connect: secondary 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: Educational Consultant, Educational Manager, High School Teacher Visual Arts/Science/Drama/English/History/Mathematics/Music/ Modern Languages/ Geography/Business Studies/ Commerce and Legal Studies, Outdoor Education Teacher, PDHPE Teacher, Private College Teacher, Recreational Activities Coordinator, School Counsellor, School Principal, Sport Development Officer, TAFE Teacher, Training and Development Officer.
what we do connect: Degree Programs 2 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
Bachelor of Physical and Health Education ATAR 75 DURATION
4 years
STARTS
Autumn (February)
UAC 755101 CRICOS 062239G
This is a professional degree designed to provide academic and professional training for employment , both nationally and internationally, as a Physical and Health Education teacher. In NSW, graduates are employed as secondary teachers of Personal Development, Health and Physical Education. UOW is a leader in this field and this degree reflects the growing importance, and potential, of physical and health education in today’s society.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE The degree combines university and classroom experience throughout the course, using on-campus, on-line learning, and school and community settings. Core units include Movement Education, Health Education, Curriculum and Pedagogy, Educational Foundations and Movement Science.
Professional Experience (PEx) Professional Experience is a critical component of the degree with students engaging in four professional experience placements over the course of their degree. The first placement is in the second session of the first year of the degree. Students can undertake professional experience in a variety of schools throughout the four year course. You can also apply for ‘out-of-area’ (e.g. rural NSW) and overseas professional experiences.
Professional Recognition The Bachelor of Physical and Health Education is fully accredited by the NSW Institute of Teachers and is nationally recognised.
Bachelor of Science Education ATAR 73
This degree qualifies you as a secondary Science teacher.
DURATION
4 years
STARTS
Autumn (February)
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
UAC 755103 CRICOS 069491F
You will study: discipline studies in science; teaching and learning in science; curriculum and pedagogy; and foundation studies in education. The degree integrates university and classroom experience throughout the course, using on-campus, on-site (schools and elsewhere) and on-line learning environments.
Professional Experience (PEx) Professional experience starts in the first session of your degree. You can undertake PEx 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 It is fully accredited by the NSW Institute of Teachers and is nationally recognised.
Bachelor of Mathematics Education ATAR 73 DURATION
4 years
STARTS
Autumn (February)
UAC 755102 CRICOS 051340B
This degree will prepare you for work as a secondary Mathematics teacher. In addition to teacher training, it includes a mathematics major which will qualify you as a mathematician and communicator. You will study mathematics, teaching and learning in mathematics, curriculum and pedagogy, and foundation studies in education.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE The degree combines university and classroom experience throughout the course, using on-campus, on-site (schools and elsewhere) and online learning environments.
Professional Experience (PEx) Professional experience starts in the first session of your degree. You can undertake PEx 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 It is fully accredited by the NSW Institute of Teachers and is nationally recognised. 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.
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Graduate Diploma in Education Secondary DURATION
1 year
STARTS
Autumn (February)
CRICOS 063259G LOCATIONS
Wollongong, Batemans Bay, Bega, Shoalhaven
This degree will prepare you to teach in Secondary 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 in the area of your chosen teaching area (method) is essential. UOW offers the following: Visual Arts, Drama, English, French, Modern History, Mathematics, Music, Geography, Legal Studies, Business Studies, Society and Culture, Science, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), Modern Languages and Computer Studies. The degree combines practical and theoretical elements of professional aspects, including methods work and classroom practice. Practical experience is integrated with foundation studies in education. To do this, you’ll attend lectures, tutorials, field trips, group exercises, blended learning experiences, demonstrations and lessons.
Professional Experience (PEx) Professional Experience starts in your first session. You can undertake PEx in local secondary 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
learn your way connect: opportunities OPPORTUNITIES TO EXCEL Dean’s Scholar
Scholarships
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.
We offer a number of scholarship opportunities for Secondary Education students, including:
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
Ivan Bandur Diploma in Education Scholarship 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.
COLLINS EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP The Collins Education Scholarship is for fulltime education students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Education, primary or secondary, at UOW Bega. For more information go to uow.edu.au/about/scholarships
4 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
Leif Smith Head Teacher at Thomas Reddall High School, Ambarvale, Campbelltown Bachelor of Physical & Health Education – Class I Honours Leif Smith has always loved sports, studying the Bachelor of Physical and Health Education allowed him to combine his passion for sport with his desire to teach and make a difference. “UOW has always had an outstanding reputation for producing quality PDHPE teachers. The lecturers and tutors are all experts in their field, and because these experts give you the right ammunition, the skills and philosophies, you have the confidence to go out there and succeed.” When Leif graduated he received a targeted place and went to Tamworth High School. He taught there for five years before returning to the region to teach at Thomas Reddall High School where he is now a head teacher. “The most rewarding part of my job is working with a bunch of extremely motivated staff. People always accuse me of being cliché, but the DEC (Department of Education and Communities) motto when I went for my interview was “teach and make a
difference,” and for me that is what I enjoy most—going to work every day and making a difference in a kid’s life.” Leif credits UOW’s reputation as something that drew him to study here, but also the potential to get involved with sport on campus. “I went to the Australian University Games three times for track and field and it was an experience I will never forget, a brilliant social activity that combines university and sport. I played for the University Rugby Club and the University Cricket Club, the camaraderie in the University sporting teams in the Illawarra competitions is fantastic. I still go along and watch a game of rugby here and there—in fact, since I’ve been back in Wollongong the cricket club still gives me a call every now and then and asks me to fill in.” “I remain in close contact with all my UOW lecturers and go and visit them from time to time. Whilst my journey on campus ended in 2004, it feels great to know they are still there for me eight years later, willing to help and support me.”
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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