how to become a pe teacher

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Physical Education teacher pathways

A girl plays indoor soccer as part of her PE course

The recent government mandate requiring vaccination of education workers applies to sports coaches in schools. As hands-on coaching experience is a major component of the Bachelor of Sport Coaching we expect students will be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Students who choose not to be vaccinated will need to organise their own approved practicum/internships in a setting that does not require them to be vaccinated in order to meet the requirements of the degree.

UC offers a pathway for graduates of the Bachelor of Sport Coaching (BSpC) or the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) to become secondary school Physical Education teachers with an additional qualification.

Secondary teachers work with young adults in Years 7-13 (ages 11-18) in intermediate, middle, area and secondary schools. As a secondary teacher you teach one or more subjects that you are passionate about, inspire your students, encourage them and give them the skills and enthusiasm they need to make a positive difference in the world.

Start with the Bachelor of Sport Coaching or the Bachelor of Health Sciences, major in Health Education and a selection of Sport Coaching courses (please see our student advice team to plan this pathway), three-year full-time or up to six years part-time qualifications that may be studied on campus or by distance, starting in February or July.

All majors in the BSpC are acceptable as study towards your New Zealand school curriculum subjects. You should include SPCO 204and SPCO 309 in your enrolment (if these aren't included in your major).

You should also include courses in a second teaching subject area. Health Education courses or courses in core subjects such as English, Maths, Science or Te Reo Māori are recommended. Your BSpC is then followed by one of our one-year intial teacher education pathways. See our Secondary Teacher education page for more information.

Applications for our intial teacher education programmes are open anytime. Applications for teacher education programmes will close on 1 December each year for domestic applicants (31 October each year for international applicants).

See the for entry requirements and to choose your pathway/qualification.
Many qualifications have specific processes for enrolling and acceptance. See our enrolment guide for more information. In addition to online enrolment you may be required to complete additional forms required by the college.
Our can help you to plan your pathway.

For all enquiries about becoming a PE teacher

talk to the liaison office

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