My name is Isabella and I am currently completing my 4th and final year at Flinders University in the Bachelor of Education (Middle/Secondary)/ Bachelor of Arts (Geography and Earth Science).
Whilst I was at high school I was interested in studying education, however, I did not know what type of areas I would like to teach. After travelling in my gap year, I realised that I had a true passion for the world we live in and I wanted to learn more about it. This is how I ended up choosing Earth Science and Geography as my two majors within the Bachelor of Arts.
As education degrees at Flinders are all double degrees, they allow you to study education whilst also learning in different areas of interest. I chose to study Earth Science and Environmental topics throughout my degree that I was really interested in, including topics in Geology, Marine Sciences, and Coastal Processes. My favourite part of studying science at Flinders is the incorporation of fieldwork and practicals into most topics. This allows you to apply the knowledge that you have learnt in the lectures to a real-life context. I found being able to learn outside a classroom setting beneficial as it made tutorials highly interactive and engaging.
When it comes to the education side of my degree, professional placements are where the true learning happens! Professional placements are incorporated into the degree in 2nd, 3rd and 4th year so that you can experience a range of schools and have opportunities to teach within your chosen major/minor areas. Teaching on placements gave me the chance to apply the knowledge I had learnt within my science topics along with the teaching strategies I had been taught. I have had significant support from my mentors and University liaisons throughout my placements, who work with you to help develop your preferred teaching style. The mentors I have been placed with have been very flexible and open to new ideas which has allowed me to be creative with my lessons. On my last placement, I planned a science practical for my Year 9 class where they designed and built their own water filters based on a country’s GDP. This was a creative way for students to understand how water is a resource and how access to water differs based on location, economy and infrastructure.
Studying science and education opens doors to future career options in and out of school settings. I think this degree is great for anyone who is interested in education and also has a passion for another area because in the double degree you can study both. This degree is perfect for anyone who learns well through practical experiences and has a desire to make a difference in young people’s lives.
Good luck with your studies for 2018 and remember to always follow your passion!
Isabella