Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary)

Primary school teachers play a key role in inspiring young people and instilling a love of learning. As a primary teacher, you'll teach a wide range of subject areas, while sharing your passion for specialised subjects such as sport, sciences, the arts and culture. This practical programme, taught by experts in primary education, will qualify you to become a provisionally-certificated teacher in primary and intermediate schools (Year 1 to Year 8, typically children aged 5-13). Through placements at primary and intermediate schools, you will establish connections and develop practical skills. You will have the opportunity to apply to complete a practicum in a specialist school. Develop the tools you need to prepare you for 21st century classrooms where digital learning is key. Building strong relationships is vital, and diversity is welcomed. You will learn basic proficiency in te reo Maori and become familiar with the New Zealand curriculum. Shaped by a commitment to fairness and social justice, the programme is underpinned by principles in the Treaty of Waitangi and a determination to ensure equitable learning outcomes for our young people. You'll gain an internationally-recognised degree from the only New Zealand University to rank in the . You'll form important relationships with teachers and prospective employers to secure work. You'll also earn a higher starting salary than teachers with employment-based qualifications. Graduate Diploma in Teaching students are eligible for the external TeachNZ Scholarships. . Before you begin your teaching journey, there are a few key steps you need to complete, so we recommend applying early. Read about the process on our . Still got questions? Email our Postgraduate Taught Recruitment Specialist at pgt@auckland.ac.nz. The Graduate Diploma (Teaching) Primary is available online. The online enrolment is now available to students across New Zealand. For more information .

Students will complete 150 points in this one-year programme through a combination of taught courses on campus, online learning and practical placements in primary schools.

Professional experience

Professional experience (also known as practicum) is a large component of this programme. You will work alongside experienced teachers in a range of primary and intermediate schools during practicum placements. You'll be in schools twice a week in both Semester One and Semester Two, plus you'll have an additional 16 weeks of block practicum in two different schools.

2024
Semester One intake:

• Practicum One (School A): 5 - 23 February (3 weeks)
• Practicum Two (School A): Two days in schools from 29 April - 17 May (6 days) (Wed & Thurs for face to face students. Two days negotiable for Online students) then 27 May - 5 July (6 weeks)
• Practicum Three (School B): Two days in schools from 2 September - 27 September (8 days) (Wed & Thurs for face to face students. Two days negotiable for Online students) then 14 October - 29 November (7 weeks)

Semester Two intake:

• EDPRAC 615 Part One: Two days per week in a school from 29 July - 30 August (10 days) (Days of the week to be negotiated between student and AT/school)
• EDPRAC 615 Part Two: 5 weeks from 29 October to 29 November
• EDPRAC 616 Part One : 15 days from first day of the school term (within 3 Feb to 28 Feb 2025)
• EDPRAC 616 part Two : 19 May to 27 June 2025 (6 weeks)

2025
Semester One intake:

• Practicum One (School A): 3 February - 21 February (3 weeks)
• Practicum Two (School A): Two days in schools from 28 April - 16 May (6 days) (Wed & Thurs for face-to-face students. For online students Days of the week to be negotiated between student and AT/school) then 19 May- 27 June (6 weeks)
• Practicum Three (School B): Two days in schools from 25 August - 19 September (8 days) (Weds & Thurs for face-to-face students. For online students Days of the week to be negotiated between student and AT/school) then 13 October-28 November (7 weeks)

Capstone task and portfolio

At the end of the year, students present a portfolio, including a capstone task that consolidates theoretical and experiential learning throughout the year.