Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International Baccalaureate)

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International Baccalaureate) 981DP course has been designed to broaden teacher's understanding and skills in relation to the philosophy and concepts underlying the International Baccalaureate Programmes including processes, culture and classroom practices.

The DP stream is recommended for teachers wanting to teach in IB schools, or currently teaching in IB schools, and seeking specialised knowledge and advanced qualifications in IB education with a focus on the Diploma Programme. This qualification is recognised by the International Baccalaureate in relation to the IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning.

Students who have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Studies (International Baccalaureate) should be able to:

• Demonstrate the essential knowledge and skills to perform competently as an IB teacher;
• Comprehend the intellectual, social and psychological aspects of their IB work with learners and synthesise theory and practice;
• Understand the key concepts of IB curriculum policy formation and IB curriculum development;
• Evaluate and use constructive criticism of their own work and of the institutions in which they teach;
• Develop theoretical understandings of the International Baccalaureate; and
• Demonstrate an understanding of curriculum delivery modes of the IB as a model for professional learning.

Students complete 50 points of study, in part-time mode over three semesters.

An applicant may be eligible for entry into the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International Baccalaureate) 981DP if the applicant has:

• completed an approved degree and an approved teaching qualification; or
• completed an approved four-year teaching degree; or
• completed an approved equivalent qualification which is recognised by the Faculty as evidence of adequate preparation for the course and has a record of professional or teaching experience in a field and at a level acceptable to the Faculty.

The Melbourne Graduate School of Education welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Graduate School policy to take reasonable steps to enable the participation of students with disabilities, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the Graduate School’s programs.
The core participation requirements for study in the Melbourne Graduate School of Education are:

In all courses

1. The ability to comprehend complex information related to education and the disciplines in which the student is teaching.
2. The ability to communicate clearly and independently in assessment tasks a knowledge of the content, principles and practices relating to education and other relevant disciplines.
3. Behavioural and social attributes that enable a student to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.
   
   In courses requiring students to undertake practicum placements
   
4. The ability to undertake professional practice placements independently, including:
   a. the ability based on personal maturity to establish a professional relationship with students and interact with them appropriately;
   b. the ability to communicate to students the subject matter being taught with clarity and in a way that is age-sensitive;
   c. the ability to model literacy and numeracy skills independently for students and in all their interactions meet community expectations of the literacy and numeracy skills teachers should have;
   d. the ability to demonstrate skilfully and safely activities required in particular discipline areas being taught (e.g. physical education activities, science laboratory techniques);
   e. the ability to create, monitor and maintain a safe physical environment, a stable and supportive psychological environment, and a productive learning environment in their classroom;
   f. the ability to establish effective relationships with all members of the school community, including colleagues, students, and caregivers;
   g. the ability based on mental and physical health to exercise sound judgment and respond promptly to the demands of classroom situations, and the personal resilience to cope and maintain their wellbeing under stress.

Students who feel a disability will prevent them from meeting the above academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit.

The University’s general graduate attributes are located on the Office of the Provost’s website: http://www.unimelb.edu.au/about/attributes.html

"International Baccalaureate" is a registered trademark of the International Baccalaureate Organization