Faculty of Education Bachelor of Teaching (BTeach)

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Faculty of Education

Table of Contents

1. Overview
2. Course objectives
3. Entry requirements
    3.1. Learning area (secondary) prerequisites
    3.2. Credit
    3.3. Progress through the course
4. Course structure
5. Honours
6. Specialisations
7. Internship
    7.1. Selection into internship
    7.2. Internship dates
    7.3. Semester dates
8. Course outline
    8.1. Secondary teaching course outline (for students enrolled from 2002)
    8.2. Secondary teaching course outline (for students enrolled prior to 2002)
    8.3. Primary teaching course outline
9. Combined degrees
    9.1. Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching
    9.2. Bachelor of Creative Arts/Bachelor of Teaching
    9.3. Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Teaching
Subject Lists
    Subject descriptions - first year
        Compulsory subjects
        Learning area studies (secondary)
        Learning area studies (primary)
        Elective
    Subject descriptions - second year
        Compulsory subjects
        School experience subjects
        Learning area studies (primary)
        Electives

1. Overview

The Bachelor of Teaching is a two-year full-time graduate-entry degree for students who have already successfully completed an undergraduate degree. Part-time studies are not available.

The course prepares teachers for the special requirements of either primary or secondary teaching. Features of the course include:

• an internship in the second year which gives the student teacher an opportunity to make the transition to independent teaching under the guidance of a mentor;

• an honours program within the two-year degree;

• the possibility for prospective secondary teachers to undertake studies preparing them to teach in three learning areas;

• the possibility for prospective secondary teachers to pursue additional specialist studies at postgraduate level.

This qualification is recognised by the Teacher Education Approvals Committee (TEAC) and Registered Schools Board (or equivalent bodies).

2. Course objectives

The objectives of the Bachelor of Teaching are to produce graduates:

• whose qualification is recognised by TEAC and Registered Schools Board (or equivalent bodies);

• qualified to specialise at particular levels within the school system;

• with a strong basic knowledge to contribute to and act on developments in education theory and practice;

• able to reflect critically on their own teaching and the practice of education in schools;

• with a capacity and motivation for continuing independent learning and professional development;

• with the professional skills for effective communication with and accountability to students, parents, colleagues and members of the general community;

• with an understanding of professional responsibility and ethical principles in relation to individuals and the community; and

• who have, at honours level, advanced mastery of teaching competencies, extended knowledge and critical understandings of the principles underlying educational processes and organisation, curriculum development and effective teaching and have acquired an understanding of research methodology appropriate to research in education.

The graduate teacher will be able to:

• manage a classroom effectively;

• design and implement curriculum change;

• communicate and collaborate with teachers and others within the school and its community;

• administer and manage professional responsibilities including reporting to students and parents; and

• participate in the advancement and improvement of the teaching profession through involvement in professional development activities.

3. Entry requirements

Applicants must have an approved undergraduate degree or equivalent, such as a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.

Within this undergraduate degree applicants need to have undertaken certain discipline studies, as follows:

1. One 'major' study. A major study is defined as a sequence of study from first to third year level in which the student has undertaken a major proportion of their workload at each level (e.g. at least one-quarter of the first year workload, one-third of the second year workload and one-third of the third year workload), and

2. One 'sub-major' study. A sub-major study is defined as a sequence of study from first to second year level (e.g. at least one-quarter of the first year workload, one-third of the second year workload).

Applicants interested in secondary teaching must be qualified to teach in two teaching areas or 'learning area studies'. These applicants must satisfy learning area studies requirements within their undergraduate degree, as set out below.

Applicants interested in primary teaching will also have a 'major' and 'sub-major' within their undergraduate degree.

3.1. Learning area (secondary) prerequisites

(Note: Prerequisites may change in response to Victorian Department of Education, Employment and Training requirements.)

Biology

Sub-majors in two branches of the biological sciences.

Business studies

Sub-major in one of accounting, business management, economics, legal studies or other approved area.

Chemistry

Sub-major in chemistry or sub-major in biochemistry plus first year chemistry.

Drama

Sub-major in drama, English or performing arts.

English

Sub-major in English or linguistics.

