WIL: FAQs
Professional Experience placements are an exciting and important part of your teacher education journey. We understand that preparing for placement can come with many questions — from how to get started to what happens if your circumstances change.
This FAQ section has been developed to guide you through key aspects of the placement process and provide clarity around common concerns.
If you can’t find the answer you need here, you’re always welcome to contact the WIL Education Placement Officers at inschool@cdu.edu.au, the Professional Experience Supervisors at profx@cdu.edu.au or your Professional Experience Unit Coordinator.
When will I receive confirmation of my placement dates?
The WIL Education Placement Team begins organising your placement once you are enrolled in a placement unit and have uploaded all required pre-placement documentation to your InPlace student portal. You'll be contacted with confirmation details as soon as a placement is secured.
Can I complete a placement at a site where I have a Conflict of Interest (e.g. I’m employed there, have family working there, or my children attend)?
You must complete a Conflict of Interest declaration and submit it for approval by the WIL Placement Office.
Please visit the Conflict of Interest tab on the Organisation and Conditions page for more information.
How many placements can I undertake at a site where I have a Conflict of Interest?
If a Conflict of Interest declaration is approved, you may complete one placement at that site during your course. This ensures a fair and professional learning experience across a range of educational settings.
Please visit the Conflict of Interest tab on the Organisation and Conditions page for more information.
Can I defer placement during the semester I’m enrolled?
Yes. If you're unable to participate in your placement unit, you may withdraw before the census date without penalty.
Withdrawing after the census date may result in a financial penalty and, in some cases, an academic penalty. Always check key dates and seek advice from the WIL Education Placement Officers or your Course Coordinator if you're unsure.
Can I organise my own placement?
No. All education placements must be arranged by the WIL Education Placement Officers. Pre-service teachers should not contact education sites directly, as this can jeopardise current and future partnerships with those schools or centres.
Please visit the Organisation and Conditions page for more information.
What if my placement is not completed during the semester I am enrolled?
If your placement cannot be completed within the enrolled semester — either because a placement has not yet been secured or a variation has been approved due to extenuating circumstances — you will be awarded a Placement Ongoing (PO) grade.
A PO grade remains valid for two admission periods, or until a suitable placement is sourced and successfully completed, whichever comes first.
Once I'm enrolled in a placement unit, when can I commence the placement?
Each unit has specific guidelines outlining the week of the semester in which it may commence.
Please refer to your individual unit on the Requirements, Guidelines and Assessment Reports page for more information.
Do the placement units need to be completed in the order they appear on the study plan?
Yes. Each placement unit includes assumed knowledge and/or prerequisites that build progressively on your professional skills and placement experiences. Completing units in sequence ensures you meet accreditation requirements and supports your development as a pre-service teacher.
If you have questions about your individual circumstances or study plan, please contact your Course Coordinator for advice.
Can I start my placement if I have not uploaded the required clearances to my InPlace Student Portal?
No. Your placement will not be sourced by your WIL Placement Officer until your clearances have been uploaded to your InPlace Student Portal.
Education settings are unable to accept pre-service teachers without current and verified clearances. If you have concerns or delays regarding your clearances, please contact the WIL Placement Team at InSchool@cdu.edu.au or phone 08 8946 6602.
Do I need to notify anyone if my personal or contact details change?
Yes. You must update your details on InPlace immediately. The Placement Team uses your current address and contact information to arrange suitable placements and determine travel time. Keeping this information up to date ensures accurate and timely placement arrangements.
What happens if I miss a day of my placement?
If a Pre-service Teacher is unable to attend placement:
- The setting and Professional Experience Supervisor must be notified before the start of the day.
- Absences must be supported by a Medical Certificate or Statutory Declaration.
- Supporting documents must be submitted to the setting, Professional Experience Supervisor and inschool@cdu.edu.au.
- All missed days must be made up.
What time do I start and finish each day?
Refer to the Pre-service Teacher Responsibilities tab within the Preparation and Readiness page for information regarding hours and attendance.
Do pre-service teachers need to record their placement hours?
No. Pre-service teachers are not required to record daily hours. The total number of placement days completed is recorded by the mentor teacher in the final report. For reference, one day of supervised teaching practice is considered to be a minimum of 7.5 hours.
How many hours per week is full-time face-to-face planned teaching?
In Australia, full-time face-to-face teaching typically involves around 20 to 25 hours per week of direct classroom instruction. This range varies depending on the educational setting (early childhood, primary, or secondary), as well as state or territory policies and employer agreements.
The remaining time within the minimum standard work week is allocated to:
- Lesson planning
- Assessment and reporting
- Professional development
- Supervision duties
- Administrative tasks
Where do I find information about the Unit Reports, and Requirements and Guidelines for my placement unit?
Please refer to the Requirements, Guidelines and Assessment Report page for information regarding specific units.
Can a diploma-qualified educator supervise a pre-service teacher in an Early Learning Centre?
Yes. Diploma-qualified educators are qualified to supervise pre-service teachers in early learning centres, in accordance with university and sector requirements. The overarching Mentor responsibility remains with the Centre Director and/or Early Childhood Teacher.
My placement is a six-week placement with four weeks of full-time planning and teaching, but the school holidays fall in between. Is that okay?
Yes. While it is ideal for the placement to occur within a single school term, this is not always possible. Placements can span across school holiday breaks where necessary, as long as the total required days and expectations are met. This will be managed by your WIL Placement Officer.
I am not able to complete my placement fulltime. What are my options?
Please refer to the Organisation and Conditions page for information on variations to placement timing conditions.
What should I do if I am concerned about anything during my placement?
If you have any concerns during your placement, you should immediately contact your Professional Experience Supervisor who was allocated to you before your placement began.
What should I do if I have completed my final placement and don’t have the necessary documentation to get registered to teach?
You should contact FASquality@cdu.edu.au to request a ‘Supervised Teaching Practice’ letter. This letter confirms that you have completed all required placements and allows you to apply for registration, provided all other requirements have been fulfilled.
Do public holidays count towards my placement days?
No. Public Holidays do not count as placement days.