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Twenty-seven students from a broad range of disciplines are among the first to start The University of Western Australia's new Master of Education (Primary) course.

According to the Primary Teaching Programs' Course Coordinator, Dr Sandra Heldsinger, it had been anticipated that most students would hold an arts degree but surprisingly the largest proportion had a commerce background.

"The students' previous experience also varies greatly - some have recently completed their degrees whereas others have had extensive professional experience in such diverse fields as occupational therapy, law and accountancy," Dr Heldsinger said.

She added it was not yet clear whether students were turning to education because of the economic crisis.

"All the students have expressed a passion for working with children - a passion they may have ignored when choosing their original professions but which has subsequently been rekindled through part-time or voluntary work with children, or through being parents and grandparents," Dr Heldsinger said.

"Community response to the new program has been remarkable and as a result the students will be kept very busy."

The academic year begins with The Dean of Education Breakfast Lecture Series. The series provides an opportunity for Master of Education students to discuss and debate a possible vision for education in WA with leaders from within the field and from the broader community.

Media references

Dr Sandra Heldsinger (+61 8) 6488 2301 / (+61 4) 09 614 557
(The Primary Teaching Programs Course Coordinator)
Sally-Ann Jones (UWA Public Affairs) (+61 8) 6488 7975 / (+61 4) 20 790 098