French Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course at Reading

• is a 12-month, full-time subject knowledge course prior to teacher training;

• is designed for people whose degree would not qualify them to enter directly onto a PGCE MFL course (e.g.those with a non-language degree, or a degree in language not widely taught in schools)

• runs from the mid September to the beginning of July

French Enhancement Course students at Reading:

This one-year course is currently the only one of its kind in the country. It gives graduates without a degree in French the linguistic skills needed to enter an ITT course and then qualify as a teacher of that language across the 11-18 age range.

Applicants will:

• possess a good degree in any subject;
• normally have an A-level or equivalent in French;
• demonstrate the qualities of self-direction, persistence and the capacity to cope with the demands of an intensive language course.

You should apply directly to us at any time for the SKE course (see contact details below).  However, by the time the course starts, you will need to have obtained an offer of a place on an ITT course (for the University of Reading or any other initial teacher training institution), conditional on you successfully completing the SKE Course (different providers may stipulate that you pass the course at a certain level). Applications for a PGCE place must be made through the GTTR; for GTP entry, you will need to contact the initial teacher training institution in question directly.

The French Subject Knowledge Enhancement course at Reading:

• has consistently been judged as excellent in both internal and external reviews;
• is taught by staff with wide practical experience in schools and foreign language teaching methodology.

French Subject Knowledge Enhancement students at Reading:

• achieve degree-level proficiency in French over the course of the year;
• develop proficiency in French for classroom use;
• have access to a wide range of teaching materials and equipment (video, multimedia computers and satellite TV) in University;
• undertake a 4-week funded placement in France;
• are eligible for a bursary from the TDA (approximately £5,400)

The programme aims to develop in students the linguistic and cultural knowledge and skills required for teaching French in 11-18 secondary schools. By the end of the course, students' French language competence and cultural knowledge of French-speaking countries will have reached a level that is at least equivalent to honours degree level (the exact level will vary, according to students' final grade on the course). Students are expected to relate their language learning to teaching in secondary schools, to gain insights into classroom practice and to develop competence in the language of the classroom.

Students follow 4 inter-related Modules, in the following areas: French grammar and language skill development; classroom language and strategies; French civilisation; and the French educational system.

Teaching is by a variety of methods including tutor and student led seminars and workshops, and feedback on individual and group research and presentation work. Modules are assessed partly through coursework, partly through examinations.

The Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course 'is unique in its balance of language skills enhancement and pedagogical and intercultural skills development'.

(Ann Miller External Examiner)