Health education

Sub-major in biological (including human biology) or life sciences and at least one subject in social science and/or behavioural science.

History (new for 2002)

Sub-major in history (economic history, classical studies and classical civilisation are acceptable).

*Note: students who are eligible for the history and SOSE learning areas, must enrol in history and SOSE (additional). It is not possible to use a history major/sub-major to satisfy the prerequisites for two methods e.g. history and SOSE.

As this learning area is not in the VTAC Guide you will not be able to apply for it through VTAC, however, if you are selected into the Graduate Diploma in Education or the Bachelor of Teaching, you will have the opportunity to change one of your learning areas to learning area (sec) history, provided you meet the prerequisites, at enrolment in January.

Information technology*

Sub-major in computer science, information management, information systems or other approved area.

*Availability depends on viable class sizes

LOTE A (modern languages)

Year 12 and three years of approved university language study at post-VCE level. Applicants with other qualifications will need to arrange to have these assessed by a language department at an Australian university as being of equivalent proficiency.

Approved languages: Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish.

LOTE B (modern languages)

As for LOTE A (modern languages) with a second approved language other than English.

Mathematics (core)

Sub-major in mathematics or mathematical statistics.

Mathematics (additional)

Sub-majors in two branches of mathematics or a major in one branch of mathematics plus some studies in another branch of mathematics (statistics satisfies these requirements, computer studies does not).

Media studies

Sub-major in cinema studies, media studies or equivalent. Some practical experience in filmmaking is expected.

Music (classroom)

A major sequence of instrumental tuition at post-VCE level in an approved tertiary institution.

Music (classroom and instrumental) double learning area Study

A major sequence of instrumental tuition at post-VCE level in an approved tertiary institution. Demonstrated competence on a second instrument is also required.

Physical education

A degree in human movement studies, physical education or approved equivalent.

Physics

Sub-major in physics.

Psychology

Sub-major in psychology.

Science

A degree in science, applied science or engineering, including at least one quarter of first year points or the equivalent in each of two different branches of science (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics, geology, mathematics).

Studies of society and environment (SOSE)

A major in one of the following areas, plus one year of study in at least one other area OR sub-majors in two of the following areas: anthropology, Australian studies, classical studies, criminology, economics, environmental studies, geography, history, international relations, multicultural studies, philosophy, politics, sociology.

Note: applicants with a major in one area only may be selected, depending on academic merit.

SOSE (additional)

As for studies of society and environment, but with at least a major in one of the following areas and a sub-major in a second area: anthropology, Australian studies, classical studies, criminology, economics, environmental studies, geography, history, international relations, multicultural studies, philosophy, politics, sociology.

This learning area is only available to students also enrolled in Learning Area (Sec): Studies of Society and Environment.

Teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL):

Sub-major in LOTE or linguistics or one year of each.

Technology*

Sub-major in at least one of the following subject areas: design (industrial, fashion, architecture), applied arts (wood, metal, textiles), engineering (mechanical, manufacturing, electrical), food science and technology, agriculture or horticulture.

*Availability depends on viable class sizes.

Visual arts - single or double learning area study

A degree in visual arts including art theory/history, a major study in one practical studio area and minor studies in a second practical studio area.

Primary LOTE specialisation

Year 12 and three years of approved university language study at post-VCE level. Applicants with other qualifications will need to be assessed by a language department at an Australian university as being of equivalent proficiency.

3.2. Credit

Credit may be granted for previous study, up to a maximum of 100 points. Credit is determined by the faculty and awarded at the time of enrolment. Credit may be granted for studies undertaken in a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary or Primary) at an approved Australian university, but not if the qualification has been completed and awarded.

Credit is not normally granted for studies undertaken more than 10 years prior to the year of admission to the degree.

For further details refer to a copy of the Faculty of Education credit policy which is available from the faculty office.

3.3. Progress through the course

Except where special permission is given by the faculty, you must pass the first year of the course before being allowed to proceed to the second year.

Satisfactory progress through the course is dependent on meeting the prerequisite and corequisite subject requirements. These have been set to ensure that the school experience and professional practice subjects and the internship subjects cannot be undertaken without appropriate support studies and proven readiness.

