Introduction to Contemporary Australian Schooling

The Introduction to Contemporary Australian Schooling (ICAS) Program is designed for students who have completed their schooling overseas and may have limited understanding of the Australian education system. The program offers a comprehensive overview of Australian school systems and culture, along with practical insights into pedagogy, teaching techniques, and classroom management strategies. By reducing potential challenges and easing the transition into teaching and academic environments, ICAS prepares participants for success in their studies and future professional practice. Through interactive workshops and resources, ICAS helps participants build confidence, develop teacher presence and voice, and connect with peers who share similar experiences.

Enrol in the Second Half Year program now

Enrolments for semester 1 (first half year) open mid-February and enrolments for semester 2 (second half year) open end of June

Program outline

Seminar 1 Introduction to early childhood education and care in Australia

Different types of early childhood education and care services in Australia
Understanding National Quality Standards and the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia
Planning meaningful learning environment- understanding the planning cycle
How to embed Aboriginal perspectives in your program

Seminar 2 Building positive relationships with children

Relationships in Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards
Evidence-based teaching strategies for early childhood teachers:

Guidance Approach
Serve and Return
Enriched Caregiving

Communicating effectively with children (verbal and nonverbal)

Seminar 3 Working with your mentor teachers and colleagues

Your mentor teachers’ role - what can you expect from your mentor teacher?
How do you show that you are an engaged teacher candidate:

Be seen
Be heard
Be respectful
Be helpful

Understanding mentor teacher report

Seminar 4 Developing your teacher presence and voice workshop with Margie Bainbridge

Using your voice, posture and movement to engage your students
Using space effectively in the classroom
Developing your own style and personality in the classroom

Seminar 5 Getting the most out of your FoE workshops

Proactively thinking through common student life and study problems
Using problem-solving frameworks and strategies
Resources that can assist your journey through student life
Developing active listening skills
Developing effective reading and note taking skills
Confident speaking at university and in the classroom

Program outline

Seminar 1 Introduction to Australian schooling culture and organization

Important facts about Australian schooling culture and organisation (e.g. How a typical day is structured for students)
Introduction to the Victorian Secondary School Curriculum (Year 7-10 and the Victorian Certificate of Education)

Seminar 2 Pedagogy in Australian schools

Support with lesson planning
Learning subject-specific terminology in English
Incorporating your own cultural background into your teaching

Seminar 3 Running successful group/teamwork in your classroom and building positive relationships with your students

What is group/team work?
Why do we use it?
How to run successful group/team work sessions in your own classroom
The Victorian Institute of Teaching Standards on teacher/student relationships
Strategies for building positive relationships with your students
Understanding informal teenage discourse
How to establish rules for the classroom
A 4 step Approach to Classroom Management
Language for regulating student behavior

Seminar 4 (optional) Developing your teacher presence and voice workshop with Margie Bainbridge.

Using your voice, posture and movement to engage your students in the classroom
Using space effectively in the classroom
Developing your own style and personality in the classroom

Seminar 5 (optional) Micro-teaching

Deliver a short lesson segment to your peers
Participate in constructive self, tutor and peer feedback
Receive a film clip and notes to assist self-reflection on your developing teacher practice

Seminar 6 Getting the most out of your FoE workshops (part 2)

Proactively thinking through common student life and study problems
Using problem-solving frameworks and strategies
Resources that can assist your journey through student life.

Seminar 7 Getting the most out of your Faculty of Education workshops

Developing active listening skills
Developing effective reading and note taking skills
Confident speaking at university and in the classroom

Program outline

Offered in semester 2 (second half year) only

Seminar 1 Introduction to Australian schooling culture and organization

Important facts about Australian schooling culture and organisation (e.g. How a typical day is structured for students)
Introduction to the Victorian Secondary School Curriculum (Year 7-10 and the Victorian Certificate of Education)

Seminar 2 Pedagogy in Australian schools

Support with lesson planning
Learning subject-specific terminology in English
Incorporating your own cultural background into your teaching

Seminar 3 Running successful group/teamwork in your classroom and building positive relationships with your students

What is group/team work?
Why do we use it?
How to run successful group/team work sessions in your own classroom
The Victorian Institute of Teaching Standards on teacher/student relationships
Strategies for building positive relationships with your students
Understanding informal teenage discourse
How to establish rules for the classroom
A 4 step Approach to Classroom Management
Language for regulating student behavior

Seminar 4 (optional) Getting the most out of your FoE workshops

Using your voice, posture and movement to engage your students in the classroom
Using space effectively in the classroom
Developing your own style and personality in the classroom

Seminar 5 Getting the most out of your FoE workshops (part 1)

Proactively thinking through common student life and study problems
Using problem-solving frameworks and strategies
Resources that can assist your journey through student life

Seminar 6 Getting the most out of your FoE workshops (part 2)

Developing active listening skills
Confident speaking at university and in the classroom

Program outline

Offered in semester 2 (second half year) only

Seminar 1 Introduction to Australian schooling culture and organization

Important facts about Australian schooling culture and organisation (e.g. How a typical day is structured for students)
Introduction to the Victorian Secondary School Curriculum (Year 7-10 and the Victorian Certificate of Education)

Seminar 2 Pedagogy in Australian schools

Support with lesson planning
Learning subject-specific terminology in English
Incorporating your own cultural background into your teaching

Seminar 3 Running successful group/teamwork in your classroom and building positive relationships with your students

What is group/team work?
Why do we use it?
How to run successful group/team work sessions in your own classroom
The Victorian Institute of Teaching Standards on teacher/student relationships
Strategies for building positive relationships with your students
Understanding informal teenage discourse
How to establish rules for the classroom
A 4 step Approach to Classroom Management
Language for regulating student behavior

Seminar 4 (optional) Getting the most out of your FoE workshops

Using your voice, posture and movement to engage your students in the classroom
Using space effectively in the classroom
Developing your own style and personality in the classroom

Seminar 5 Getting the most out of your FoE workshops (part 1)

Proactively thinking through common student life and study problems
Using problem-solving frameworks and strategies
Resources that can assist your journey through student life

Seminar 6 Getting the most out of your FoE workshops (part 2)

Developing active listening skills
Confident speaking at university and in the classroom

Melbourne Plus recognition

From 2026, ICAS is an eligible activity for Melbourne Plus – the University’s co-curricular recognition program that helps you build employability skills and earn verified digital credentials. By participating in all ICAS seminars and submitting a short reflection, you can earn the Global Citizenship Melbourne Plus digital credential.

Learn more about Melbourne Plus recognition for ICAS.