connect: primary education
WELCOME Hello and congratulations for picking up this booklet, which provides information on the fantastic opportunities an Education degree from the University of Wollongong can offer you. When I started my teaching career things were very different. Today’s teacher is a more technologically-savvy, innovative and multifaceted educator. Yet some things remain similar. Most teachers still enter the profession for the same reason; we are driven to make a difference and to inspire young people through learning. Through our quality programs at UOW, we strive to inspire you, to grow your passion and motivation for teaching and to provide a cuttingedge education that will prepare you fully for a contemporary career. This includes access to the latest educational technology and world-class academic staff who teach, undertake strong research and maintain working links with national and international education organisations. We have a great record of graduate satisfaction and our graduates are highly regarded – they get jobs*. Our professional experience program means you will teach in schools throughout your degree and have the opportunity to experience classrooms overseas. The world of education is exciting. It is always evolving, changing and sometimes, is challenging. It is a wonderful environment for innovation, for passion and for making an impact on the lives of individuals and communities. If you are thinking about a teaching career, we hope that you will join us to gain what we consider to be Australia’s standout teaching degrees.
Associate Professor Ian Brown Head of School of Education Faculty of Social Sciences
connect: education
1 FIVE REASONS TO STUDY EDUCATION AT UOW 2 GRADUATE OUTCOMES 3 OUR DEGREES 4 OPPORTUNITIES TO EXCEL 5 STUDENT PROFILE
* UOW is ranked first in Australia for Educational Experience and Graduate Outcomes – Australian Good Universities Guide 2013
Five reasons to study Education at UOW Education at UOW connects you with people, programs and technology to enhance your learning experience.
1. Modern Facilities At UOW you will receive training in the latest technology so that you are well prepared when you enter the classroom. Facilities include our own Curriculum Resource Library and classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards. You will gain access to the latest research in teacher education and practice through the extensive resources of the modern UOW library.
2. Professional Experiences – here and abroad At UOW you’ll be teaching in classrooms from your very first session. Learning by doing—the Professional Experience program—is the heart of our teacher training. Throughout your degree, you can spend up to 16 weeks teaching in schools and classrooms. You’ll implement the theory you learn. When you graduate you’ll start work knowing that you have what it takes to succeed. Professional experiences can be local or overseas in countries such as Fiji, China and Thailand.
3. Mentoring and support Many of our students will undertake additional intensive mentoring through programs such as Professional Partners in Practice and Dean’s Scholarships. These programs are designed to give our students support to build connections with peers, academic staff and professional educators. UOW Education students are also supported by its Careers Consultant, who provides targeted services and support to increase employability and graduate outcomes. The Careers Consultant gives access to careers related information and resources related specifically to the education sector.
4. We’re invested in our community The School of Education has very strong community ties with public, Catholic and independent schools across the Illawarra and South East region. In particular, the School has established partnerships with the Department of Education and Communities (DEC) under the NSW Smarter Schools National Program. We regularly work with schools from Sutherland down to the Victorian border and south west to the Southern Highlands as well as areas in the west of NSW. This means you can also get involved with the community. You can do this through service learning as part of the Education for Social Equity subject, being a mentor through the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience or working in one of the indigenous schools that we partner with.
5. Learn From Our GradUATEs The School of Education run Alumni Mentored Interviews for final year Education students in preparation for their compulsory Department of Education and Communities (DEC) interviews for their teaching accreditation. The program is unique to UOW. It’s your opportunity to meet one-on-one with our graduates and be interviewed in a formal setting. Our students find that this helps prepare them for their DEC interviews. In these one-on-one interviews students are asked the kind of questions they can expect in their DEC interview and are provided advice on how to best prepare for that interview.
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Have you ever had a teacher that inspired or impressed you? That teacher, most likely, helped you achieve your best. Teachers have always played a major role in shaping the lives of others. At UOW, our teaching programs offer you the best preparation for a career in teaching by placing you as a pre-service teacher in schools, sooner.
Graduate Outcomes As a graduate from the School of Education you will: have a sound educational knowledge and understanding of the teaching profession at a state, national and international level. engage with new ideas and seek to extend knowledge through research and analysis. take on challenges and opportunities by applying logic, innovation and a flexible approach. be collaborative and able to articulate ideas using different media. have ability and propensity to act responsibly and empathetically in school and community contexts. There are many avenues of progression in an Education career: Child Care Worker, Educational Consultant, Educational Manager, High School Teacher in Art/Computing/Science/Drama/English/ History/Mathematics/Music/Science, Outdoor Education Teacher, PHE Teacher, Primary Teacher, Private College Teacher, Recreational Activities Coordinator, School Counsellor, School Principal, Sport Development Officer, TAFE Teacher, Training and Development Officer.
OUR SCHOOL connect: Degree programs 2 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
Bachelor of Primary Education ATAR 75 DURATION
4 years
STARTS
Autumn (February)
UAC 755112 CRICOS 059750G
This degree is a specialist program, which specifically prepares its graduates for the rewarding role of being a primary school educator. This program prepares you to meet the educational needs of children aged 5–12 years and qualifies you to teach in NSW schools. It is recognised as a teaching qualification nationally and internationally. You’ll learn the important role you will play as a teacher in the community, how children learn and about a classroom environment where all children can learn. You will also study Educational Psychology and Sociology, Aboriginal Education, Classroom Management and Information and Communication Technology.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE The degree combines university and classroom experience throughout the course, using on-campus, on-site and online learning environments.
