PGCE Primary (5-11) Modern Languages

Program Overview

The PGCE Primary Teaching with Modern Languages program prepares students for a career in primary education, specializing in modern language instruction. It combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience through school placements and a dedicated focus on inclusivity and diversity in teaching. Upon completion, graduates qualify for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling them to teach in primary schools and pursue further career advancement.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PGCE Primary Teaching with Modern Languages route prepares students to teach across the primary curriculum and develop expertise in teaching modern languages. The program focuses on teaching the primary curriculum and provides high-quality training in partnership with local schools to build classroom experience. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of inclusive practice to meet the needs of all learners. During a two-week enhanced placement in a SEND setting, they will apply their understanding of key pedagogies and theories and deepen their knowledge of specialist provision by working with expert colleagues. This is achieved through a balance of study of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required by the teaching profession, the fundamentals of the national curriculum, and a dedicated focus on the development of the understanding of the role of the primary teacher. Students gain vital hands-on experience of working within the classroom through the 120-day (plus itaps) school placement programme, which develops confidence and competence to teach effectively. Upon successful completion, students are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) so they can begin working as a teacher in a primary school.

Outline:

Core Curriculum:

• Students study core curriculum modules that develop their confidence and enjoyment of primary teaching:
• English
• Mathematics
• Science.
• The course will equip students to take a critical and reflective view of each subject’s curriculum and pedagogies.
• Students will develop a detailed understanding of the distinctive features of each subject area and explore relevant research concerning children’s learning in that subject.
• By linking their learning to school experience, the module will promote the understanding needed to plan, teach and assess the core curriculum effectively.

Modern Foreign Languages specialism:

• This module provides an in-depth understanding of the role of the Modern Languages teacher.
• Students reflect on the way in which children learn foreign languages.
• Students learn how to manage the modern languages classroom and ensure effective use of the target language by both pupils and teachers.
• Students will develop a systematic knowledge of key curriculum documents and a critical awareness of current issues and debates surrounding the primary curriculum.
• The module will prepare students to plan, teach and assess effectively in these areas and to develop cross-curricular approaches to teaching and learning.
• Students will work on a range of engaging practical workshops of the primary curriculum including:
• Art
• Computing
• Design and Technology
• Drama
• Geography
• History
• Modern Languages
• Physical Education
• Religious Education.

Professional studies:

• Students will develop a deep understanding of the principles that underpin primary education.
• Through seminars and lectures, students will critique educational research findings and methods and learn how to apply this in the classroom.
• Topics will include lesson planning, teaching strategies, assessment methods, behaviour management and other important aspects of teaching.
• A particular focus will be on issues of inclusion, equality and diversity and the module will develop the ability to apply knowledge and understanding in the classroom.
• By the end of the year, students will have developed their own personal educational philosophy and be able to apply this in the classroom and articulate it to other professionals.

Assessment:

• Students will be assessed through essays, lesson plans, research reports, risk assessments or development plans.
• To qualify for the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), students must pass all school experiences and pass a 12,000-word portfolio at master’s level.
• The portfolio consists of a number of tasks that students will complete during the year and share with their Academic Advisor.
• The advisor will provide feedback on their work and support them to achieve.
• Each of the tasks is designed to support development as an early years teacher and is directly relevant to practice in the classroom.
• School experiences are assessed against the Teachers’ Standards – students will be regularly observed by their mentor and link tutor and will collect evidence of their progress.

Teaching:

• The university uses strategies that enable students to effectively master a broad base of concepts, skills, knowledge, and understanding that will inform teaching practice.
• Students will join lectures and small seminars led by experienced tutors, in which discussion and debate are key to developing their knowledge and skills.
• Dedicated learning areas simulate real-world classrooms, allowing students to become familiar, confident, and comfortable in teaching spaces ahead of their professional placements.
• Many staff have a strong background within education and use their experience to inform their teaching, helping students develop into a professional and capable teacher.

Careers:

• The program enables students to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and work as an early years teacher.
• While the vast majority of graduates choose to work in a primary school, in previous years, some students have been employed in secondary schools, special schools, or the wider education sector.
• Many of the university's previous students have progressed in their careers and now hold senior posts in their schools.

Other:

• The University of Chichester has been training teachers for over 180 years and looks to train employable professionals who can make a difference.
• Students are taught by experienced education specialists and the university's dedication to small teaching groups allows students to develop strong professional relationships with the University teaching team.
• The PGCE programme is taught in close partnership with a range of local schools.
• During the course, students will experience a number of different placements.
• These placements will usually provide distinctive opportunities in which to develop professional and teaching skills.
• Efforts will be made to place students in schools with different organizational characteristics and in contrasting socio-economic catchment areas.
• Students gain access to a dedicated library of teaching materials, with thousands of classroom resources that they can borrow to use while on placement.
• The university boasts a £35m Tech Park, beautiful Georgian architecture, and is within walking distance of the sea.
• Students have access to a network of 15 local schools to find work placement and future career opportunities.
• The university's Learning Resource Centre (LRC) contains the library, a café, IT/teaching rooms, and the Student Information Zone (SIZ).
• The campus library holds more than 200,000 books and over 500,000 eBooks.