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Programme summary for Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): Secondary Modern Languages

About the programme

This programme aims to meet the standards required to be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in one of the following secondary school subjects: design & technology (food and textiles); English; information & communication technology; mathematics; modern languages; music; physical education; religious education; science. Paramount within the programme are the skills required to educate young people in a multicultural and multilingual urban environment.

Professional qualifications

After successful completion of the programme home students will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Programme structure

The programme normally runs over 36 weeks from September to July. Twenty-four weeks will be spent in partner schools – generally split into two separate and contrasting placements. The remaining time will be taken up in seminars, tutorials and assignment activities designed to support your professional development. The UEL Secondary Team also offers a French subject knowledge development course in order that trainees embark on their school experience with confidence. The subject knowledge development courses start before the full PGCE programme in early September.

Career opportunities

Successful completion of the PGCE enables you to apply for teaching posts and the vast majority of our students attain such posts. There is a clear teaching career structure in place, with several paths available. Some graduates take the management path through management in subject or pastoral issues on to senior management and/or headship. Others concentrate on teaching and may become Advanced Skills Teachers.

Support

You receive mentor support within schools supplemented by visits from your UEL tutor. Tutorial support is also available and this will be negotiated around your individual development needs. The programme is designed to support you in meeting the Professional Standards for QTS through focused seminars, lectures and assignments.

Admission

Application is through the Graduate Teacher Training Register (GTTR). You will need to demonstrate through the GTTR form and at interview that you:

  • are an effective reader and are able to communicate clearly and accurately in Standard English, both spoken and written
  • possess the appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to be a teacher
  • have achieved a standard equivalent to Grade C in the GCSE examinations in English and Mathematics
  • hold a first degree in an appropriate subject from a United Kingdom Higher Education Institution or an equivalent qualification

The process of selection will involve:

  • scrutiny of the GTTR form
  • a face to face individual interview
  • a literacy task
  • a numeracy task
  • a short presentation
  • a subject task

UEL is also required to ensure that potential entrants:

  • satisfy the Secretary of State’s requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach;
  • undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service Disclosure to ensure that they do not have a background which prevents them from working with children or young persons or that they have not been previously excluded from teaching or working with children

Please note that we will give priority for selection for interview to those applicants who have completed their Department for Education ITT professional skills tests.

Information about the skills tests and how to book an appointment for the tests can be found at: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/careers/traininganddevelopment/professional

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