Teaching Primary Languages PGCert

The PG Cert Teaching Primary Languages (60 Masters level credits) has been developed in response to the introduction of foreign language learning for primary age pupils.

The course is designed to offer schools and individuals, particularly those who do not already have foreign language teaching expertise, the professional learning necessary to equip them for this curriculum change.

Teaching is interactive and lively and involves group participation as well as tutor-led presentations. The first module - Teaching Primary Languages - will provide you with a wealth of resources and ideas and will link to key policy documents in this area.

The majority of teaching activities will be presented in French, although applicants who wish to teach other modern languages will find that the methodology is transferable. Some reference will be made to Spanish and German if appropriate.

You are welcome to take the first module as an individual ‘taster’ module, and can bank your credits for a period of time, putting them towards the PG Cert. Teaching Primary Languages or a PG Cert. Education or Masters in the future.

How to Apply

For all taught postgraduate and PG Cert programmes, please apply directly to University of Worcester. You can download an application form, or can contact the Admissions office on 01905 855111 / pg-admissions@worc.ac.uk

Please post your completed application form to:
Admissions Office
University Of Worcester
Henwick Grove
Worcester
WR2 6AJ

Study options

The course is taught at various locations in the West Midlands, normally in association with neighbouring local authorities in the region. Places may sometimes be available for interested individuals who would not otherwise have access to the course.

Though mainly aimed at teachers, the course is equally valid for teaching assistants or other suitably qualified adults. You are normally expected to have a first Degree or equivalent, plus a GCSE pass or similar in French, German or Spanish, although participants with very little language, but plenty of enthusiasm for language learning and for primary language teaching in particular will be welcomed.

Get in touch

For more information about the course contact Alison Clarke, CPD Coordinator, Institute of  Education
01905 855056
a.clarke@worc.ac.uk

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

You will normally have one of the following:

A first or second-class Honours degree 
GCSE or equivalent in French

Modules

Teaching Primary Languages (MEDD4089 - 20 Masters level credits)

This module will help you to develop language teaching methodology and to strengthen your own linguistic knowledge and competence in the French language. It will encourage you to take a reflective approach to developing new practice. The majority of teaching activities will be presented in French, though applicants who wish to teach other modern languages will find that the methodology is transferable. Some reference will be made to Spanish and German, if appropriate.

Leading Learning and Teaching in Primary Languages (MEDD4090 - 40 Masters level credits)

With learning a foreign language now an entitlement for all KS2 children, this module seeks to build the knowledge, skills and understanding for effective curriculum leadership - for example, mentoring and coaching skills and strategies for managing change - through a reflective, enquiry-based approach to personal professional learning. At the same time taught sessions will focus on deepening knowledge and understanding of PML pedagogy and practice.

Negotiated Learning (MEDD4007 – 20 Masters level credits, or MEDD4008 - 40 Masters level credits)

Negotiated Learning offers participants an opportunity to use techniques of research and enquiry to find out more about their own practice, or about an aspect of primary foreign language teaching and learning which is of particular personal interest.

Assessment

Teaching Primary Languages (MEDD4089) All participants will be asked to try out ideas from the course through a series of practical and relevant classroom-based tasks. These will be reviewed and discussed informally by tutors and participants during the taught sessions of the course. A portfolio of critical reflections linked to these tasks and a summary critical commentary form the assessment for the module.

Leading Learning and Teaching in Primary Languages (MEDD4090) The module is assessed through a presentation and an action research project.

Negotiated Learning Participants can choose from a number of assessment approaches, for example a critically reflective journal, action research project or critical commentary.

What teachers and HLTAs in the West Midlands appreciated about the Teaching Primary Languages Module in 2010/11:

“The atmosphere has been very helpful and supportive; very inspiring and stimulating.”
“The course was well organised and sequenced.”
“My confidence has grown enormously and I have really enjoyed putting the ideas into practice.”
“The course has had a big impact...in my classroom.”
“The fun and passion for the language”
“I feel much more confident and have lots of practical ideas to make my teaching fun and lively.”

Academic department

Institute of Education  

“Our high quality programmes and innovative teaching methods prepare and train the very best professionals. Worcester graduates have made a huge difference in the field of education.”
Professor Chris Robertson, Head of Institute  

Employability

In the context of the Government’s National Languages Strategy, the course will enhance the career development prospects of teachers with skill and enthusiasm for primary languages teaching.