Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Education (Secondary) program at Alphacrucis University is a four-year pre-service teacher education program designed to equip graduates for provisional registration as high school teachers. Students can choose two teaching specializations from English, Humanities and Social Sciences, Mathematics, or Religious Studies. The program features a "Clinical Teaching Model" for on-site training in partner schools, as well as a Work-integrated Learning component with professional placements and observation days. Graduates may find employment in schools, not-for-profit organizations, and other education-related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Bachelor of Education (Secondary) - BEd(S)

This program is a four-year pre-service teacher education program designed to meet the Graduate Teacher Standard Descriptors and equip graduates for provisional registration as teachers in high schools.

Objectives:

• Provide a core of knowledge and understanding and pedagogy for the student’s area of specialisation and professional experience.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Equip students with theoretical knowledge in curriculum development and pedagogy, and skills in education areas to prepare them for classroom teaching.

Description:

The BEd(S) program allows students to choose two designated teaching specializations from the following learning areas or subjects:

• English
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Mathematics
• Religious Studies
Through a university partnership, students may also choose subjects or specializations from other disciplines.

Other:

• Students can apply to study in one of the program's Hubs with partner schools, which complements the regular practical placements.
• This program pioneers a "Clinical Teaching Model" which trains the next generation of teachers on-site in partner schools.
• The program offers a 4-week placement block in each semester, separate from the 13 weeks of academic study.

Outline:

Course Structure:

The course consists of:

• 10 credit points from Christian Studies
• 120 credit points from Education Specific units
• 40 credit points from Curriculum Studies
• 60 credit points Discipline Studies – Major
• 40 credit points Discipline Studies - Minor
• 30 credit points Professional Experience
• 20 credit points from any Alphacrucis faculty course (elective)

Subjects:

The program offers a variety of subjects across different semesters, including:

• Faith and Purpose
• Academic Writing and Professional Communication
• Foundations of Christian Education
• Introduction to Learning Theory
• Perspectives of Professional Practice
• Child and Adolescent Development and Wellbeing
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives
• Inclusive Education
• Literacy and Numeracy
• Curriculum, Assessment & Reporting
• Learning and Teaching through ICT
• Comprehensive Teaching Integration

Admission Criteria:

• Recent Secondary Education (within the past 2 years): Completion of NSW Higher School Certificate with an ATAR of no less than 65 (or equivalent) including a minimum of three Band 5 HSC results, including one in English and a Band 4 in Mathematics.
• Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study: Complete Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification (Certificate IV or higher)
• Higher Education Study: Completion of an AQF Level 5 Higher Education Diploma qualification (or higher) by an authorized institution.
• Work and Life Experience: Applicants over the age of 21 can apply for admission on the basis of provisional entry.
• Language: IELTS (or equivalent) score of 7.5 (with no score below 7 in any of the four skills areas, and a score of no less than 8 in speaking and listening).
• Essential Requirements for Admission: Pre-admission student statement of motivation and/or interview, Literacy and Numeracy Test, Child Protection Check, Anaphylaxis e-Training, and NSW Department of Education Child Protection Awareness Training.

Study Modes:

• Online
• Teaching School Hubs
• Placements

Duration:

• Full-time: 4 years
• Part-time: Up to 12 years

Intakes:

• Semester 1
• Semester 2

Other:

• The program offers a blended learning delivery with on-campus seminars for each subject and online completion of the remaining study.
• Most subjects can be studied fully online.

Careers:

Career Opportunities:

Graduates may find employment in:

• Schools (faith-based, government, and non-government)
• Not-for-profit and mission-focused organizations
• Community service-oriented positions
• Positions requiring research skills, academic knowledge, practical experience, and critical thinking

Examples:

• Corporate trainers and development managers
• Curriculum consultants and developers
• Educational administrators
• Educational researchers
• Government policy advisers
• Community educators
• Education publication writers or editors
• Education policy analysts

Further Studies:

• Graduates may progress to Level 8 and 9 (postgraduate studies) upon completion of the Bachelor of Education (Secondary).

Other:

• The program offers a Work-integrated Learning component with 30 credit points of Professional Placement and 10 Observation Days.
• The program is professionally accredited by NESA.