Old H Dip Education UCD

Hi I was looking through old info on internet. I came across this; its the old H Dip Education course in UCD. Theres one section that explains the practice and placement requirements and in this the course allows a qualified primary school teacher to complete the H Dip. Just out of interest would anybody know the reasons a primary school teacher would want to complete the H Dip and also if they did enrol on the course; what subjects could they teach at second level?

Quote from UCD webpage in 2005:
"The HDipEd at UCD Education Department
- a brief overview...
The UCD HDipEd programme contains two component areas: (I) The Theory of Education and (II) Teaching & School Experience. Assessment of these components is primarily by end-of-year Examination, with two in-course assignments (of around 3000 words each), a teaching grade (of A to E) and a portfolio of school work also counting towards the overall award. The Diploma is awarded at First Honours, Second Honours or Pass grade, depending on performance at examination and grade on teaching placement.
The Theory of Education Area is taught throughout the year and makes up the vast majority of your college-based work. The Area comprises what we term Foundation Courses, Subject Method Courses, and Elective Courses.
Foundation Courses introduce the student to the core disciplines, issues and concerns of education. These are normally considered in 10 -12 week lecture series (some before Christmas, others after). They usually cover: (a) Classroom Teaching under the four headings of The Psychology of Teaching and Learning; Curriculum Development & Evaluation; General Method & Organisation of Teaching; and , Curriculum Studies (b) The Learning Adolescent under the four headings of Development Psychology; Educational Measurement; The Psychology of Adolescence; and Special Educational Needs in the Postprimary School (c) Educational Policy & The School, under the three headings of History of Education; Philosophy of Education; and, Sociology of Education. One of the student's in-course essays is selected from a range of options across the Foundation Courses.
Subject Method Courses vary slightly in number and structure from year to year - partly due to staffing and partly to interest from among the student cohort. Students take two subjects for teaching and examination purposes, at least one of which has to be related to the student's first degree. These courses are between 20 and 22 weeks duration, with groups meeting once or twice a week depending on subject. This year we expect to be able to offer Subject Method courses in the following: Gaeilge, English, Science (combinations of Physics, Biology, Chemistry) History, Geography, Modern Foreign Languages (combinations of German, Spanish, French, Italian), History, Classical Civilisation, Music, Mathematics, Religious Education, Business (combinations of Commerce, Economics and Accounting), Information Technology, CSPE (Civic, Social & Political Education), and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Final details of the Subject method roster for the year will be announced on the first day of the Induction Course. The second in-course essay/project is chosen from topics relating to one or other of the student's Subject Methods courses.
Elective Courses form the third element within the Theory of Education Area. Each student selects two Electives - one in each semester. A different set of electives is offered in each semester and this set varies from year to year. These courses deal with aspects of educational thought and practice in areas of great interest and/or controversy, which cannot normally be fully explored within other parts of the HDip programme due to time restraints. While the final composition of the Electives programme is not yet finalised for the year, it is likely to include most or all of the following: Media Studies; Fostering Teenage Reading; Health Education; Adult Education; Munadh trí mhean na Ghaeilge; Drama in Education; Educational Technology; Teaching and Supporting Disadvantaged Pupils; Interculturalism.
The Teaching & School Experience Area.
This is the term used to refer to the work you do while in your placement school or in relation to your placement. In general, you are required to teach a minimum number of hours per week across the academic year to satisfy - jointly - the requirements of the Secondary Teachers' Registration Council (the group from whom you are likely to seek recognition as a qualified teacher subsequent to completing the HDipEd) and the College. At present this stands at 4 hours 30 minutes per week: 140 hours (minimum) across the HDip placement. A number of conditions govern the nature of a placement that is acceptable from the College perspective. These may be summarised as follows:
Schools in which students do their teaching must be in the vicinity of Dublin city (i.e. within 15 miles radius of UCD).
Your teaching load should comprise not less than 4 hours 30 minutes' and not more than 8 hours' teaching each week, spread over the three terms of the year. · All classes must have at least twelve pupils.
Teaching Remedial classes - or classes with a number of special needs students - is not acceptable for teaching practice purposes.
You must ensure in advance that they you able to leave your school so as to arrive in College by 2.00pm each weekday, and be able to remain in College for the full afternoon, each weekday, throughout the academic session.
Teaching practice must take place in a post-primary school. Teaching in third-level colleges, teaching after 6.00 pm, or teaching in certain private institutions is not acceptable for Higher Diploma purposes. (Qualified Primary Teachers who wish to take the HDipEd can make special placement arrangements with the agreement of the Head of Education, UCD.)
You are responsible for negotiating and arranging your own Teaching Placement with the Principal of a suitable placement school.
You are also responsible for ensuring the return of the Teaching Placement Details Form - duly completed and signed by the School Principal, confirming the arrangement you have agreed".