GDip programme structure

Explore the programme structure and courses for the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education).

Female ECE teacher showing two preschool girls hand shadows through a red shade sail.

The Graduate Diploma programme consists of 150 points. All student teachers participate in six courses over the year.

Each course supports student teachers’ progress towards meeting the Ngā Paerewa | Standards for the Teaching Profession (in a supported environment).

Akopai courses support student teachers’ knowledge about the professional practice of teaching, the role of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in education, and te reo me te ao Māori.  Learning Design courses support students to engage with curriculum learning areas and pedagogies, and four cross-programme priorities:

  • Mātauranga-a-iwi
  • the Digital Age Educator
  • Education for Pacific Peoples
  • Inclusive Education.

First half year courses

Akopai: Professional Practice 1 - TCHG315

  • This course focuses on developing skills and knowledge for Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnerships, professional learning and professional relationships.

Kia Ako: Approaches to Early Childhood curriculum, assessment, and planning -  TCHG 385

  • This course focuses on the introduction to Te Whāriki and examine theories and practices for curriculum, assessment, and planning. Student teachers examine how interpersonal, temporal, and material environments influence children's curriculum experiences and engagement.

Kia Tika: Being a Kaiako with infants, toddlers and their whānau - TCHG 386

  • This course supports student teachers to work effectively with infants, toddlers and their whānau in culturally and linguistically responsive ways, using different philosophical and pedagogical approaches, including indigenous Māori and Pacific constructs such as tuakana-teina, manaakitanga, and inati, pakiwaitara and oriori. Student teachers reflect critically on their own identity and culture/s and how these impact on their role as kaiako supporting children’s wellbeing.

Tātaimarau 3: Ngā Torohanga - Modalities of understanding lifeworlds -  TCHG 222

  • In this course, student teachers critically examine effective practices for teaching mathematics, science, technology and languages to infants, toddlers and young children.

Second half year courses

Akopai: Professional Practice 2 - TCHG 316

  • This courses focuses on developing skills and knowledge for Te Tiriti o Waitangi Partnerships, professional learning and professional relationships).

Kia Māori: Inclusive Teaching in Diverse Communities - TCHG 387

  • In this course, student teachers explore specificities and commonalities across cultural communities.

Kia Mataara: Intentional Pedagogies in Local Contexts - TCHG  388

  • In this course, student teachers examine how intentional pedagogical practices can support young children's social and emotional growth, competence, and sense of belonging and well-being.

Tātaimarau 4:  Ngā  Toi -  Exploring modes of creativity and expression -TCHG 225

  • In this course, student teachers critically examine effective practices for teaching oral and written literacy, dance and movement, music, drama and visual arts relevant to the diverse life-worlds of infants, toddlers and young children.

Student teachers are expected to share course and assessment information with their associate teacher(s).