The structure of the program seeks to combine the practical and theoretical elements of teaching by engaging students in professional aspects, including Methods work and classroom practice, from the beginning of the course. Each component is intended to contribute to the development of concepts and skills relating to an understanding of, and competence in, teaching. It is expected that prospective teachers will develop as autonomous professionals who will be competent, innovative, capable of contributing to the formulation of curriculum in schools and, most important, committed to their own continuous professional growth. The course is for one year full-time, over an extended academic year of 36 teaching weeks from early February to early December and it is not possible to commence the course in the middle of the year. The GDipEd program involves lectures, seminars, tutorials, individual assignments, group exercises and nine weeks of full-time work in local schools.
Methods work and practice teaching are provided in co-operation with local schools.
Students are advised that the structure of the course makes it preferable that it be undertaken full-time. Assessment Students must satisfactorily complete every subject and major component in their program of study before the Graduate Diploma will be awarded. Assessment for each subject in the GDipEd program will be determined by individual lecturers. More specific details of assessment will be given in individual subject outlines. Attendance Each session is divided into a number of blocks, each of which is either school or University based.