18 July 2012
The University of South Australia will be offering the Bachelor of Education (primary teaching) in Whyalla and Mount Gambier from 2013, opening new opportunities to build a stronger regional teaching force.
Endorsement to offer the degree program through UniSA’s Centre for Regional Engagement was received from the South Australian Teachers Registration Board this month following a scoping study and a submission from UniSA’s School of Education.
Professor Guy Robinson, Director of UniSA’s Centre for Regional Engagement says he believes the news will be received enthusiastically in regional South Australia.
“I know there have been high hopes that a teaching offering could be delivered to our regional campuses and today we’re very happy to say it has come to fruition,” Prof Robinson says.
“The new program is a clear indicator of the strength of UniSA’s commitment to rural and regional South Australia and to enhancing study opportunities for all students no matter where they live.
“It will be important for people in Whyalla and Mount Gambier, but also students from surrounding rural communities for whom studying in the city would have been difficult or prohibitive and I’m encouraging them to make enquiries about enrolling in the program.”
Prof Robinson said excellent collaboration between UniSA’s Centre for Regional Engagement, its School of Education and the local community had played a vital role in making the new teaching program a reality.
The four-year degree will be delivered in a mixed mode with online components supported by some core classes delivered at the regional campuses. The content focuses on teaching children from reception to grade seven and prepares generalist primary teachers to teach across the core curriculum.
Students gain practical experiences in each year of the program, undertaking full-time professional experience placements in local schools ranging from 10 to 25 days.
UniSA Dean and Head of the School of Education, Professor Geraldine Castleton says the significance of having the program available in the regions should not be underestimated.
“It means more people with a passion for teaching can study locally and remain in the regions long after they have graduated to make a contribution to the next generations and help to keep communities strong,” she said.
“Studying away from home can be very expensive and we believe that the new program may mean that some students who could not afford to move away to study can now complete their studies in Mount Gambier or Whyalla.”
The Bachelor of Education (Primary) will be open for new enrolments during the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) enrolment period from August 8.
Applications are made online via satac.edu.au/uniweb
For more information about the Bachelor of Education Degree Program being offered in Mount Gambier or Whyalla, please contact the University’s Future Student’s Enquiry line on 1300 UNI NOW (08 8302 2376).
Media Contact: Michèle Nardelli office: 08 8302 0966 mobile: 0418 823 673 email: michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au
