It was the local/nearby campus which allowed me to live at home (with parents) whilst studying to save money as accommodation options were very expensive. It also offered the course I was interested in completing and my year advisor at school recommended the local university to all students.
Course Curriculum :
I think the uni should have sent us on practical in a school setting earlier - we did not teach until we had been at uni for 2 years. The first year subjects were not particularly useful - they focused on each of the key learning areas - since having just completed high school I was still familiar with most of these topics. They also taught things like advanced maths so we could feel what it's like to learn maths instead of teaching us what we need to teach and ways to teach it.
Exams :
Higher School Certificate in the final year of high school - 73% result. First-year uni exams in each KLA. Literacy and Numeracy teaching exams throughout uni. LANTITE exams for Literacy and Numeracy.
Placement :
Since becoming eligible for casual teaching 4 months ago, I have had one day of casual teaching work. I have done some training through the teachers federation to extend my knowledge. I am hoping for more casual work over the winter terms.
Internship :
Yes. We had 2 practicals and 2 internships. Pracs in 2nd and 3rd-year uni teaching for 4 weeks - this was our first experience in a classroom. My Classroom Teacher on my second practical did not want a student. She openly complained about needing to have me in front of all the staff (including me). I was left alone with the students regularly (uni policy states this should not happen until the internship). My internships were fantastic. The teachers were very supportive. I had a uni supervisor who was very helpful in guiding the improvement required. I have no idea what stipend is.
Events :
I struggled too much with the workload to attend many special events at the uni. I did attend a bit of stressless week one year. I patted puppies and ate something sugary and there was a jumping castle. This event occurs every semester before the exams.
Fees :
The HELP Debt is the main part of fees - that pays for classes, teachers, classrooms, etc. The government can loan you the HELP Debt which means you don\ t pay any of this until you start making enough money. Student Services Fees each semester - I think they're around $100 a semester - cover things like microwaves, water, paths, outdoor seating Resources - each semester the teachers set required resources such as textbooks which you need to purchase for the course. Textbooks can cost a couple of hundred dollars. Depending on the course and subject will have different requirements. Some resources can be bought second hand. Graduation fee - $200ish - covers your ticket + 3 guests + hire of graduation outfit.
Examination Structure :
I don\ t work well in exams due to my dyslexia. I was marked down for spelling mistakes and for misreading questions. During exams, I was in a separate room with my test printed on colored paper. Some exams were open book but most were closed. Most exams went for 2-3 hours and you could leave when you were finished.
Faculty :
Most faculty were not helpful. I have dyslexia and many of my lecturers ignored the requirements stated in my individual learning plan including receiving notes before the lecture. The Special Ed staff were fantastic - they were very supportive of my needs - printed on colored paper, etc.
Hostel :
I lived home with my parents. I didn\ t learn how to drive until the year I completed my course. I caught the bus to and from uni each day. Since I finished, the buses in the Newcastle area have all changed and I would not be able to catch the bus home after uni any more because the bus to my suburb stops at 5 pm. There is on campus accommodation as well.
