Education

Q. How do I apply?

A. All applicants should apply through VTAC. (Victoria Tertiary Admission Centre).
Details on line at www.vtac.edu.au or phone 1300 364 133.

Timely application period - Closes 28 September (5pm) - Application cost $33.00
Late application period - Closes 16 November (5pm) - Application cost $78.00

Nb: Applications for Graduate Entry teaching courses will not be accepted after 5pm, Friday 16 November.

Q. How should I order my preferences?

A. Applicants for Graduate Entry programs have 4 preferences. It is advisable that applicants for the GDip (MY) should list the following preference:-

• 93421 – Graduate Diploma in Education (Middle Years) CSP
• 93422 – Graduate Diploma in Education (Middle Years) FEE

Q. If my application is late, will it still be considered?

A. No. Once VTAC closes any applications arriving after that date will be returned to sender.

Q. Can I submit documents with my VTAC Application?

A. All the required information will be captured as part of the VTAC application. If there is additional information which is required this can be submitted via a supplementary information form. Applicants can obtain this online after they have completed their application. They should then complete and send to VTAC who will scan and ensure it is available to the University. It is important to limit this information to 1-2 pages. It is not necessary to send complete CV’s Please ensure all material sent to VTAC includes your name and application number.

Q. What are my chances of gaining a place?

A. It is hard to predict what an applicant’s chances are going to be, however past history of Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary) courses at the Shepparton Campus indicates approximately 1 in 6 applicants gain a place.

• GPA 5 or greater - very good chance of gaining a CSP place.
• GPA 4.5 to 5.0 - will be considered for CSP place, however dependant on number of applications.
• GPA 4.0 to 5.0 - very good chance of gaining a FEE paying place.

Q. What will I need to pay for the course ??

A. Students who are eligible for Commonwealth support will have the option to defer payment of any student contribution or full fee tuition. It is important for applicants who are holders of permanent residency visa to check eligibility, as special conditions may apply. Students can find out further information at www.goingtouni.gov.au.

Both Commonwealth Supported places and fee-paying places are available for this course.

• Commonwealth Supported rate (Education) 2008 – $4,077
• Full Fee rate (Graduate Diploma in Education – Middle Years) 2008 - $11,500

Q. What qualification do I need to undertake this course?

A. A completed approved bachelor qualification in any discipline with major or sub-major studies in two areas of the secondary school curriculum. Most secondary teaching methods will be catered for within the course.

Q. Do I need to have two method areas to undertake this course?

A. Although the normal requirement is for two teaching methods, applicants who have qualified in their degree with only one secondary teaching method are still eligible to apply. Applicants should enter their primary method on the VTAC online and also enter 199 Generic Method

Q. When does the program begin?

A. Week 1 commences Monday 4 February 2008 - Program Timetable [pdf 50kb]

Q. How many days Professional Practice are there in the Program?

A. 45 days – see the timetable for further information.

The first Professional Practice will be undertaken between Monday 19 May and Friday 20 June, as this will be in a primary school. 20 days will need to be completed during this practicum.

The second Professional Practice will be undertaken between Monday 18 August to Friday 19 September at this will be in a Secondary school. 25 days will need to be completed during this practicum.

Q. Can I choose where I do Professional Practice?

A. You may choose from a range of possible sites in a primary and secondary setting. Students may wish to be considered for a placement which is close to their place of residence. Placements will be arranged via the Course Administrative Office at the Shepparton Campus.

Q. What is the Fieldwork ?

A. Field work is work undertaken in an educational setting involving work with students in schools. Some examples of suitable places, in addition to the normal school settings are school camps, municipal council programs, holiday programs, museums, school support institutions such as Science and Technology Centres and after school programs and tutoring.

However, it is a requirement for the Graduate Diploma in Education (Middle Years), that at least 20 days field work takes place in specific school settings in order that Grad Dip students can undertake observations and data collection for three assessment items, namely:

• Field Work Early Years (10-15 March) assessment associated with Issues A;
• Field Work Middle Years (31st March onwards) assessment associated with Middle Years School based project;
• Field Work Intervention Project (5-10th and 12- 16th May) assessment associated with Methods A.

Please note: field work is not funded by the University and therefore institutions are not paid to take students. It is expected that students will assist with existing programs in schools or other educational settings while undertaking observations and data gathering exercises.

Q. Does this qualification allow me to teach in other states ??

A. This course allows students to gain registration in VIC, TAS, SA, WA, NT, QLD, ACT.
Although there is a memorandum of understanding between Victoria and New South Wales, applicants are advised to check with the NSW Institute of Teaching AND NSW Department of Education to see if the qualification will register them for teaching in this state.

Q. I would like to do the course, however, childcare is a problem for the residential intensive blocks ??

A. Shepparton offers a range of childcare options which could assist you finding care for children while undertaking the intensive block. These include:

Occasional Care – hours are 8.30 to 4.30 Monday to Friday. No Saturday care is available. Cost is $5.50 per hour per child. Applicants may also be eligible for a child care rebate which will reduce the amount that you will pay. Bookings for occasional care can be made two weeks prior to the day of care. Contact 58312449 for further information.

Family Day Care - This service is available Monday to Friday and Saturday with some carers. The cost of the care ranges between $4.60 - $5.10 per hour per child. Each Carer sets their own fee. Applicants may also be eligible for a child care rebate which will reduce the amount that you will pay. Applicants who are successful in the course should contact the Family Day Care Office (03) 5822 1373 for further information and to register their expression for care during the intensive period.

Q. I will need accommodation during the residential intensive blocks. What type of accommodation is available ??

A. Shepparton offers a range of different types of accommodation to suit individual needs and budget. These range from apartments, cabins, rental houses, farmstay and motel type accommodation.

Other accommodation options are available at: www.totaltravel.com.au/travel/vic/goulburnmurray/shepparton

Q. Do I need to own my own computer and what kind of computer is needed ??

A. The Faculty of Education requires students enrolling in the Graduate Diploma of Education (Middle Years) to have access to a computer and the Internet. It is important to note that this does not necessarily mean students must own their own computer.

For some units in this course students will need to have the ability to install La Trobe specific software. Computing facilities at locations such as libraries and internet cafes may not permit this. As an enrolled student, you will have access to on-campus computer facilities and computer laboratories at each La Trobe Campus.

Students enrolling in the course should ensure the Computer which they use has the following specifications:-

It is recommended that anti-virus software is used to protect your computer.

Q. Do I need to have Internet Access ?

A. In order to connect to the online learning modules in this course you will need a modem and an Internet Service Provider (ISP) capable of at least 56 Kbps access. All of the learning modules will be undertaken via either WebCT or Elluminate. Although these programs work with dial up internet access, it is preferable that students have broadband access. Students will be able to access the learning modules free of charge at any of La Trobe University campuses.

Q. Is there any other computing equipment which is needed ?

A. As part of the course you will be participating in online learning and other web conferencing activities. Students will be required to have access to a headset (microphone with headphones). These cost around $20 to $30 at computer stores. If this poses a difficulties, students can contact the Faculty of Education to negotiate an alternative.