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How do I prepare for the subject-specific elements of my interview?

Please be prepared to deliver a five-minute presentation relating to one aspect of teaching and learning a foreign language that interests you. Your presentation should be in English.

This will be a verbal presentation. Please do not use any audio-visual equipment.

In addition to delivering your presentation, you will be asked to complete the following two tasks during your interview:

  • a written task in English
  • a written task in your main teaching language.

Both tasks will be on a general topic, and both tasks are intended to assess your accuracy and written style. 

Please let us know if any adjustments are needed for you to access these tasks.

If you have any questions about the presentation or written tasks, please contact the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) tutor, Barbara King (b.king@reading.ac.uk), before the date of your interview.

Fees and funding information for Modern Foreign Languages

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How many people are in the MFL cohort?

The MFL cohort usually consists of about 20 Reading Partnership Teachers (RPTs), with an age range from 22 to 50+.  

Where do the RPTs come from?

We have RPTs from the UK, Europe, North and West Africa, and South America, who speak a range of languages in addition to our official French, German, and Spanish.

Do I need more than one language?

Yes. Schools in the UK expect MFL teachers to teach more than one language. By the end of the PGCE course, you are expected to be able to teach your main language to A level, and a second language to at least Key Stage 3.

Can I be funded to take a course to improve my languages (subject knowledge enhancement)?

Pre-course Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses are available for applicants’ first and second teaching language if deemed appropriate. The completion of an SKE course needs to be a condition of an applicant’s PGCE offer in order for them to qualify for SKE funding, so please ask us at the interview if you feel you will need subject knowledge enhancement.

What language is used in the MFL sessions?

MFL sessions are taught in English to the whole cohort with examples in French, German, and Spanish, and opportunities to work on a particular language for practical work.

What happens in a typical MFL session?

The sessions usually start with the presentation and discussion of principles for teaching and learning in a particular area, followed by hands-on, practical tasks, preparing RPTs for the classroom.

What does the MFL course cover?

Topics covered include:

  • Principles of language teaching and curriculum rationales 
  • Building on prior learning – transition from primary school
  • National Curriculum
  • Exam system – GCSE and A level
  • Communicative language teaching; input, output and interaction  
  • Teaching through the target language 
  • Observing teachers at work
  • Teaching and learning vocabulary and phonics
  • Graded questions and answers 
  • Teaching reading, listening and metacognition
  • Developing pupils’ oral skills
  • Creativity and games
  • Teaching grammar
  • Behaviour – managing the MFL classroom
  • Individual needs
  • Adaptive teaching
  • Content and language integrated learning/cross-curricular issues and diversity
  • Assessment for learning
  • Assessment: markbooks and data
  • Medium term planning
  • Preparing you for the Early Career Teacher (ECT) year as an MFL teacher.