan. You can use the tool to plan what courses to study and when. To create your study plan today, visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/mystudyplan COURSE AVAILABILITY Please visit the qualification page on our website to view course availability.
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GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN PRIMARY SCIENCE TEACHING (LEADERSHIP) Qualification code: OP7612 Level: 7 Credits: 60 The Graduate Certificate in Primary Science Teaching (Leadership) enables you to explore the evidence for different teaching approaches used in science and to undertake practice-led research. It will help you develop your ability to respond to contextual challenges and champion science within and beyond the school. You will have the opportunity to engage and contribute to research on effective science teaching, and explore potential responses to the issues that influence science education in your community. Graduates of this qualification may be able to increase their employment opportunities by being a leader in science teaching and science advocacy. Graduates can also apply to credit their study to the Graduate Diploma in Primary Science Teaching. SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN On completion of this qualification you will be able to: · discuss aspects of the nature of science, its relevance to society and to science teaching · outline the foundations of alternative approaches to the teaching of science and explain why these are appropriate teaching methods · identify and prioritise challenges and opportunities in science teaching, and develop strategies to meet these · contribute to the field of practice-led research in science teaching · advocate for effective science teaching and be a positive change agent within the school and beyond.
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QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE This qualification is made up of three courses. COURSE CODE
COURSE
CREDITS
76306
Approaches to Science Teaching
20
76307
Challenges of Science Teaching
20
76308
Championing Science
20
Visit our website for a full description of each course. COURSE AVAILABILITY Please visit the qualification page on our website to view course availability.
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GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN PRIMARY SCIENCE TEACHING Qualification code: OP7610 Level: 7 Credits: 120 The Graduate Diploma in Primary Science Teaching consists of the eight courses which make up the two graduate certificates. You can enrol directly into the graduate diploma or you can begin your study with a graduate certificate before applying to credit your study to the graduate diploma. Graduates of this qualification will be recognised as a science specialist teacher and advocate in their school. Graduates can also use it as a stepping stone to enrol in further study. QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE COURSE CODE
COURSE
CREDITS
76301
Science Behind the Living World
10
76302
Science Behind the Material World
10
76303
Science Behind the Physical World
10
76304
Science Behind the Planet Earth and Beyond
10
76305
Doing Science to Teach Science
20
76306
Approaches to Science Teaching
20
76307
Challenges of Science Teaching
20
76308
Championing Science
20
Visit our website for a full description of each course.
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PLAN YOUR STUDY ONLINE It’s easy to start planning your Graduate Diploma in Primary Science Teaching with our fun and interactive online planning tool called My Study Plan. You can use the tool to plan what courses to study and when. To create your study plan today, visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/mystudyplan COURSE AVAILABILITY Please visit the qualification page on our website to view course availability.
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General Information DELIVERY All three qualifications are delivered online. ASSESSMENT All three qualifications are internally assessed. You will be required to complete online real-time quizzes, submit journals, portfolios, case studies and assessments. Workplace learning All three qualifications have a workplace component. Specific activities in the workplace may include: · compiling and commenting on local curriculum documents, or offering alternatives · critiquing teaching and learning resources · observing/commenting on classroom activities and their outcomes · designing, implementing and evaluating learning experiences · conducting practice-led research · promoting/explaining science and science teaching to colleagues and the community.
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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS These qualifications are open to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents living in New Zealand. To enrol in these qualifications you must fulfil the following requirements. · Hold a bachelor degree or a diploma, or experience considered equivalent to a bachelor degree. · Be registered and working as a practising teacher in a New Zealand intermediate or primary school. · Have access to a computer with broadband internet access. · We require approval from your principal (or board of trustees chairperson if you are the principal) to show that you have the support of school staff and/or community to integrate your studies with workplace practices, and have ongoing access to a class of students to support relevant workplace learning and assessment activities. We will give you more information when you apply to enrol online. English language English is the language of study at Open Polytechnic. You will need to be able to read and write well in English so that you can understand course materials and also submit written assessments. There are criteria that must be met if English is not your first language. For more information about English language requirements, please call freephone 0508 650 200 or visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/englishlanguage ENROLMENT You can apply to enrol online from our website. Visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/howtoenrol for more information. You will be advised if additional infomation is needed to progress your application, and you can usually complete this online during the application process. Please check the ‘key dates’ section at the beginning of this brochure for enrolment deadlines for each trimester.
