Secondary Education

Programme Structure & Content

First Year
Education courses are recommended but not required in the first year. Students may choose from the first year Education courses offered for the BEd. Students but will also study courses required for their other degree subject.

Second Year
Education courses are recommended but not required in the second year. Students may choose from the second year Education courses offered for the BEd provided they meet the prerequisites. Students will also study courses required for their other degree subject.

Third Year
Students are required to study two compulsory third year Education courses: one focuses on academic study of the secondary subject curriculum, professional studies and pedagogy for secondary teaching and the second is practical application through a placement in a school. For the remaining 50% of their year credits, students study the courses required for their other degree subject.

Fourth Year
Students are required to study two fourth year compulsory Education courses: one focuses on further academic study of the secondary subject curriculum, professional studies and pedagogy for secondary teaching and the second is further professional and practical application through a placement in secondary school. For the remaining 50% of their year credits, students study the courses required for their other degree subject.

Teaching & Assessment

Education takes the form of credit rated courses with a variety of styles. Our learner-centred approach is characterised by workshops, seminars, self study elements, group work, lectures and tutorials. In third and fourth year secondary students work in cross sector seminar groups with primary students for the Professional Studies aspects of the course. These sessions have a major focus on inclusive practice within the classroom. Course resources provide opportunities for collaborative working within a virtual learning environment.

Courses are assessed through extensive assignments, folio work and presentations.

School experience is assessed through Partnership arrangements with a range of secondary school teachers (e.g. class teachers, subject principal teachers and schools' teacher regents) as well as the University's School of Education tutors. As the programme develops, students are expected to take increasing responsibility for determining and organising their own learning as part of their ongoing professional development as a reflective practitioner.