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Early start for teachers

5 March 2008

Monash education students work with students at Frankston Primary School during Orientation Week.

Even before the university year formally started, Graduate Diploma of Primary Education students were working in the classroom.

Ninety-four teaching students worked with students in years one to six at Frankston Primary School during Orientation Week doing activities including making straw structures and team building games.

Amy Cutter-Mackenzie, course advisor for the Graduate Diploma of Education, said Frankston Primary School had given the teaching students a wonderful opportunity to experience time in the classroom.

"It has given them the chance to work with children in small groups and experience the primary school environment prior to undertaking their academic study," Dr Cutter-Mackenzie said.

Dr Cutter-Mackenzie said Frankston Primary School children knew Monash students and lecturers well, due to the close working relationship between Monash's Faculty of Education and the school.

"We been working closely with Frankston Primary School for the past two years in implementing science and environmental education programs where student teachers work with the entire school over the course of two terms," she said.

Frankston Primary School principal Jim Wilson said the relationship was a "win-win situation for Monash students and our children and teachers".

"The children themselves love this close relationship with Monash University," Mr Wilson said.

"One child said, 'I hope you keep coming because absolutely everything is awesome'.

For further information about the Graduate Diploma of Primary Education contact Dr Amy Cutter-Mackenzie on +61 3 9904 4638 or at Amy.CutterMackenzie@Education.Monash.edu.au.