COURSE CURRICULUM

This secondary initial teacher education course is structured to progressively develop students’ professional knowledge, teaching skills and classroom confidence across four years of study. In the first year, students build a strong foundation in education through units that explore child and adolescent development, effective communication for educators, professional teaching practice and digital learning environments. These studies are complemented by an introduction to professional experience, allowing students to observe and begin engaging with real secondary school settings. Alongside core education units, students select a specialist secondary teaching major from a wide range of disciplines, including English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, arts and physical education, enabling them to develop in-depth subject knowledge aligned with their career interests. In the second year, the focus shifts towards understanding adolescent learners and inclusive education, with units addressing diversity, differentiation and inclusion in secondary classrooms. Students continue to develop their teaching skills through structured professional teaching practice and supervised school-based experience. The third year further strengthens professional capability, with an emphasis on curriculum knowledge, Indigenous Australian education and extended professional experience placements. These experiences allow students to apply theory to practice, refine classroom management skills and deepen their understanding of culturally responsive teaching. In the final year, students prepare for entry into the teaching profession through advanced curriculum and culture studies, professional transition units and a substantial internship. The final professional experience consists of a full-term placement, providing an immersive, real-world teaching environment. This carefully sequenced course structure ensures graduates are confident, reflective and classroom-ready secondary teachers with strong discipline expertise and extensive practical experience.