This course aims to give you a thorough understanding of the methodologies underpinning the effective teaching of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) in secondary schools. We aim to enable students to become inspiring and creative teachers who convey a genuine enthusiasm for their subject to their pupils.
As well as developing your first teaching language, you will have the option to develop a second language during the course. In the latest Ofsted inspection, the quality of training in MFL at Liverpool Hope University was judged to be 'Outstanding'. Ofsted commented that the course is "comprehensive, varied and provides trainees with an excellent range of interesting and relevant experiences. School-based training is highly effective... trainees have opportunities to work with and observe good-quality teachers of modern languages".
Through Liverpool Hope's well-established partnerships with schools in the region, you will be able to gain experience of teaching MFL across the 11-18 age group and across a wide range of student ability. Liverpool Hope is widely recognised for its excellence in Teacher Training and for the supportive nature of its University and school-based tutors. Additional experiences are provided in Primary Schools, Post 16 settings and Special schools, for those students with a particular interested in Modern Foreign Languages within these settings.
Course code:
R1X9 - Secondary French
RX12 - Secondary French/German
RXD1 - Secondary French/Spanish
R2X9 - Secondary German
RX21 - Secondary German/French
R44X - Secondary Spanish
RX44 - Secondary Spanish/French
You will generally be taught as a combined language MFL group, with a focus on the two main languages we offer (French and Spanish). Students for whom German is their specialist language have the opportunity to develop their expertise in French or Spanish and are well supported in their first language by school-based colleagues. MFL workshops are interactive and model effective practice. There is plenty of opportunity for peer teaching, group tasks and discussion. A key element of the programme is the sharing of good practice in all aspects of Modern Foreign Language teaching, including the use of ICT resources. Mentors from partner schools contribute to the programme, and outside speakers are frequently invited to deliver sessions in their area of expertise; this makes for a varied and stimulating course; our students are very well supported both professionally and personally throughout the PGCE year and courses evaluations demonstrate that the expertise and commitment of tutors is highly valued. Employment prospects at the end of the course are good with a high percentage of students gaining permanent posts in schools, both within the region of beyond.
Essential:
Grade C in English and Mathematics at GCSE (or equivalent)
First degree (usually 2.2 or above) incorporating at least 50% Modern Foreign Languages
OR
Degree level qualification in a relevant subject combined with native or near native speaker fluency in French, Spanish or German through family circumstances/life experiences.
Experience of observation in a mainstream secondary state school
Knowledge of the Modern Foreign Languages Curriculum
The ability to communicate clearly, fluently and accurately in spoken and written standard English.
It is a government requirement that you take the numeracy and literacy skills tests as part of the application process. You must ensure you have passed them both before the start of the course, please click here for further information.
Desirable:
A’level/GCSE in a Secondary Modern Foreign Language subject
Significant school-based experience, e.g. extended attachment or work as a teaching assistant
If invited for interview, all candidates will undertake a short literacy test. Any offer of a place on the programme is made conditional on satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau and a satisfactory Fitness to Teach Declaration.
