Literacy and ESOL PGCE / Professional Certificate in Education (PT)

The specialist Literacy and ESOL combined qualification* is a new initial teacher education programme for people who teach or would like to teach adult literacy and/or English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) in the learning and skills sector.

(*The new, combined qualification is subject to validation by the Institute of Education.)

The programme is offered in partnership between the IOE and further education colleges in London.

During the programme you will develop your generic teaching skills and your specialist subject skills. You will be supported through tutorials and feedback from teaching observations, which will be provided by experienced subject specialists.

For those new to the profession, the programme is available full-time and part-time and leads to either a:

• PGCE, level 7 qualification (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) or
• PGCE, level 6 qualification (Professional Graduate Certificate in Education)

Direct entry to the second year of the PGCE may be possible for those already teaching literacy or ESOL in the post-compulsory sector and who are part-qualified.

The PGCE qualifications are endorsed by the Institute for Learning (IfL) and are recognised as qualifications that meet requirements for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status (QTLS).

Features

The programme comprises four modules.

You will be required to accrue at least 100 hours of practical teaching of literacy and ESOL in the learning and skills sector.

For pre-service trainees, a placement will be organised with a mentor, who will help you develop your practice and undertake observations of your practical teaching.

For in-service trainees, you will be expected to organise a subject specialist mentor at your place of work.

In addition to your teaching practice, you will attend a taught programme at the Institute or one of the partner colleges and it is likely that you will need to devote a further day a week to private study.

Length of programme and attendance

The full-time route is delivered over one year.

The part-time route is two years in duration.

Entry requirements

The programme is open to both graduates and non-graduates, and new and practising teachers of literacy or ESOL.

You will have:

• at least level 3 skills in English language
• basic knowledge of English language systems
• potential to succeed on a level 6, or level 7 course
• understanding of diversity and commitment to inclusive learning
• some understanding of ESOL and literacy learners and their needs
• potential to be an effective ESOL or literacy teacher.

The programme is open to both graduates and non-graduates, and to new and practising teachers of literacy or ESOL.

More information

Please see our Post-Compulsory PGCE: Literacy and ESOL information sheet (pdf, 0.4mb)