Dear Trainee
We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Modern Languages PGCE course at Sheffield Hallam University in September. We hope that you will have a successful and enjoyable year and would like to suggest one or two things you might do in preparation before the start date.
Key Preparations/Readings:
The suggested chapters in the following texts will give you further insight into how Modern Languages are taught in schools. You will not be able to access these in the library until you are fully enrolled so I would advise looking on-line for cheap second-hand copies.
MacKay, C. (2019) Learning to Plan Modern Languages Lessons: Understanding the Basic Ingredients London: Routledge Part 1 Getting Started.
Pachler, N., Evans, M., Redondo, A & Field, K. (2014). Learning to Teach Foreign Languages in the Secondary School, London: Routledge. Chapter 1 Foreign Languages in the Secondary School Curriculum.
Driscoll, P., Macaro, E & Swarbrick, A. (2014). Debates in Modern Languages Education, London: Routledge. Chapter 15 Making the Case for the Future of Languages.
Link to subject association website (if appropriate):
The Association for Language Learning http://www.all-languages.org.uk/
Curriculum and/or Key Specifications:
Key Stage 2 Programme of Study
Key Stage 3 Programme of Study
GCSE Specifications
Below are the exam specifications for both major examination boards in French, German and Spanish. Please note that these are revised specifications that were first taught in 2024 to year 10 students. Students will be examined with the new specifications for the first time in 2026.
GCSE French Specification for first teaching in 2024: Specification
GCSE Spanish Specification for first teaching in 2024: Specification
GCSE German Specification for first teaching in 2024: Specification
2024 MFL GCSEs: Qualification at a glance
Preliminary Subject Knowledge Audit:
After reading through the curriculum and key specifications above, identify the following:
- 3 key areas in which you feel confident / have substantial experience. (E.g. Teaching GCSE French grammar, knowledge of Francophone culture)
- 3 key areas where you feel less confident / lack experience. (E.g. Teaching through target language in Spanish).
- Give some thought to how you might address these areas for development e.g. drawing up a list of target language phrases, listening to French podcasts, carrying out research into the cultures of Latin American countries
- You will be required to complete a more detailed subject knowledge audit at the start of your course.
- In order to keep up to date with developments in education we recommend that you read the TES (Times Educational Supplement- www.tes.co.uk) and the Guardian Education supplement (www.theguardian.com/education). We also recommend that you regularly read a broadsheet newspaper.