Languages

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 11.7 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 20.6 k / Year(s)  
16 place StudyQA ranking:2418 Duration:1 year

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The Languages PGCE explores languages teaching and learning by combining theory and practice in innovative, inspiring and effective ways. This helps students develop a critical awareness and strong classroom skills to enable them to become a principled professional and educational thinker.

This programme enables students to engage critically with a number of approaches and issues relating to languages education, such as the teaching of grammar, the incorporation of literature into lessons, target language use and the monitoring and assessment of pupils' learning. It incorporates a range of approaches to effective, inclusive learning, and develops a student’s professionalism and critical awareness to a high level. The programme prepares languages student teachers to teach the 11-16 age range.

Students undertake two level 7 (Master’s-level) modules of 30 credits each, totaling 60 credits. These can be carried forward onto full Master’s programmes at the IOE.

The Secondary PGCE consists of three core modules: two Master’s-level (level 7) modules, which are assessed through written assignments, and the Professional Practice module, which is assessed by the observation of practical teaching in placement schools.

Completion of the Professional Practice module and the two level 7 (Master’s level) modules (60 credits) will result in the award of a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE). Completion of the Professional Practice module and one or two level 6 (undergraduate/Bachelor’s level) modules, will lead to the Professional Graduate Certificate of Education (PgCE).

Four pathways are available: European languages, European language with EAL (English as an Additional Language) enhancement, Mandarin Chinese with a European Language, and Mandarin Chinese with EAL enhancement.

Core modules

  • Learning, Teaching and Assessing Languages (30 Master's-level credits)
  • Languages in a Wider Context (30 Master's-level credits)
  • Professional Practice

Placement

You will spend most of your time (120 days) in schools, working with subject specialist mentors who support you through your two school placements. We are fortunate to have a good choice of schools with whom we work, with many outstanding mentors and strong Languages departments.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered via keynote lectures, subject lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and directed study days at the IOE, as well as time spent in placements. Assessment is by practical teaching, assignments and portfolio tasks.
Students will also record their progress in a Career Entry and Development Profile statement. This will form part of an ongoing portfolio charting the student's continuing professional development.

First degree

Normally a minimum of a lower second-class UK Bachelor’s degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in the main language (French/German/Spanish/Mandarin) to be taught. The degree must contain at least 50% of the language if it is a combined degree. If a candidate does not have a degree in that language, then they should be a native speaker and have a degree in a related subject. For Mandarin, HSK level 6 may be acceptable along with a degree in a related subject. Italian (whether degree or native speaker) may only be offered in conjunction with main French. Italian with main Spanish may be possible if the candidate also has some French.

A levels

All candidates for the European language pathways of main Spanish and German should normally have French A level at grade C or the equivalent as a minimum. However, we are sometimes able to consider applications for combinations of languages not including French but places are extremely limited and early application is necessary.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C.

School experience

Prospective students must complete a minimum of five days of school experience before they can be enrolled on the Secondary PGCE. This may involve observations, work experience (e.g. as a teaching assistant or cover supervisor), or voluntary work. Applicants must have a minimum of one day's school experience before interview; some subjects will be looking for significantly more than this. Applicants must ensure that their school experience is relevant in helping them to prepare for the Secondary PGCE, during which Student Teachers are placed in a wide range of schools across London and the South East.

DBS and Occupational Health

If you are made an offer you will be required to successfully complete Occupational Health and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure checks. The total cost of these checks is £125. These checks are required to ensure you meet the Department for Education’s requirements for physical and mental health to teach, as well as assessing your suitability for access to children and vulnerable adults.

Skills tests

All applicants must successfully complete professional skills tests in literacy and numeracy before they can enrol. 

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