PGCE Secondary Modern Languages

Strong emphasis on subject application and interactive workshops where teaching strategies and techniques are modelled.

Opportunities to undertake post-16 enhancement work, with University based sessions on planning, teaching and assessment at post-16.

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. 

Why study PGCE Secondary Modern Languages?

The programme will enable you to meet the QTS Standards in respect of pupils aged 11-16. There are also opportunities to undertake university based education for planning, teaching and assessing the post-16 age range. 

Course structure

The programme starts by boosting your subject knowledge, enabling 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.

Course assessment

A personalised process of continuous assessment ensures that learning is appropriate and effective. Assessment takes account of both the programme experience and the school or setting and includes researching developing practice through assignment tasks.  Support is provided to develop a rigorous evidence-based account of your educational journey.

Assessment in all of the PGCE programmes is designed to be progressive and to assist you in the provision of evidence to support your achievement against the Standards for QTS.

PGCE programmes are assessed in University, school or other settings. The evidence base includes:

• Formally assessed assignments
• Professional dialogue in progress reviews
• The Professional Learning and Practice portfolio
• School phase reports and observations
• Professional development activities
• Subject knowledge tests and tasks (where appropriate)

Five Progress Review Points are held each year.  These assessment points review your attainment, professional learning and SMART target setting.

PGCE programmes are taught by highly qualified and experienced staff both in University and in partner schools or other settings. Teaching accommodation is located on the Newton Park campus, the Culverhay and Southdown sites and in several partner schools.

University teaching takes place in rooms equipped with relevant texts, equipment, training materials and electronic resources. Open access computer facilities are available. The University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Minerva) provides remote access to a wide range of resources.

Set texts are recommended for readings.

The Library holds a wide collection of teaching and learning resources. 

Teaching methods

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 and Communications 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. 

Course enquiries

Entry requirements

In addition to the General Entry Requirements, you are required to speak two modern languages; one of which should be at degree level and the second to be of at least A-level standard. Your languages degree should be 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. A language A-level is also required.

Career opportunities

All PGCE courses culminate in Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).  This enables qualified BST to apply for a wider range of teaching posts and other education based employment. 

What students say...

The Modern Languages PGCE at Bath Spa is a really well run programme. On both school phases I had the opportunity of working with really inspiring mentors. One in particular was a brilliant example of the type of teacher I would like to be. The other was incredibly supportive and gave me so many opportunities to develop into the kind of practitioner that I wanted to be. Our course leader was always there showing support, guidance and a brilliant sense of humour. I have met some really incredible and inspirational people on the programme, who have made the experience for me.

Nicola Doyle, PGCE Secondary Modern Languages.