School of Languages and Area Studies (SLAS)

German Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) Course 2012

** Applications now accepted **

What is the German Enhancement Course?

• An intensive 16 week course in German language and culture starting on Tuesday 8 May 2012 and ending on Friday 24 August 2012
• A study visit to a German institution of higher education is included in the programme
• Progress recorded in spoken production, spoken interaction, reading, listening and writing using the European Language Portfolio
• Multimedia teaching using language laboratories and the Victory virtual learning environment
• Cultural seminars from German lecturers at the University of Portsmouth
• Pastoral support with personal tutors and individual learning plans

Who is the German Enhancement Course aimed at?

The Enhancement Course in German has been designed to enable graduates who are already well-qualified practitioners of at least one foreign language to develop the confidence and expertise to teach German to pupils in Key Stage 3 (years 7-9 of secondary schooling), as a minimum requirement. Some might be able to teach to GCSE level and possibly beyond.

The course is designed to prepare you to commence a secondary Modern Foreign Language (MFL) teacher training course from September 2012 whether on a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) course, via the Schools Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) or on a Graduate Teaching Programme (GTP).

To participate in the Enhancement Course you must have a conditional offer of a place on your chosen route to QTS. You should do this by applying to an ITT course through the GTTR (or to the DRB if you are applying for a GTP programme). You should indicate your willingness to attend the German Enhancement Course, if required, on your application form. If your application for the German Enhancement Course is considered suitable, the ITT provider will refer you to the University of Portsmouth.

For further information on how to apply for a PGCE course or alternative ITT route, please visit:

• The Graduate Teacher Training Agency website: www.gttr.ac.uk
• The Training and Development Agency for Schools www.tda.gov.uk

Has the German Enhancement Course enabled graduates to gain jobs in teaching?

Yes! Click here to see how taking part in the German Enhancement Course has helped our students in their careers as MFL teachers.

Do I have to pay any fees for the German Enhancement Course?

The 2012 course is funded by the TDA and there are no fees for UK and EU residents who have a place on TDA funded Initial Teacher Training. The TDA will provide a bursary of £2400 (equivalent to £150 per week) for trainees whose degree classification is 2:2 or above (or equivalent).

Why study German at the University of Portsmouth?

The School of Languages and Area Studies at the University of Portsmouth has been selected by the Training and Development Agency (TDA) to deliver the course based on its experience and expertise in delivering short intensive language courses.

In the 2011 National Students Survey, the University of Portsmouth was rated joint top (97%) in England for overall satisfaction in our teaching of European languages. Our German and French Enhancement courses have received very positive appraisals from both Ofsted and the university’s external moderator, who has described the teaching and learning experience as of a very high standard.

Is the German Enhancement Course full time?

Yes. Classes at the University of Portsmouth will start at 10am and finish at 3pm, Monday to Friday (with an hour’s break for lunch). In addition, you will be set tasks and assignments to complete outside of class times. The timetable in Germany will be different, but will occupy every day.

Does the one course fit all levels of ability?

• Yes. Those students who have no prior knowledge or study of German will embark on an ab initio course from Tuesday 8 May - Friday 18 May. As a beginner you will have taught classes of intensive study which will enable you to join the main course on Monday 21 May.
• Those who already have some knowledge or study of German to GCSE level will spend 10 days from Tuesday 8 May - Friday 18 May in a secondary school, working alongside pupils and teachers, observing them in the languages classroom teaching and learning.
• All participants then join the main course from Monday 21 May – Friday 24 August. Tutorials, self-supported study and taught sessions are differentiated according to your ability.

How do you assess applicants’ knowledge of German before the course starts?

We establish your personal German language needs at a Needs Analysis Day held at the University of Portsmouth. You have a choice of two dates on which you can attend the Needs Analysis Day:

• EITHER: Thursday 8 March 2012
• OR: Thursday 15 March 2012

How do I apply for the German Enhancement Course?

Even if you are still waiting for your PGCE interview or for confirmation of your PGCE/GTP/SCITT course place, you can still apply for the German Enhancement Course. In fact, we would encourage you to do so. Application forms for the Enhancement Course can be downloaded here.