Graduate Certificate of Education (International Baccalaureate PYP Early Years)

2022 Deakin University Handbook

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Indicative student workload
• Career opportunities
• Participation requirements
• Mandatory student checks
• Fees and charges
• Course Learning Outcomes
• Course rules
• Course structure

Course overview

The Graduate Certificate of Education (International Baccalaureate PYP Early Years) is aimed at providing current early childhood and/or Primary teachers with the specialist skills, knowledge and theoretical understanding of the IB PYP, with a specific focus on the early years (children 3-8 years). Graduates of this course will be able to apply for recognition by the IBO as having met the expected professional learning requirements to teach in an IB PYP school.

The Course consists of units which covers Inquiry Learning Through the International Baccalaureate (PYP), which introduces students to the IB PYP from a theoretical and practice based understanding:

• The Inquiring Child: the Role of Play in Children's Learning, explores the connections between contemporary, research-based thinking on theories of play and inquiry practice in the early years and the IB PYP, and teachers’ own pedagogical approaches and experiences;
• Assessing and Documenting Learning in the Global Early Years Context, analyses the role of assessment in contexts of play, relationships, environment and symbolic learning in early years education drawing in global perspectives and contemporary perspectives; and
• Planning for Inquiry Learning: Professional Practice and Portfolio is a praxis unit which provides students with the opportunity to connect the theoretical understanding of the IB PYP pedagogy and approaches with practical opportunities to enact planning, teaching and assessment in an IN PYP (Early Years) setting.

Through undertaking 15-days fieldwork in an IB PYP (Early Years) students will work in collaboration with experienced IB PYP (Early Years) teachers to plan, teach and assess a unit of inquiry.

Indicative student workload

Students will on average spend 150-hours over the teaching period for each credit point undertaking required teaching, learning and assessment activities.

Career opportunities

The Graduate Certificate of Education (International Baccalaureate PYP Early Years) will provide graduates with the required skills, knowledge and underpinning theory of the IB PYP Program and the IBO will recognise graduates as meeting the professional requirements to teach in an IB YP school. The IB PYP is a globally recognised curriculum and accredited IB PYP schools can be found both in Australia and across many countries in North America, Europe and Asia. Additionally, there is an increasing number of schools across Asia applying to become IBO accredited schools, resulting in the need for increasing opportunities for suitably qualified teachers to address the employment needs. As a professional post graduate qualification, the Graduate Certificate of Education (International Baccalaureate PYP Early Years) provides an opportunity for current early childhood and primary school teachers to build on their existing qualifications to gain this additional specialisation which will result in further employment opportunities for graduates both in Australia and internationally, as well as attract students internationally who need to undertake the professional learning necessary to be employed in an IB PYP school. Furthermore, the course design as a Graduate Certificate can also lead to a Master of Education, providing additional opportunities for current teachers seeking to build their professional skills and understanding.

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year and your study load. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website or our handy Fee estimator to help estimate your tuition fees.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as photocopying or travel.

Course Learning Outcomes

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Education (International Baccalaureate PYP Early Years, students must successfully complete 4 credit points of core units and AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit).

Course structure

Core Units

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

• Contact Student Central