PGCE Modern Foreign Languages

  • Mode of study: Full time
  • Duration: 1 year
  • Entry requirements for 2013 entry: A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, with a minimum of 50% content in an appropriate modern foreign language. Alternatively, native speakers require excellent communication skills in English. A second language to A level (or equivalent standard) in French, German or Spanish. Applicants offering only one foreign language are able to complete a short intensive Enhancement Course in French in order to achieve sufficient competence to teach a second language accurately and confidently at secondary level to at least Key Stage 3. GCSE Mathematics and English language at grade C or above, or equivalent. All shortlisted applicants are subject to interview. All offers are subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance. All applicants must pass the Teaching Agency's professional skills tests in literacy and numeracy before starting the course.
  • IELTS score: Applicants whose first language is not English, and who do not have GCSE English language at grade C or above, require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 or equivalent with no component less than 6.0.
Print course

Find out more:

Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 5204
Email: secs.enquiries@port.ac.uk
Department: School of Education and Continuing Studies (SECS)

Course overview

GTTR Codes:

  • French and German RX11
  • German and French RX21
  • French and Spanish RXD1
  • Spanish and French RX41
  • French and Italian RX31
  • French and Mandarin TX31

Modern Foreign Languages is a foundation subject of the secondary curriculum at Key Stage 3 (ages 11 - 14) and an entitlement at Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16).

You will study and learn about issues related to modern foreign languages teaching. You will develop an understanding of educational issues pertaining to teaching and learning, classroom interaction, the school curriculum and the school and society.

We will train you to be part of an exciting, rewarding and changing profession and will equip you with these skills.

All trainees embarking on this programme will be registered on the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education pathway. During February trainees will have the opportunity to remain on the Professional Graduate pathway or follow the Postgraduate Certificate in Education pathway (taking two modules at Master's level). Further guidance will be available at interview and at the start of the course.

See also our Enhancement Courses.

Why complete a PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages?

Modern Foreign Languages is a core subject in the National Curriculum and you will accept the challenge of training to be part of a rewarding and changing profession.

In this one-year course, your main concern will be with the development of your professional competence as a teacher of Modern Foreign Languages. You will need to focus not only on the teaching of Modern Foreign Languages itself, but also on developing an understanding of educational issues pertaining to teaching and learning, classroom interaction, the school curriculum and the school and society. As well as becoming a competent classroom practitioner, you will need to be able to make informed decisions and recognise the need for further development.

In addition to this, you will be expected to teach Modern Foreign Languages up to GCSE level and update your subject knowledge. This is a process that will start in the PGCE year, but will continue throughout your teaching career. You will be expected to enhance your subject knowledge through background reading, research, working in peer subject development groups, teaching and working on examination papers.

How do I find out more?

For further information, please contact us (details above) or the course coordinator, Tanya Riordan (tanya.riordan@port.ac.uk).

For more information about Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, please visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Startinganewjob/index.htm.

Applications

Applications should be made through the GTTR (Graduate Teacher Training Registry).

Please apply online at www.gttr.ac.uk

T: 0871 468 0 469

Course content

The course is essentially practical and two-thirds of your time will be spent in school where you will be working closely with mentors and other school staff.

Throughout the year you will be engaged in considering a range of subjects including:

  • Subject knowledge enhancement
  • ICT in the classroom
  • Lesson planning
  • Classroom management
  • Research into the pedagogy and psychology of learning MFL
  • Special needs and inclusion
  • Assessment
  • Teaching and learning

A third of your time is spent at the University following professional and curriculum studies through lectures, seminars and workshops. You will be assessed continuously throughout the course. Subject knowledge is enhanced throughout the course and if you do not possess an A Level (or equivalent) in your second language you will be required to work towards this. You will be assessed through written assignments (3), professional interviews (3) and through school-based practice.

The programme offers trainees a choice between the Professional and the Postgraduate route, with the latter allowing trainees to graduate with 60 M-level credits.

Career prospects

Successful completion of the PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages will enable you to gain Qualified Teacher Status and will provide for a career in secondary teaching. Over 90% of our students each year gain employment with 60% of those getting jobs in our partnership schools.

Facilities and features

Our resources

Portsmouth has a reputation for providing a supportive and friendly atmosphere in which its students can quickly settle and enjoy their studies. You will have access to a full range of support services for personal issues and academic study. Personal tutors will assist with directing you to accessing support you may find helpful, while you will also have access to appropriate University resources, including our main library and computing facilities, which are open seven days a week.

The School of Education and Continuing Studies staff are all experts in a range of appropriate subject specialisms. Their enthusiasm and motivation means you will be encouraged to gain the most out of your time with us.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for PGCE Modern Foreign Languages are shown above, for more detailed information please contact:

Department: School of Education and Continuing Studies (SECS)
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 5204
Email: secs.enquiries@port.ac.uk