Course description
About the course
Graduates of the course will be four-year-trained specialist secondary school educators who are critically reflective professional practitioners, knowledgeable in their specialist content area and who are able to operate effectively in a variety of secondary educational contexts in which they find themselves.
Curriculum areas available in the course consist of Agriculture, Design and Technology, Drama, English, Information Technology, LOTE (Languages Other Than English), Mathematics, PDHPE (Physical Development Health Physical Education), Science, Society and Environment, Teacher Librarianship and Visual Art.
The specific course aims suggest graduates will:
* be committed to education as a process of critical transformation of individuals, school and society
* have a deep understanding of, and effective skill in the teaching of the full range of subject knowledge as a dynamic aspect of children’s curricular experience
* make appropriate and explicit links between discipline and pedagogical knowledge
* be responsive to the rights and needs of diverse learners and community groups
* understand the need as scholarly and autonomous adult learners to take responsibility for their own continuing personal and professional development as critically reflective professionals.
The course can be studied either full-time on campus over 1.5 years via either Bathurst or Wagga Wagga campuses, or full-time/part-time by distance education over 1.5-3 years through Bathurst Campus.
Professional accreditation
Charles Sturt University is registered with the Australian Education Council as an institution empowered to accredit tertiary award courses, ensuring its awards are nationally and internationally recognised.
Those programs that lead to professional employment or practice meet the educational requirements of registered professional bodies and employer groups in Australia .
Graduates of the Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) who have met the relevant requirements for suitable undergraduate study, are qualified to teach subjects related to the respective curriculum method studied (major). Graduates may add a second teaching area(minor), if they have completed appropriate undergraduate study, as well as a second curriculum method subject and related professional experience placement
Residential schools
There are no residential schools or on campus requirements for students enrolled in the distance education mode associated with this course.
Credit
On entry into the Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) a standard credit package of a maximum of 96 credit points (12 subjects) will be given based on the applicant’s undergraduate degree in a teaching related discipline. Students will then be required to complete 96 credit points (12 subjects) in the Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary).
If students require additional discipline subjects (maximum of two) to meet NSWIT accreditation requirements then students will be granted 80/88 credit points (10/11 subjects) from their previous degree and be provided with the opportunity to complete up to two additional discipline subjects concurrently with the Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) to support either their first or second teaching area.
Additionally credit will be granted for equivalent subjects completed at another institution. A minimum of 50% of the course must be completed at CSU, however, in order to graduate with a CSU award.
For credit specifications in regard to Professional Experience see the section on Proficiency Credit (PCR).
Professional experience
There are two blocks of a minimum of six weeks teaching professional experience in the course. Each block may be split into two smaller blocks totalling 30 days. The first professional experience placement must be completed before enrolling in the second. In order to meet course and accreditation requirements, students will be expected to undertake professional experience placements in two different and diverse settings.
In undertaking the professional experience placements, students need to be mindful of relevant protocols that are explained on the PEP website. Students should not make arrangements for placements prior to discussions with staff in the Professional Experience Office.
Proficiency credit (PCR)
In order for a student to gain credit for professional experience, the applicant must demonstrate to the Sub-Dean Professional Experience that the completed task was indeed equivalent to a professional experience placement (PEP), that is, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) had provided the student with an opportunity to satisfy the requirements of a typical PEP. All applications for credit will be considered and a decision determined by the Sub-Dean Professional Experience.
Child protection requirements and criminal record checks
All Teacher Education courses require enrolling students to provide specific data related to Child Protection. The Child Protection Act 1998 states that you must undertake the necessary training and police checks in order to commence any site visit or professional experience placement. The procedures for these will depend on the state in which you live and where you intend to undertake site visits and practicum. Please visit the faculty of Education's PEP website website.
If you are successful in gaining entry to the course, you will be required to complete Child Protection training as a part of the subject EPT441 Professional Experience 1.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to have completed to get into the course?
You need to have completed a three or four-year degree in an appropriate discipline area. For more detail refer to the Eligibility and Admissions requirements section.
How long is the course?
The course can be completed in one and a half years full-time or three years part-time, by distance education, on campus or mixed mode delivery.
Can I complete a Professional Experience Placement overseas?
Yes, as long as instruction is in English and the curriculum is nationally accredited.
Am I eligible for any credit from previous studies?
This is an intensive teacher education program. Credit may be granted to those students who have completed equivalent, relevant teacher education subjects at another institution. See the section on Credit .
