PGCE Secondary Modern Languages (Postgraduate Certificate of Education)

Overview

The PGCE Secondary Modern European and Community Languages is a full-time course providing training for teaching in the 11-16 age range, with some training in post 16. The main languages covered are French, Spanish and German. The course aims to train teachers who are reflective practitioners, committed to improving their own practice and to their future professional development.

In University subject sessions you will develop your understanding of modern languages teaching methodology and how children learn; work on collaborative projects with other trainees and school-based projects; and learn about the principles of teaching and learning languages including the use of target language and assessment. The course equips you with the skills needed to teach languages, facilitate extracurricular activities and contribute to the life of the whole school. Students have access to the University’s Open Language Programme to help them develop subject knowledge.

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

Applying and entry

PLEASE NOTE There is no official closing date for this course, but you are advised to apply as early as possible as we will only consider your application if there are places available on the course.

Tel: 020 7133 4202
Email: admissions@londonmet.ac.uk

You should hold a degree or joint degree in a language relevant to the course at 2.2 or above or be a graduate with first language speaker competence and a strong interest in language and pedagogy. The main languages covered are French, German and Spanish. We strongly recommend that all applicants have knowledge of a second teaching language and this is usually a requirement for applicants offering German or Spanish. We may be able to consider your application if your first teaching language is not French, German or Spanish, but places are extremely limited and are dependent on the availability of school placements.

In addition, you need GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) in English and mathematics.

Applicants with little or no French may be advised to take a six-month, TDA-sponsored French Extension course. Applicants with French but no second teaching language can apply for a place on a German Extension Course, if offered a place; you can search for providers of such courses on the TDA website.

You should have a desire to encourage interactive learning, engage students, and improve standards in the subject. You should be interested in working in urban schools with a commitment to diversity and inclusion and should visit a secondary school beforehand to observe languages lessons.

Course contents

You will spend two-thirds of the course in school-based work, which consists of structured observation visits, classroom projects, and two substantial periods of school experience in different secondary schools. You will also spend three days in a primary school, which you must arrange yourself.

The course structure provides a gradual progression to whole-class teaching, with increasing responsibility for management and assessment of pupils.

Assessment

There are four elements to assessment. Practical teaching experience is assessed in relation to the Standards for Qualified Teacher Status. Two written coursework assignments focus on curriculum development in the subject area and broader issues and policies in education. A Professional Practice Portfolio is compiled across the year, detailing personal experiences and reflections on your development as a teacher, largely in relation to your practical teaching experience. There are no examinations.

Careers

If you complete the course and pass the relevant TDA skills tests, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status for teaching Key Stage 3 (aged 11-14) and Key Stage 4 (age 14-16). You will be able to apply for a post in any secondary school (11-18). The majority of previous trainees have gained Qualified Teacher status and have entered the teaching profession.

Funding

If you are a UK/EU applicant, you may be eligible for a government training salary. For more information, contact the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) on 0845 6000 991 or www.tda.gov.uk

Student profiles

Read a student profile: Sarah Perlberg
Read a student profile: Victoria Handley