Content
USC to offer primary education degree
From Semester 1 2010, the University of the Sunshine Coast will offer a Bachelor of Education (Primary), to help meet local and regional demand for graduates with expertise in primary education.
Professor Noel Meyers, head of USC’s School of Science and Education, said USC staff had partnered with principals and staff from schools on the Sunshine Coast, Education Queensland, and the Queensland College of Teachers to create a program that addresses national and international imperatives by providing an enhanced focus on more effective teaching strategies in science, literacy and numeracy.
“The program will develop highly-skilled teachers with a deep understanding of curriculum and theory, and will see students spend one day of every week of the four-year program working in schools, as well as undertaking a major placement each year, with two in the final year of the program,” he said.
“The high level of workplace engagement will allow students to become part of the school community, and will guide them to forge strong professional relationships from first semester of their course.
“We are extremely proud of the program we have created.”
Graduates will be eligible for registration with the Queensland College of Teachers, and qualified to teach children from Prep to Year 7.
Professor Meyers said he anticipated strong demand for the new program.
“QTAC data shows that students living on the Sunshine Coast currently travel to southern universities to study primary education—these figures alone show a strong indication of the demand for this program,” he said.
“Demand for primary school teachers is expected to grow in coming years, due to large numbers of current teachers reaching retirement age. Training primary teachers from within the local region will contribute to filling the anticipated demand.”
For program information visit www.usc.edu.au/ED302 or attend the information evening on 28 October.
– Nathan Woulfe