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STUDY TIME All courses have a credit value which helps you work out how much study time you will need. Allow about 10 hours of study per credit. To determine how many hours of study this means each week, divide the total hours by the enrolment period. For example, if you enrol in a 20-credit course over a trimester (17 weeks), you will need to complete about 11–12 (200 ÷ 17) hours of study per week. FEES Fees are displayed on each course and qualification page on our website. Visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz and browse our subjects and courses to find the fee information you need. SET TEXTS A list of set texts required is on our website at openpolytechnic.ac.nz/textbooks Texts can be bought online via a link on the qualification page on our website. Or you can go to vicbooks.co.nz and click the Open Polytechnic link. LOANS, ALLOWANCES & OTHER FUNDING Student loans and allowances are administered by StudyLink. We recommend that you apply for a student loan at least 4 weeks before the trimester starts. We cannot confirm your enrolment or send your course materials until your fees have been paid. For more information, or to find out if you’re eligible for a student loan, visit studylink.govt.nz or give StudyLink a call on 0800 88 99 00. Financial assistance We have a fund to help students who are in financial need and have no other option for financial support. This fund is available for course fees and/or set textbooks. Conditions apply. Contact us for more information. See the last page of this brochure for contact details. Scholarships We also offer a range of scholarships to support students. Visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/scholarships for more information.
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LEARNING SUPPORT Your lecturer You will have a lecturer for each course you study. Your lecturer is there to help you through the course work, make sure you have understood the study material and check your progress. You can contact them on our freephone or by email, fax or letter. Their contact details will be in the information we send you when you enrol. STUDENT INFORMATION You can find current enrolment and study information on our website including details of our systems and processes and the services we offer. Visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/studywithus to find out more. Te Wähanga Whakapakari Ako (the Learning Centre) Te Wähanga Whakapakari Ako (the Learning Centre) can help you with a wide range of learning support services and resources. These include: · tips and techniques to help you succeed in online and distance learning · one-to-one consultations with a learning advisor (telephone or email) · StudyWise and ExamWise which are free online study and exam preparation workshops · disability services · a student mentoring programme. For more information visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/learningsupport
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Te Kura Wänanga (the Mäori Office) Te Kura Wänanga (the Mäori Office) can help you with your learning and cultural needs in a kaupapa Mäori context. We use Mäori values and principles to enhance your learning journey. For more information visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/maorisupport Online Campus Online Campus is the area of our website where you can: · access and submit assessments · link to web pages specific to your course, including frequently asked questions (FAQ), assessment hints, web resources, staff information and sometimes online quizzes and tutorials · communicate with other students in your course, and with your lecturer or tutor · access the library · download past exam papers. My Open Polytechnic My Open Polytechnic is our online portal for our students. With My Open Polytechnic you can: · update your details · view your study information · track the status of your materials · access your assessment submission deadlines, marks and final grades for each course · check your account balance · access Online Campus and the library. Once you’re enrolled, you can also keep track of your study information on the go with the My Open Polytechnic smartphone app called My OP. To download the app, search for ‘My OP’ on the App Store (Apple iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android smartphone). These come pre-installed on your smartphone.
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Library We provide a library service for students. There is no additional fee for using it. The library service provides: 路 online resources 路 guides on how to search for information 路 a distance-lending service with free and fast delivery 路 information about study techniques. For more information about the library visit openpolytechnic.ac.nz/oplibrary FURTHER STUDY For information on other courses and qualifications available at Open Polytechnic, visit our website or contact us.
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Notes
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Contact us Website: openpolytechnic.ac.nz Freephone: 0508 650 200 Overseas phone: +64 4 913 5300 Email: customerservices@openpolytechnic.ac.nz Private Bag 31914 Lower Hutt 5040 New Zealand
OTHER USEFUL CONTACT DETAILS StudyLink Website: studylink.govt.nz Phone: 0800 889 900
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Freephone 0508 650 200 Overseas phone +64 4 913 5300 openpolytechnic.ac.nz Private Bag 31914 路 Lower Hutt 5040 New Zealand