A centre based one year PGCE Primary exemplar

Structure and content

Two dedicated sessions in Professional Studies. The first session provides a context for linguistic diversity in the area and the later session focuses on theory and practice of bilingualism and the teaching of English as an additional language.

Two dedicated sessions in Professional Studies on racism awareness, the legal framework and personal development. Part of the session investigates using data to identify achievement patterns and plan appropriate initiatives.

Two dedicated sessions in the English programme: the first session on linguistic diversity and awareness of languages; a later session on working with bilingual learners.

Embedding in sessions

Using dual language books in literature and story telling sessions. Using EAL Stages of English and noting the use of languages other than English as a category in the assessment profile used by student teachers in school. Making reference to bilingual learners in all sessions.

School experience

At least one of the trainees' two placements is in a multilingual school.

Directed tasks and Assignments:

The EAL task file contains observations, interviews and activities to be carried out in an environment where there are bilingual children. The file includes an extensive reading list, pro-formas to support planning for early and advanced learners of English, information on assessment practices and a summary of key theoretical issues and how they relate to classroom practice. One assignment includes developing a lesson plan and evaluation including pupil's comments. The rationale and evaluation is approximately 1000 words and links to students' reading on the topic of linguistic diversity

Commentary

Need for specialist tutor knowledge and staff development. Relies on placement in a multilingual school.