PGCE Secondary Modern Languages

Skilled teachers make a difference to the lives of those they teach. This teacher training course is designed to enable you to become a qualified, passionate teacher of Modern Languages in Secondary schools. We encourage you to embrace the professional qualities and attributes that successful teachers need, including: the ability to inspire, engage and motivate learners in your subject, a commitment to inclusion and your pupils’ wellbeing, impeccable personal and professional conduct, and the ability to reflect on your own progress and continue to develop. Learn how to inspire and engage learners of French, German and Spanish using teaching methods that motivate them to become successful independent pupils, excited and challenged by the opportunities afforded by knowing another language. In subject sessions we model ways to instil a love of learning in the subject, how to draw on authentic resources to promote curiosity about other cultures, how to teach in the target language and how to use activities to promote collaboration, discussion and communication.Course structureThe PGCE Secondary programme covers all subjects and is studied full-time over one academic year.Your first school placement begins with familiarisation, where you observe your Training Mentors teaching the classes that you will eventually take over. You’ll teach parts of lessons before assuming responsibility for them. You’ll also learn about the curriculum in your subject, how schools work and how pupils make progress.Throughout your training you’ll be supported by your Academic Tutor, who is a specialist in your subject. Your Academic Tutor nurtures and develops you as an individual and a professional, while working closely with your Training Mentors and Lead Trainers to provide vital support.Your PGCE Secondary journey culminates in you developing independence and your own identity as a teacher. You’ll create your own resources, style and techniques for teaching, and build the confidence you need to bring your subject to life.Throughout the year, you'll track and reflect on your experiences and gain evidence of your suitability to be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).CareersAs a graduate of our PGCE with a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you can begin your teaching career right away.During the course, we offer support with applications and interviews so that you can give your teaching career the best possible start.As an Early Career Teacher, you’ll be supported by your new employing school for a further two years, after which you might work to become a Head of Department, Assistant Head, Deputy or Headteacher, or take on a more pastoral role such as Head of Year.

In order to apply you'll need to have completed, or be in the final year of a UK degree (or equivalent qualification). You're required to have a good honours degree or above with at least 50% in French, German or Spanish. A native speaker of one of these languages would need to be a fluent and clear speaker of English and have a degree, which may be in another subject other than the first language they wish to teach.

You'll also need GCSE passes at grade 4/C or above or recognised equivalents in English and Mathematics.

Applicants must be able to offer two teachable languages, one of which must be French – at any level – and either German or Spanish. Second languages can be improved to teaching standard by the completion of a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course.