The Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary) is a dynamic course, incorporating proven contemporary teaching strategies, use of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) and practical experience, which qualifies graduates to teach junior, middle and upper primary students in government and non-government schools.

Through the study of units in education and pedagogy, literacy, numeracy, curriculum, and work place learning, this course aims to develop essential knowledge about effective teaching, and professional knowledge and dispositions, which enable the development of professional competencies.

The course is recognised by the Western Australian College of Teaching (WACOT). Whilst graduates are strongly sought after both nationally and internationally, students should be aware that the registration requirements may differ between states and countries. Pre-service teachers considering possible employment in Western Australia following graduation from this award should refer to WACOT’s website at http://www.wacot.wa.edu.au/ for teacher registration requirements.

The course is offered on Mount Lawley and Bunbury campuses. On the Mt Lawley campus, it is offered via two modes of delivery: the on-campus mode and the residency mode.

The on-campus mode is available in full-time and part-time mode and includes lectures and tutorials, together with a coordinated program of Professional Practice in schools. Applications for the on-campus mode are made through TISC and selection is based on academic qualifications, resume and personal statement on why the applicant wishes to become a teacher. An interview may be required.

*The residency mode of delivery is available only in full-time mode. This mode of delivery includes both university and school based study, with residents immersed in a school context, working alongside experienced professionals throughout the year. Applications for the residency mode are made directly to ECU and selection is based on academic qualifications, resume and personal statement on why the applicant wishes to become a teacher. An interview and school based selection process will also apply.

*Availability each year is dependent on school places and funding support

Central to this course is an extensive program of Professional Practice in primary schools, which culminates in the Final Teaching Practice in the final semester of the course. Because of its responsibility for the education, safety and well-being of children in schools, the teaching profession demands the highest professional standards and personal ethics.  Professional Practice Rules and Procedures and Code of Professional Conduct for ECU Pre-service Teachers can be accessed at: http://www.education.ecu.edu.au/prac/.  

To undertake a professional practice in a school, ALL teaching students must have supplied ECU with evidence of the following valid clearance:

·         National Criminal History Record Check (NCHRC) from the Department of Education WA.

In addition, all teaching students 18 years of age and over must have supplied ECU with evidence of the following valid clearance:

·         Working with Children Check from the Department of Child Protection WA.

Further information is available at http://www.det.wa.edu.au/screening/detcms/portal/  

All Professional Practices are undertaken on a full-time basis and teaching students are required to give a full-time commitment to the school during the scheduled Professional Practice periods.

NOTE: All Professional Practice units are designated as a fundamental course requirement and may only be attempted once, unless otherwise determined by Board of Examiners.

Applicants who have successfully completed a Bachelor Degree from an approved tertiary institution may apply for a place in the Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary). Application may be made prior to the release of results indicating completion of the first degree course.

Special English Entry Requirements

Applicants who have completed their secondary education and Bachelor Degree studies in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, do not need to provide proof of English competency.

Applicants who have completed their secondary education in South Africa in English and have a Bachelor Degree taught in English from a South African University, are deemed to have met English language requirements for entry to the Graduate Diploma of Education.

To satisfy the English entry requirements for all other applicants,  evidence needs to be shown of:
 
1. Academic IELTS with an overall score of 7.5 or above with no score below 7 in each of the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing; OR
 
2. A TOEFL, paper based only, with a minimum score of 625 including a Test of Written English score of 5.0 or better; OR

3. A Pearson English Test with an overall score of 78 with no score less than 73

NOTE: Graduates must meet the Western Australian College of Teaching (WACOT) English language proficiency requirements for teacher registration in Western Australia. Further information is available at http://www.wacot.wa.edu.au/