Train to teach MFL in a school setting; combine outstanding training with hands-on teaching experiences.
MFL is a core part of the UK curriculum. We offer what we believe to be the best route into languages teaching, with excellent teaching provision and hours of in-classroom experience. With us, you can train to teach:
• Arabic*
• French
• German
• Italian*
• Mandarin*
• Russian*
• Spanish
*Places for these courses are limited and are not available in every hub. You will also need French, German or Spanish as a second language.
There are several routes into teaching, and each has its own benefits. The SCITT (School Centred Initial Teacher Training) balances expert-led lectures and seminars, with teaching experience in the classroom – because teaching can’t be learnt in the classroom alone.
The course is the only national teacher training course specialising in modern languages. We equip you with everything you need to become an outstanding teacher.
- The SCITT course is a combination of academic study and hands-on experience in the classroom – with additional specialist training from modern languages experts.
- You are supported at every stage, from induction to graduation, and then from finding your first teaching position and throughout the rest of your career.
- It’s a one-year full-time course.
- The programme is designed to ensure that all input from the training sessions, the online modules and from school is linked to your progress against the Teachers’ Standards.
- 100% of our trainees from our 2021/22 cohort secured employment after completing the course.
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MFL teacher training: course overview
From the moment you accept your place you are provided with information and tasks to help bridge the gap between acceptance and your official start. These tasks are designed to start your familiarisation with the English education system and prepare you for the start of your teacher training course.
Your individual training plan
The programme is designed to meet your individual needs as you train to teach, alongside common elements which apply to all trainees.
With the help of your school, you devise an individual training plan (ITP) at the start of the year which is regularly reviewed. After ascertaining what your initial needs are in September, your mentor then plans, with you, this individual programme of support across the year; a new ITP is put together at the start of each of the three phases of the course.
This process is supported by tasks set for you to complete after each training session. An additional activity bank gives clear examples for you and your school of the type of activity the school could offer to supplement the activities you complete between training sessions over the course of the year. This may not be needed if you are getting experience through other training.
The range of training activities outlined on your ITP will provide you with clear evidence that you are developing your competence in all of the criteria set by the Department for Education – the body responsible for teacher training in England. These criteria are used by all teacher training courses and schools in England and are called Teachers’ Standards.
You will draw on your ITP for each phase of the programme and the outcomes of your training activities to create a personal, reflective portfolio of your year’s work which you will present to your school and lead teacher for final assessment in May/June. We will give you guidance on how to record and collate your evidence throughout the year. You are responsible for keeping all records resulting from the activities you do in school. We expect you to stand on your own two feet, to be independent and to take the initiative.
Key elements of the course
- Pre-course events in March and May.
- A welcome event in June/July.
- A four-day familiarisation and induction course in August.
- A programme of local and national training sessions throughout the year.
- A series of structured tasks.
- Ongoing school-based support.
- Teach and train in two, contrasting schools.
- Languages specific documentation.
- Progress documentation.
- Lead teacher visits and mentoring.
- Online and face-to-face support.
- Portfolio and final assessment.
- Two assignments at Masters’ level for the PGCE qualification.
Take a look at our course overview for more information.
Frequently asked questions
What level of support will I receive in school and how is it delivered?
We understand how important it is that you get support while you train to be a modern languages teacher – as well as during the application process. From the moment you join us, you will be supported by an experienced and friendly team, from the SCITT Director and lead teachers to the admin personnel and school-based mentors.
Our dedicated and experienced team will guide you through all the necessary paperwork and support you every step of the way.
Find out more about how we provide support here.
What assessments are involved with the course?
Throughout the course, you will be building a portfolio that demonstrates your ability as a MFL teacher and your progress against the Teachers’ Standards as set out by the Department for Education. This, and a final assessment, will determine your success. You’ll receive full support with both the portfolio and preparation for the assessment.
What funding options are there?
As a trainee, you will need to fund the tuition fees and provide for your living costs. There are various sources of potential funding to help you with this, including bursaries and tuition fee loans. Click here for more information about funding options. Please speak to a Department for Education Get Into Teacher Advisor and Student Finance England to determine your eligibility for what is on offer.
What MFL subjects do you train for?
We specialise in training French, German and Spanish teachers, although our trainees are often fluent in other languages as well. We also have limited placements for lesser spoken languages such as Italian, Mandarin, Russian and Arabic across our network of schools. Being able to offer another language especially in French, German or Spanish as a second language is a real advantage during your placement and future employment. Please be aware that we do not offer these placements in all locations, so early applications are advised.
