This course introduces students to the understanding of pedagogy as both the discourse and practice of teaching. It will explore the policy, politics, and practice of socially-critical approaches to pedagogy and inclusive education. Students will be challenged to see teachers as transformative intellectuals. They will attempt to practice inclusive teaching, and demonstrate their attainment of graduate teacher standards during a full time 20 day block of professional experience in a Secondary school setting, and have an opportunity to engage in the full life of the school including student sport, playground supervision, faculty/grade/stage meetings and school activities and functions, as required.

The University of Newcastle, the NSW Institute of Teachers and our education partners in schools and centres require that all students demonstrate a commitment to professional teaching practice by attending and engaging in lectures, tutorials and other activities provided by the university within our Teacher Education programs.

Students’ professional commitment to teaching will be assessed by a 100% attendance requirement at sessions indicated as compulsory in the course outline. These lectures are compulsory because they present information that is critical to successful completion of the placement.

Attendance will be recorded on rolls available at the entrance to lecture theatres and/or tutorial rooms. Students should ensure that they allow sufficient time to be marked as present and provide adequate identification.

Students who arrive late and leave early without prior arrangement with the course coordinator will be deemed to have not completed the attendance requirement. If students leave the activity early and fail to identify themselves a second roll will be taken upon conclusion to the activity.

If a student fails to attend a compulsory session the student is responsible for contacting course coordinator within three (3) working days to request permission to complete a supplementary assessment task. This task will cover the same information that was in the missed session. These tasks will be pass/fail only and will not include written feedback. All replacement tasks are to be submitted at least two weeks before the commencement of the placement. Students who have not complied with any of these requirements will not be provided with a placement.