Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Course Description

Do you have a strong connection with the youth in your church? Are you enthusiastic about working with young individuals who aspire to realise their full potential? This course is specifically designed for those who feel a calling to pursue secondary (high) school teaching and has received accreditation from TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency) and NESA (New South Wales Education Standards Authority).

The Bachelor of Education (Secondary) program (BEd(S)) offers a comprehensive pedagogical foundation in your chosen area of specialisation and valuable professional experience. You will have the opportunity to complete two designated teaching specialisations from a range of learning areas, including The Arts, English, Health and Physical Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Mathematics, Digital Technologies and Religious Studies. Through our university partnerships, you may also have the option to select subjects or specialisations from other disciplines. The program aims to develop your critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills. Additionally, you will gain theoretical knowledge in curriculum development, pedagogy and education areas, equipping you with the necessary tools for effective classroom teaching.

Program Learning Outcomes

Knowledge — Demonstrate:

• Advanced and comprehensive understanding of key issues, practices and recent developments in secondary teaching within the chosen Key Learning Areas (KLAs): Creative Arts; Human Society and Its Environment, Languages, Mathematics, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, Science, Technology
• In-depth understanding of general research principles and methods, as well as advanced knowledge of specific research approaches used in secondary teaching within the chosen discipline areas
• Advanced and comprehensive understanding of planning, implementing, assessing and reporting pedagogically sound learning activities that align with a Christian worldview and are appropriate for the demands of the teaching context

Skills — Demonstrate the Ability to:

• Evaluate, synthesis and critically engage with theoretical knowledge concerning the stages of development in physical, cognitive, social/emotional and spiritual growth in adolescents, and apply it to diagnose and develop teaching strategies for student progression
• Critically analyse and synthesis various pedagogical approaches with differing ideologies, and develop skills and strategies (including the use of technologies) to enhance the quality of learning for all students, including those from marginalised communities
• Design and implement an action research project that investigates a complex problem or issue using appropriate methodologies and theories from the discipline area
• Communicate complex ideas and proposed solutions effectively to peers and diverse audiences in various contexts
• Identify and critically evaluate new developments in research and scholarship in secondary teaching within the chosen discipline areas

Application of Skills and Knowledge:

• Articulate new questions or issues and apply the knowledge and skill developed in secondary teaching within the chosen discipline areas to develop appropriate solutions
• Comply with professional codes of ethics and regulations that impact the ability to work with children, while staying updated on changes in legislation and practices relevant to the specific teaching context
• Work independently, responsibly and with the level of professionalism expected of an expert in secondary teaching
• Develop and design a wide range of units of work within their chosen specialisation at Stage 4 (Year 7/8), Stage 5 (Year 9/10) and Stage 6 (Year11/12)
• Design and implement a significant action research project in the discipline area of secondary teaching to advance personal and professional development, enabling success in educational contexts

Admissions Information

Applicants with Recent Secondary Education (within the past 2 years)

Applicants admitted on the basis of their recent secondary education must demonstrate the completion of NSW Higher School Certificate with an ATAR of no less than 65 (or the completion of the interstate or overseas equivalent qualification and result) for admission into this course. This must include a minimum of three Band 5 HSC results, including one in English. Please note assumed knowledge is recommended for most specialist teaching areas and is mandatory in Mathematics.

Special admission is also available for Year 12 students whose ATAR (or equivalent) falls within 5 points of the published lowest ATAR to receive an offer but have done well in subjects relevant to the course of study. These Special Admission Pathways are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director and then tabled for approval by the Admissions Committee.

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study

Applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a complete Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification are advised to seek provisional entry into the Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Applicants with Higher Education Study

Applicants whose highest level of study enrolment since leaving secondary education is a complete or partially complete higher education qualification must demonstrate the completion or partial completion of an AQF Level 5 Higher Education Diploma (or higher) by an authorised institution for admission into this course.

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

If you are over the age of 21 at the time of commencement, you can apply for admission into this course on the basis of provisional entry and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate.

Program Requirements

This course structure is based on eight semesters (each of 13 weeks duration), with four subjects taught in each semester:

• 1 subject (10 credit points) from Research
• 1 subject (10 credit points) from Christian Studies
• 12 subjects (120 credit points) from Education
• 4 subjects (40 credit points) from Curriculum Studies
• 6 subjects (60 credit points) Discipline Studies — Major
• 4 subjects (40 credit points) Discipline Studies — Minor
• 4 subjects (40 credit points) Professional Experience*

To qualify for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Education (Secondary) a candidate must complete all 32 subjects, including satisfactory completion of the Professional Experience subjects.

*Professional Experience (including Community Engagement) consisting of community-based learning and a minimum number of supervised teaching days in secondary schools as stipulated by local registration/employing bodies.

For more information and to download the free course guide, make sure to visit the Alphacrucis Bachelor of Education (Secondary) course page.