4. Course structure

The Bachelor of Teaching is a two-year full-time bachelor degree course. Part-time studies are not available. To qualify for the Bachelor of Teaching you must satisfy the following requirements:

• accumulate a total of 200 points;

• complete 45 days of approved, supervised teaching experience in schools; and

• complete the subjects as listed in the course outline.

• complete an internship of at least 36 days in a school.

5. Honours

To qualify for the Bachelor of Teaching (Honours) award you must satisfy the following requirements in addition to the normal course requirements:

• attain a mark of at least 65 in the subject, 460-427 Honours Project.

• attain an average mark of at least 75 in the school experience and practice teaching and internship subjects in the second year of the course; and

• attain an average mark of at least 75 over all other elements of the course

The level of the honours award will depend on the honours grades accumulated over the two years of the course.

6. Specialisations

LOTE specialisation

Intending primary teachers who have completed three years of approved university language study post-VCE will be eligible to apply to undertake a LOTE specialisation in the second year of the course. You will enrol in 483-244 Learning Area: LOTE (Primary) in addition to completing 22 days of LOTE teaching as part of the internship.

7. Internship

The internship component of the Bachelor of Teaching recognises the value of extended preparation before appointment to a teaching position with full professional responsibilities. It allows you to experience independent teaching moderated both by the experienced mentors in the school and University staff. The teaching-learning triad of teacher, intern and teacher educator enhances the conditions for learning.

If the internship arrangement, as agreed, cannot continue the University will negotiate a transfer to another school without penalty and as quickly as possible. If, however, you have not made satisfactory progress and must withdraw from a school, you may be required to demonstrate your readiness to undertake another internship before a new placement is negotiated.

7.1. Selection into internship

Application and selection dates for internships will be set by agreement with schools and advertised to students by the faculty.

You will apply in writing directly to participating schools. Applications will be based on the internship descriptions provided to the University by the schools. School profiles will also be available for student reference. University staff will be available to advise and assist you in the preparation of your applications. The principals of the schools will arrange appropriate selection processes based on those used for teaching appointments.

7.2. Internship dates

The dates for internship subject placements will differ from the academic year dates and will be in line with the school calendar year. Dates are shown in the School Experience and Professional Practice General Manual.

7.3. Semester dates

In 2002, students in Year 1 of the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary and Secondary) and Year 2 of the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) begin classes in the week beginning 25 February. Students in Year 2 of the Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) begin a School Experience Placement block in the week beginning 4 February.

Details of semester dates and school experience placements are available from the School Experience and Professional Practice Unit.

8. Course outline

Depending on your teaching area (primary or secondary), your course structure will vary slightly. There are, however, certain compulsory studies which are common to both strands. Details are given below.

8.1. Secondary teaching course outline (for students enrolled from 2002)

8.2. Secondary teaching course outline (for students enrolled prior to 2002)

8.3. Primary teaching course outline

Students with three years of approved university language study at post-VCE level, who are enrolled in the primary stream and who seek a qualification to teach languages other than English (LOTE) at primary school level may, in addition to all compulsory subjects, also enrol in 483-244 Learning Area: LOTE (Primary) in their second year. Students undertaking this subject will not enrol in 460-424 Research Project. However, if pursuing an honours degree and permission is granted to enrol in the honours project, then this must be completed in addition to 483-244 Learning Area: LOTE (Primary).

9. Combined degrees

The Bachelor of Teaching degree can be taken together with other degrees as a combined degree. There are three combined Bachelor of Teaching degree options:

9.1. Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching

For details about this combined course for intending secondary school teachers, see Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching (BA/BTeach)

9.2. Bachelor of Creative Arts/Bachelor of Teaching

For details about this combined course for intending secondary school teachers specialising in creative arts, see Bachelor of Creative Arts/Bachelor of Teaching (BCA/BTeach)

9.3. Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Teaching

For details about this combined course for intending primary or secondary school teachers, see Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Teaching Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Teaching (BMus/BTeach)

Subject descriptions - first year

Compulsory subjects

Learning area studies (secondary)

Learning area studies (primary)

Elective

Subject descriptions - second year

Compulsory subjects

School experience subjects

Learning area studies (primary)

Electives

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