WIL: Preparation and readiness
Before your professional experience begins, it’s important that you’re fully prepared to step into a school or early learning setting with confidence. This section guides you through the key steps to get placement-ready, covering everything from clearances to health, safety, and professional conduct. Understanding these expectations will help you meet university and site requirements, maintain high professional standards, and make the most of your time on placement.
Pre-service teacher agreement
The Pre-service Teacher Agreement outlines your professional responsibilities before and during your education placement.
To meet CDU requirements, you must:
- Read the agreement carefully
- Sign the document
- Upload the signed copy to your student placement portal (InPlace) once enrolled in your first placement unit
Introductory profile
Your Introductory Profile is a professional document used to help secure a suitable placement. It acts like a Curriculum Vitae (CV) for your professional experience and is shared with the WIL Education Placement Office and school leaders to match you with an appropriate setting.
When writing your Professional Statement, be clear, concise, and relevant, highlighting your qualifications and confirming your major and minor teaching areas with your Course Coordinator. Include relevant experience such as tutoring, school support roles, volunteering, or working with students with additional needs.
After each placement, remember to update your profile and upload the revised document to the Inplace student portal.
Security clearance
Before you can commence your placement, you must complete the required checks and clearances for your state or territory for working with children. You are responsible for ensuring that all necessary clearances and checks are in place. To complete this process:
- Apply for clearances well in advance, as processing can take up to three months.
- Complete any required workshops or training.
- Submit copies of your certificates and screenings to the Inplace student portal.
Additionally, the resource linked provides information on mandatory reporting laws in Australia. These laws require certain individuals to report specified types of suspected child abuse or neglect to the relevant state or territory authorities.
For full details, visit: Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect – AIFS
Clearance Requirements by State and Territory
NT
SA
NSW
ACT
Working with Vulnerable People check
Teacher Code of Professional Practice - ACT
Pre-Service Teacher Register Checklist
Teacher Quality Institute Pre-service Teacher Register - ACT
To be registered on the ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) Pre-Service Teacher Register, you must provide evidence of current enrolment in an approved initial teacher education program.
Your evidence must meet the following criteria:
- Be on an official university document
- Include the name of your university
- Include your full name
- Clearly state the name of the course (must be an approved teacher education program)
- Include a statement confirming your enrolment
- Show a date indicating your enrolment is current
Please note: A letter of offer is not accepted as evidence of enrolment.
QLD
WA
The Department of Education National Police History Check(The Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check must be conducted by the WA Department of Education and must be dated within six months of your first placement.
Pre-service teacher responsibilities
Professional Experience carries responsibilities for all stakeholders. Pre-service teachers enrolled at CDU must take an active role in preparing for and participating in placement.
Expectations for Pre-service Teachers
Read the Requirement's, Guidelines and Assessment Reports for your enrolled placement unit:
- Understand the purpose and expectations of the placement.
- Complete all pre-placement requirements.
- Ensure required documents remain current throughout the placement.
Once your placement is confirmed, contact the Site Coordinator and Mentor before your first day:
- Clarify expectations with the host setting.
- Familiarise yourself with the placement setting's policies and procedures.
- Notify the Site Coordinator and Mentor of any individual support needs.
While on placement, comply with the CDU Student Code of Conduct:
- Demonstrate professionalism in punctuality, attitude, and behaviour.
- Adhere to professional dress standards.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times, particularly regarding student records.
All CDU pre-service teachers have supernumerary status during placements. This means they are:
- Placed in addition to workforce requirements and staffing ratios.
- Participating as students and engaged as learners in the setting.
- Practising under the supervision of a registered teacher.
Code of conduct
As a pre-service teacher, you are expected to uphold high standards of professional and ethical behaviour throughout your placement. Codes of conduct guide how professionals interact, communicate, and work respectfully within educational environments.
During placement, you must follow the CDU Student Code of Conduct.
Government, independent, and Catholic schools, as well as early childhood services, all have Codes of Conduct or Ethics relevant to your placement. Each organisation may have its own policy documents outlining professional expectations, which you are required to read and follow.
Induction information
Each school or setting is expected to provide an orientation or induction prior to placement. Pre-service teachers should ask about the induction process when first contacting the school and be prepared to attend before the placement officially begins.
