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PGCE Key Stage 2/3 - Modern Languages
Modern Languages is a subject that is highly significant for international understanding in today’s world.
This one-year programme offers an exciting opportunity for you to become a confident and effective teacher of Modern Languages to the 7-14 age range in primary, middle or across the transition into secondary school. It prepares you to teach modern languages but also qualifies you as a Primary classroom teacher. In addition, University based sessions on planning, teaching and assessment at Key Stage 4 are provided.
Course Structure and Content
The programme starts by boosting your subject knowledge, enabling you to refresh your first Modern Language and boost your second Language. This is an excellent way to begin your PGCE and develop a positive group ethos that is so important for the year ahead.
The programme provides a carefully structured balance of University based teaching and school based phases. During the first part of the University based teaching, you will gain a sound knowledge of the National Curriculum requirements and Key Stage 3 Strategy relating to Modern Languages.
The university-based teaching relating to general Primary practice includes continuing study of your specialist subject and substantial pedagogical and curriculum input in the other core subjects. You will develop a critical understanding of the processes of learning and teaching and requirements of the Key Stage 2 aspects of the National Curriculum as appropriate. In addition you will have short courses in a range of foundation subjects.
Professional Studies is central to the programme and addresses a range of aspects relating to the role of the teacher, including the transition between key stages, the move towards multi agency working and child focused practice. Through a mix of experiences, both in school, at the university and other settings, it positions you in the broader context of professional practice and considers key issues which take you beyond the confines of the traditional curriculum. All professional studies themes are developed further in the subject elements at both Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3.
Teaching Methods and Resources
The PGCE year consists of three main phases. There is an initial preparatory period in University, which also includes time in schools. You then undertake an extended school phase until the end of the autumn term, developing as a Key Stage 3 teacher of Modern Languages. This is followed by a sustained period in the university preparing you to teach at Key Stage 2. These elements are again unified through study of Professional Studies issues. The final school phase in Key Stage 2 takes place in the spring and summer terms teaching the full range of primary curriculum subjects.
The programme enables you to develop the range of knowledge and understanding that is required to become an effective and creative teacher of Modern Languages. You will develop the skills to plan and teach your subject effectively, helping all students to reach their full potential. There is a strong emphasis throughout the programme on subject application and interactive workshops where teaching strategies and techniques are modelled.
One major component of the programme is the role of ICT in the enhancement of the quality of teaching and learning in Modern Languages. Educational and professional issues, including the ethos and culture of primary and secondary schools and the role of the subject co-ordinator in the primary/middle school, will also be studied.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the General Entry Requirements, you are required to have a languages degree with at least 50% in French, German, Spanish or Italian. Expertise in a second Modern Language from the above list is essential. Other desirable languages are Russian, Mandarin, Japanese or a community language such as Urdu or Bengali. A native speaker of one of the above languages would need a second Modern Language at a reasonable level, be a fluent and clear speaker of English and may have a degree in another subject other than the first language they wish to teach. Successful completion of a Modern Languages Enhancement Course is also acceptable in addition to a degree. An A-Level in a language is also desirable. GCSE equivalence tests are offered for mathematics and science.