Graduate Certificate in Education (International Baccalaureate)

Please note that this course is offered part-time over 2 years.

The popularity of International Baccalaureate® education programmes is increasing throughout the world. These programmes are influenced by advancements in educational research and practice, and are recognised for their high quality and focus on engaging and challenging curricula that encourage critical thinking, intercultural understanding and respect for different points of view.

The Graduate Certificate in Education (International Baccalaureate) - Diploma Programme Stream, has been designed to provide teachers with theoretical and practical skills related to the (IB) Diploma Program and IB education more broadly.

The Diploma Programme Stream comprises four compulsory subjects. It provides students with a balance between theory and practice and assists the integration of educational research and pedagogy into a supportive and challenging learning environment.

The course content considers local, national and international perspectives, and covers topics such as international-mindedness, student-driven inquiry, assessment and learning, and reflective practice.

This course is for teachers and administrators in secondary education who want to broaden their understanding and skills in relation to the philosophy and concepts underlying the International Baccalaureate Programmes.

On completion of this course, students should be able to;

• understand the philosophy of the IB and how it fosters international-mindedness
• articulate the centrality of the learner profile in IB education and implications for learning and teaching
• consider different tools and strategies for assessing student learning and the extent to which these encourage critical thinking and meet the diverse needs of students
• explore the pedagogy of student-directed inquiry, inter-disciplinary learning, and the development of higher order thinking skills

4 compulsory subjects as listed below.

Core Subjects

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• either
– an approved degree and an approved teaching qualification, or
– an approved four-year teaching degree, or
– a relevant tertiary degree and documented relevant professional or teaching experience which together demonstrate preparation for the course comparable to an applicant with an approved teaching qualification.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance; and if relevant
• the professional experience.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Student Application and Selection Procedure.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

The Graduate Certificate in Education (International Baccalaureate) welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and degree policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the degree.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate of Education (International Baccalaureate) are eligible to articulate into the Master of Education (International Baccalaureate) for which they may receive up to 50 points credit.