Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am eligible to apply for Wesley Institute’s Education qualifications?

To apply for our postgraduate Education qualifications, you need an appropriate undergraduate degree.

If you have an undergraduate degree in English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Business, Religion, Music, Dance or Drama, you may be eligible to study the Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary). Check page 11 of the Course Information Book and the NSW Institute of Teachers’ specific secondary requirements

I’m having trouble assessing my qualifications. How can I get help?

To assess your qualifications, you will need:

Your transcripts
The Course Information Booklet (turn to page 11)
The application forms
The NSW Institute of Teachers’ secondary requirements.
We cannot officially assess your qualifications until you apply. However, if you have a question, you can call the Student Recruitment Office on 02 9819 8824.

Can I teach 2 subjects?

To be able to teach two subjects you need Bachelor’s degree with three years of study of one teaching subject (main teaching method) at least two years of study of another teaching subject (minor teaching method).

How long does the Graduate Diploma take?

Completing the Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) takes 1 year full time over 2 semesters.

Can I study Part time?

Yes. Studying the Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) normally takes 18 months to two years if you study part-time.

Why is Orientation Compulsory?

Orientation is built to kick start you into the Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary). You will meet tutors and fellow students and get a course overview and information on Professional Experience. We also run several workshops on Child Protection and Foundations of Teaching & Learning. You will also become Moodle-savvy through the online learning system tutorials.

What is Professional Experience?

Professional Experience subjects are structured practicums in classrooms in at least two different schools throughout the course.Professional experience is in two block periods of 4 and 5 week lengths.

The Pre-Service teacher learns and puts into practice the skills of teaching: including planning, preparing and delivering lessons and evaluates and reflects on teaching practice

Professional Experience placements are supervised and guided by qualified practicing teachers and Field Coordinators. You will be assessed and given feedback on the experience. `

Where can I do my Professional Experience?

We help organise professional experience within different types of schools, including State, Independent, Christian, rural, regional, remote and urban. As far as possible, we will endeavour to place you in schools within your local vicinity.

When enrolling into the Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary), we ask you to nominate schools in which you would like to complete your Professional Experience. Placements are negotiated by the Teacher Education Manager and the schools.

When do I do the Professional Experiences if I’m a Part time student?

Completing the Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) part time takes 18 months to two years part time, and during that you need to do two Practical Experience units in different semesters.

Who supervises my Professional Experience?

When you start professional experience you will be allocated a mentor and supervisor for the practicum. Your Supervising Teacher will report on your progress to the WI Field Coordinator.

Wesley Institute Field Coordinator oversees the practicum experience, visits and observes at least one delivered lesson during the course and provides a point of contact between the Supervising Teacher and WI. They can also be a source of additional mentoring and support for the Pre-Service Teacher.

Can I choose when I do my Professional Experience?

Your Professional Experience is done in blocks according to a set calendar that you can find here. Because lecturers set aside this block to supervise students in their placements, the timing of the experience is not negotiable.

Will I be prepared for full-time teaching?

The teaching load is increased during Professional Experience and by the last stage you will have almost a full teaching load. Supervision, guidance and mentoring is built into the unit to facilitate the transition from Pre-Service Teacher to a Teaching Professional. Once you have completed the course you will be eligible to register as a teacher and start a fulfilling career!