Selection criteria

An application form must be completed and a supervised online English and Maths assessment undertaken which is aligned to the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). However, this assessment is not required if evidence of a nationally recognised Diploma or a sound result or higher (ie. C or above) from Year 12 studies in English and Maths A or B can be provided. Once applicants have met the English and Maths entry requirements, a telephone or face to face interview is held to complete the application process.

Placement

During your course you will be required to complete vocational placement at a RATEP location so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland will assist in arranging placements.

Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 100 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Need to know

This course is offered through RATEP. RATEP is a community-based teacher education program that provides a direct pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote, rural and regional locations to become registered teachers or qualified teacher aides. The RATEP program is a partnership between TAFE Queensland North Region, Queensland Education Department and James Cook University. Currently there are 14 RATEP sites throughout the state, providing teacher training at the Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma levels. Students are also able to study via an offsite delivery model with teaching support using online technology and regular phone, email and SMS communications.

RATEP locations are as follows:

1. Aurukun
2. Bamaga
3. Barambah
4. Cairns West State School
5. Mackay
6. Mareeba
7. Maryborough
8. Mount Isa
9. Ravenshoe
10. Rockhampton
11. St George and Surrounding Region
12. Toowoomba
13. Townsville
14. Yarrabah

Students are also able to study via an offsite delivery model with teaching support using online technology and regular phone, email and SMS communications. Fully funded residential blocks in Cairns are also offered as part of the course. Students completing the Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education receive one year's credit towards a Bachelor of Education through James Cook University.

Assessment Methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.