Institute of Education London

Primary PGCE (French, full-time )

Our Primary PGCE develops effective, confident teachers whose classroom practice is informed by an advanced knowledge of educational theory, and who will continue to learn and reflect throughout their careers. We will:

• help you to acquire the skills and expertise to support children's learning
• prepare you to teach in an inclusive urban environment
• provide professional development in all national curriculum subjects
• ensure that you show a concern for professional values and demonstrate the positive attitudes and behaviour you expect from pupils.

Features

Primary PGCE students can gain experience of teaching across one or more key stages, as follows:

• the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1
• Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
• lower Key Stage 2 (ages 7 to 9) and upper Key Stage 2 (ages 9 to 11).

An essential part of all routes is practical experience in several different schools or settings. You will learn to teach all the primary curriculum subjects. You will also select one subject for specialist study from the range that we offer. Places on the Primary PGCE are in high demand, and you should apply as soon as possible after 1 September in the year before you want to start your programme (for example, in September 2011 for a September 2012 start). Following its most recent Ofsted inspection, our Primary PGCE was given a Grade 2 (good with outstanding features).

Attendance

The full-time route involves a programme of lectures, workshops, tutorials and self-study. You will be supported through a virtual learning environment and will participate in school placements.

How is the course assessed?

You and your tutors will review your progress regularly throughout the programme, through assignments, audits, feedback and tutorials. We base your final assessment on a range of evidence, including observations of your teaching, assignments, subject knowledge development, professional conduct and responses to self-study.

Entry requirements

Important: Please read all entry requirements (pdf, 0.3mb) carefully before submitting your application to the GTTR. We will not consider incomplete applications; if you do not address all the entry requirements in your application, it will be sent to your next choice of institution.

Demand for the PGCE Primary course is high. Apply as soon as possible after 1 September.

Language requirement

If you intend to choose French for specialist study, we expect you to be fluent in the language you are choosing. You should have – as part of the academic requirements above – an A level at grade C or above, or a higher qualification, in your specialist study language. This requirement does not apply if you are a native speaker of that language.

Interview

We will invite shortlisted applicants to an interview. At your interview, you will give a short presentation, which will draw on your ten-day school experience. You will need to demonstrate an awareness of the role of a teacher, as well as some knowledge of current issues in primary education. You will be required to pass a test in English and one in mathematics.