Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood Studies)

Effective from 01-JAN-2015 : Code S19

The program is built on the principle that students come to the program with strengths from a diverse range of educational and life experiences. Reflective thinking which links theory to practice is valued in this course. Pre-service teachers will develop a deep understanding of the importance of building strong, positive relationships and supportive classroom environments where children are valued, respected and productively engaged in learning. Whilst ECU Pre-service teachers are strongly sought after both nationally and internationally, they should be aware that the registration requirements may differ between states and countries.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Practicum Requirement

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 young children, the teaching profession demands the highest professional standards and personal ethics.

Duty of care

To undertake a Professional Practice in a school, all teaching students must have supplied ECU with evidence of a 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 a Working with Children Check from the Department of Child Protection WA. Further information is available at www.det.wa.edu.au/screening/detcms/portal/

Attendance requirements

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.

Professional practice rules

The Professional Practice Rules and Procedures and Code of Professional Conduct for ECU Pre-service Teachers can be accessed at www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/professional-practice

Professional Recognition

Course

This course has been Accredited by: Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA).

This course has been Approved by: Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

Registration

Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA). Registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA) is required to practice in the profession.

Admission requirements

• Bachelor degree; or
• Equivalent prior learning including at least five years appropriate professional experience

Course Specific Admission Requirements

All students are required to have a Bachelor degree, and provide a personal statement. This statement should outline why they wish to become a teacher and be supported by a resume.

Students must attain an Academic IELTS with an overall band minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0).
Note:

• If secondary education and degree studies were completed in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, applicants do not need to provide proof of English competency.
• Applicants who have completed their secondary education in South Africa in English and have an undergraduate 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

For equivalent test requirements refer to ECU English Standards Policy.

Course Duration

• Full Time: 1 Year
• Part Time: 2 Years

Course Delivery

• Mount Lawley: Full Time, Part Time

Course Structure

# Designated Unit - a Unit or Unit of Competency which a Faculty Board has designated as a fundamental course requirement and may only be attempted once unless otherwise determined by Board of Examiners.