The Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) is a dynamic course dedicated to preparing future teachers for the Secondary Education profession.  Designed specifically to develop professional knowledge in both theory and essential practice within real classrooms, graduates are provided with all the necessary tools to become successful and confident teachers. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to teach in secondary schools in both the private and government sector, and will meet the highest standards in personal ethics and practice which the profession demands.

The course is recognised by the Western Australian College of Teaching (WACOT). Whilst graduates of the course are strongly sought after both nationally and internationally, students should be aware that 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 Joondalup campuses 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. Applications for the on-campus mode are made through TISC and selection is based on academic qualifications, resume and a 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 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 a 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 schools/centres 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. The 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 (Secondary). 

The Bachelor Degree must provide a suitable background for a major and a minor area of specialisation, reflecting secondary school curriculum areas. 

Applicants must demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge to enrol in a Years 8 - 12 area of specialisation (e.g. a major in their Bachelor Degree) and intermediate skills to enrol in a Years 8 - 10 area of specialisation (e.g. a minor in their Bachelor Degree). Suitability of specialisations will be assessed by the Course Coordinator. 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/  

The Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) is a 120 credit point course. Students choosing to specialise (Years 8-10) in Catholic Education should be aware they will require the successful completion of 130 credit points.

All Pre-service Teachers are required to demonstrate competency in literacy and numeracy.  Pre-service Teacher assignments and examinations must be of an appropriate academic standard.

Part-time mode is possible in the on-campus mode of delivery.

Please note that the residency mode of delivery is available in all areas of specialisation.