A suggested Induction Checklist is available to help guide this process.
Hours and attendances
Placement attendance is measured in days, as mandated by course accreditation. When a full-time block is required, pre-service teachers must attend five days per week, Monday to Friday.
To pass the unit, 100% of required placement days must be completed.
Pre-service Teachers are expected to:
- Be present for full school days (typically 7.5 hours).
- Complete duties such as supervision or yard duty before, during, and after school hours.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before students and remain at least one hour after students depart, or as otherwise directed by your Mentor or Site Coordinator.
- Confirm working hours with the school and follow those hours consistently.
- Stay on site throughout the school day, including lunch (unless prior approval is given by the Mentor for special circumstances).
Absences
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.
In the case of cyclones or other emergencies, pre-service teachers' safety is the priority. Attendance requirements will follow the direction of emergency service authorities. Missed days due to these events must also be made up.
Dress requirements
Pre-service teachers are expected to maintain high standards of professional attire. Refer to the CDU professional teaching attire guide.
Communication
Effective communication is essential for professional conduct. The CDU Code of Conduct prioritises respect in all interactions. This includes:
- Treating others with courtesy and acknowledging their experience and strengths.
- Communicating respectfully in person, in writing, and online.
- Following reasonable directions from university staff and placement providers.
- Any email correspondence must be sent from your CDU student email account.
Please ensure that all written communication, especially emails, includes your student number. This helps staff quickly identify your records and provide accurate support.
Occupational health and safety
Charles Darwin University is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for all staff, students, and members of the University community. We take our responsibility seriously and provide clear guidelines, training, and information to support safe work practices and manage potential hazards.
All staff and students are expected to:
- Follow all health and safety instructions.
- Take action to avoid, eliminate, or minimise hazards.
- Refrain from any actions that may put others at risk.
- Seek information or advice if unsure before beginning placement activities.
- Wear appropriate clothing and protective gear for the tasks.
- Know the emergency and evacuation procedures at their placement school or centre.
Together, we can maintain a safe and supportive environment for learning and working.
Insurance
Charles Darwin University has personal accident and public liability coverage that extends to cover the legal liability of enrolled Higher Education (HE) students while engaged on authorised university-sponsored activities. This includes professional experience activities, provided the PST is not engaged as an employee or in receipt of remuneration, and is enrolled in the relevant professional experience unit. In accordance with requirements of CDU’s ITE courses and associated professional experience, it is understood that the PST will be under supervision at all times.
If a PST is involved in an accident or sustains an injury while on placement they are required to inform their supervisor at the school and CDU immediately. Appropriate first aid should be provided to the PST and a completed CDU Accident, Incident and Injury Report should be forwarded to CDU. It is a CDU requirement that enrolled HE students complete this form and return it to CDU via the Director for Professional Experience or the InSchool Office. PSTs must also comply with the accident and injury reporting guidelines and procedures of the host school. If and when necessary, the PST should attend the emergency department or be seen by a medical officer. PSTs can also contact Support and Equity Services for counselling and additional advice if this is needed. Note: PSTs are NOT covered by CDU insurance when travelling to and from placements.
Excursions and camps
Pre-service teachers are encouraged to take part in excursions and camps during placement, as these experiences provide valuable learning opportunities. However, your Professional Experience Supervisor must be informed, and approval must be obtained from the WIL Placement Office before any travel occurs.
Pre-service teachers must be listed on the school or centre’s approved risk assessment in order to participate.
Health considerations
Pre-service teachers must comply with vaccination requirements as mandated by the Chief Health Officer and the specific education setting in the state or territory where your placement occurs.
It is your responsibility to stay informed and ensure you meet all current health directives and vaccination requirements before attending your placement. Requirements may vary by location and school, so please check the relevant state or territory health and education department guidelines prior to placement.
Inherent requirements
All Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses at CDU include Inherent Requirements—core capabilities and attributes essential for achieving course outcomes and meeting professional teaching standards. These requirements reflect the real-world demands of the teaching profession and ensure pre-service teachers are equipped to work safely, ethically, and effectively in educational settings.
While reasonable adjustments can be made to support students with a health condition or disability, all students must be able to meet these requirements to progress through and successfully complete their course.
For detailed information, visit the Inherent Requirements for Teacher Education at CDU.