Modern Languages - French, German, Spanish GTTR codes: R1X1(French); R2X1(German); R4X1(Spanish)
Preparing you for teaching Modern Languages (ML) across two or three key stages of the 11-18 age range, this is a predominantly practical course.
PGCE work in Modern Languages helps you to make the transition from subject expert to teacher. We aim to give you some insight into the historical and theoretical development of ML teaching so that you can situate current developments in context, e.g. the use of the target language in the National Curriculum, the debate about the teaching of grammar and current developments in ML examinations.
The course involves recognising the contribution you can make to the education of students of all abilities, and relating your practical skills and knowledge to your wider education and pastoral responsibilities.
Trainees "demonstrate strong knowledge of their subject areas, they can explain subject-related ideas clearly and they plan well." (Ofsted report, 2011)
The content
Throughout the PGCE year you experience complementary University and school/college based learning, including lectures, seminars, visits and workshops led by tutors, students and mentors as appropriate. You are prepared for using ICT and other educational technology found in ML classrooms.
You benefit from your own and others' experiences gained within our full range (urban, rural, state, independent, grant maintained, co-educational, single sex, comprehensive, grammar, 11-16, 11-18, sixth form college, FE, denomination) of secondary and tertiary partnership institutions.
"Outstanding communication across the partnership and excellent management structures have helped to establish and maintain a programme which is highly coherent and provides trainees with growing levels of challenge."(Ofsted report, 2011)
Support and resources
For individual support you can look to and rely on your personal tutor in the University and a teacher who acts as your mentor during your school/college experiences.
"Mentors in placement schools have high levels of expertise and are very supportive of the Partnership. Excellent communication and course documentation contribute strongly to the consistently high quality of subject mentoring." (Ofsted report, 2011)
In addition the ML trainee group provides invaluable peer group support. You can also call upon other University tutors and counselling and support services.
The John Rylands University Library houses a wide range of reference books/journals and current ML specific materials to support your development as a teacher. You will also become a member of the Language Centre which provides numerous resources to support your subject knowledge development.
This programme consists of a variety of learning experiences designed for those wishing to teach languages in secondary schools. It prepares graduates to teach the National Curriculum and related national strategies, GCSE, AS and A2 level, leading directly to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). It prepares you to teach languages in a range of secondary schools (including 11-16 and 11-18 both maintained and independent) and sixth form colleges. Employment rates are consistently high.
Assessment
Your school/college and University experiences are formally assessed. We encourage self-evaluation through individual goal setting, supported by your peers, mentors and tutors. Formal assessment includes submitting a lesson plan proposal before your first teaching experience, completing an education enquiry assignment investigating an area of particular interest to you, assignments regarding assessment in ML and the teaching of grammar and a detailed school experience file. You will complete three 7-week school/college placements where your practical teaching is assessed jointly by mentors, tutors and an external examiner.
Course Leader: Karen Roberts karen.roberts-2@manchester.ac.uk
For further information about becoming a Modern Languages teacher, please consult the TA website .
What our trainees say
It has been a hard year but I have thoroughly enjoyed it and have felt well-supported throughout. Thank you.
Continuous support from tutor when needed; this has been a particular strength of the course. The course structure and content has been very well organised.
Great course, really supportive, realistic tutors!
The course has been fantastic - I feel well-prepared for my NQT year and my career in teaching. The tutors are very supportive and I have felt as though my development has been a priority during the course. Thank you!
Excellent course - really equips new teachers. Excellent guidance and support throughout.
The course has been excellent overall and has prepared us well for a career in teaching. The wide variety of motivational speakers inspired us and informed us.
The school experience has been absolutely fantastic. I got contact, support and encouragement from the whole MFL department throughout.
Very supportive and encouraging environment, my mentor and the professional mentor were first class with their comments and feedback. An excellent school to train in as people are genuinely interested and concerned for the welfare of trainees and their progress.
I have been so impressed with the quality of our PGCE course from beginning to end. Organised, an exceptional level of efficiency which is reflected in the professional recognition of the standard of Manchester University trainees. It has been an intense year but thoroughly rewarding to get to this stage and look back on what we have achieved.
The support, encouragement and feedback we have received on an ongoing basis [from tutors] has been above and beyond what they would be required to do but has always been so willingly given. I have already and will continue to recommend this course to anyone considering a PGCE. Thank you for making the course what it is.
Antje & Ann Marie - PGCE ML trainees
- Student Case Study (PDF Document, 252 KB)