Learn the New Zealand curriculum

The Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary) is a 10-month, full-time programme with 16 weeks based in the classroom. The programme is focused on The New Zealand Curriculum. You will learn the principles and theories of teaching and learning to support learners of all backgrounds and abilities and to be an agent of change for children’s education and wellbeing.

 

Successful graduates will be able to teach in primary and intermediate schools throughout New Zealand, and be eligible for provisional teacher certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

 

Te Tiriti o Waitangi and te reo Mori

New Zealand teachers live the values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and use te reo Mori in their teaching practice. During your studies you will strengthen your knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership and practice using te reo Mori in everyday and classroom situations.

 

Practical teaching experience

You will gain valuable experience on three teaching placements. These placements will develop your skills and enable you to see how theory and practice are interlinked in your development as a teacher.

 

There are limited teaching placements available for students studying online from outside the Wellington region. You may need to do a teaching placement outside your home region.

 

The study experience

You can expect to spend 40 to 50 hours studying each week. A blended approach is taken to course work through a mix of face-to-face and online activities.

 

Courses are taught over three trimesters, between February and November.

 

You can study on campus or online. If you choose to study online, you’ll need to attend two, week-long block courses at the University in Wellington (held at the beginning and end of the programme). All students will be supported by a professional learning community (a small group of 10-15 peers) and an academic mentor.

 

Teaching in a Catholic school

You can complete a nationally recognised certificate in Christian Studies, which sits outside the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary). The certificate is offered through Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College, with delivery customised to suit the University’s timetable. It includes a teaching experience in a Catholic school.

Graduates with this certificate are able to teach the religious education curriculum in Catholic and other state integrated schools and are highly sought after for employment in those schools.