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PGCE Secondary - Modern Languages
This programme represents a very exciting opportunity to train as a secondary teacher of Modern Languages; a subject that is so significant for international understanding in today’s world.
The programme aims to enable you to meet the DCSF Standards in respect of pupils aged 11-16; the QTS recommendation is for Key Stages 3 and 4. There are opportunities to undertake post-16 enhancement work.
Course Structure and Content
A booster course at the start of the programme enables you to refresh your first Modern Language and boost your second Modern Language. This is an intensive course, which requires a high level of participation and provides you with an early taste of what teaching secondary Modern Languages is all about. This is an excellent way to begin the PGCE programme and to develop a positive group ethos that is so important for the year ahead.
Carefully structured University based teaching and two school based phases enable you to enhance your subject knowledge and develop strategies and ideas for classroom skills and management for challenging and motivating pupils across the secondary age range.
During the University based sessions, you will gain a sound knowledge of the National Curriculum requirements in Modern Languages, the Framework for teaching Modern Languages in the Key Stage 3 Strategy, and the structure and content of national and public examinations in Modern Languages. The school-based phases are in the form of two main blocks where you are placed in schools under the guidance of a trained subject mentor. You will also spend some time in Modern Languages Departments in specific schools developing your professional values and practice and the general roles and duties, which are required for all teachers within the secondary sector.
Teaching Methods and Resources
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. One major component of the programme is the role of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the enhancement of the quality of teaching and learning in Modern Languages.
There is a strong emphasis throughout the programme on subject application and interactive workshops where teaching strategies and techniques are modelled. These will enable you to develop and use creatively a range of teaching styles and resources in the teaching of Modern Languages.
Entry requirements
In addition to the General Entry Requirements, you are required to have a language 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. GCSE equivalence tests are offered for mathematics.