Professional Experience (PEx) PEx starts in the first session of the first year of the degree. It is your chance to experience life as a teacher in real schools and classroom settings. You can undertake professional experience in local schools throughout the course, and you can apply for ‘out-of-area’ professional experiences (e.g. in rural NSW) and overseas experiences.
Professional Recognition This degree is fully accredited by the NSW Institute of Teachers and is nationally recognised.
Graduate Diploma in Education Primary DURATION
1 year
STARTS
Autumn (February)
CRICOS 063258G LOCATIONS
Wollongong, Batemans Bay, Bega, Shoalhaven
This degree will prepare you to teach in Primary schools and aims to help you understand important educational theories and how these inform teaching in schools. As a graduate entry program, you must first complete a Bachelor degree that meets the subject content requirements set by the NSW Institute of Teachers. Undergraduate study across a range of subjects is recommended, particularly as literacy and numeracy are a focus in primary schools. A minimum of 8 subjects linked to the following Key Learning Areas are required: English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Human Society and its Environment (HSIE), Personal Development, Health & Physical Education (PDHPE) and Creative Arts. The degree combines practical and theoretical elements of professional aspects, including work across the Key Learning Areas and classroom practice. Practical experience is integrated with foundation studies in education. To do this, you’ll attend lectures, tutorials and field trips, and participate in group exercises, blended learning experiences, lesson observations and associated activities.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (PEx) Professional Experience starts in your first session. You can undertake PEx in local primary schools throughout the course or you can apply for ‘out-of-area’ PEx (e.g. in rural NSW) and overseas experiences.
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION This degree is fully accredited by the NSW Institute of Teachers and is both nationally and internationally recognised. For more information, see: www.uow.edu.au/educ/courses/graddiped
Under the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998, all students enrolled in these degrees are required to complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration before undertaking any professional experience that involves children or young people. Pre-service teachers who participate in internship programs in NSW schools will be required to undergo a Working with Children Check. Please note: Professional Experience is a compulsory component embedded in our undergraduate and Graduate Diploma of Education courses. Therefore it is an expectation that students who participate in these courses are capable of meeting the demands of navigating their own way to, from and around the Professional Experience contexts e.g. school sites. It needs to be noted that the off-campus environment is beyond the control of UOW.
learn your way connect: Opportunities
OPPORTUNITIES TO EXCEL Dean’s Scholar
Ivan Bandur Diploma in Education Scholarship
The Dean’s Scholar program provides an enriched educational experience for high achieving students. Students enrolled in Dean’s Scholar degrees will fulfil the same requirements for their respective courses but will be allocated an academic mentor and engage in enriched assessment tasks in specified subjects.
The purpose of the Ivan Bandur Scholarship is to increase opportunities for local students studying to become teachers. This scholarship is for students from the Batemans Bay Campus who are enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Education.
Students will benefit from:
Extended library privileges Designated study space Textbook allowance of $500 per year (pro rata for part-time) Opportunities to attend School workshops and seminars End of year lunch and other relevant activities with the Dean and Mentors
Scholarships We offer a number of scholarship opportunities for Primary Education students, including:
Hazel Holmwood Scholarship for Excellence and Leadership in Quality Teaching This scholarship rewards and encourages students with a demonstrated commitment to excellence in practice and leadership through quality teaching. This scholarship is offered to Bachelor of Primary Education students who are in their 3rd year of study.
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Aunty Mary Davis Scholarship The promotion and development of Indigenous students in teacher education is a part of the School of Education’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous education. This scholarship is offered to first year Indigenous students from The Early Years degree or the Bachelor of Primary Education. For more information go to uow.edu.au/about/scholarships
Sarah Critoph Assistant Principal, Mowbray Public School Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), Bachelor of Education Honours Since graduating in 2004 Sarah Critoph has worked in a variety of fields from teaching at Shellharbour Public School for three years to working at the Royal Bank of Scotland for 12 months. When she returned to Australia in 2009, Sarah worked as a consultant with a team of people to train teachers in new teaching technologies. “I visited schools around NSW and met with teachers to introduce and explain the use of interactive whiteboards and videoconferencing systems. I really enjoyed meeting different teachers from a variety of schools and helping them do their jobs more efficiently.” Sarah is now Assistant Principal at Mowbray Public School and says the most rewarding part of her job is watching her students learn and grow. When she graduated from UOW Sarah was the recipient of the University Medal for Education, an award presented to the top students in their respective faculties.
“UOW gave me so many opportunities and so much support as I worked on my honours thesis which resulted in me receiving the University Medal. This award was very well received amongst employers and is what I believe helped me when it came to getting my dream job.” “The support you get at UOW is what enhances the experience. Building positive relationships with lecturers and tutors is important and I make an effort to stay in contact with them all.” Sarah is now responsible for managing the professional experience students who come through her school. “My advice to prospective education students is to make the most of the practical experiences. Take advantage of that classroom time and talk to as many people in schools as you can. At some universities it’s not until your third year that you get into a school. UOW gets you into schools in your very first year so you get an idea early on what you are signing up for.”
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LEARN MORE EDUCATION Student Services +61 2 4221 3981 ssc@uow.edu.au socialsciences.uow.edu.au GENERAL ENQUIRIES www.uow.edu.au/future Within Australia: 1300 367 869 International: +61 2 4221 3218 uniadvice@uow.edu.au facebook.com/uowfuture
The University of Wollongong attempts to ensure the information contained in this publication is correct at the time of production (April 2013); however, sections may be amended without notice by the University in response to changing circumstances or for any other reason. Check with the University at the time of application/enrolment for any updated information. UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG CRICOS: 00102E