Between 11 and 19, pupils gain experience of literary and non-literary texts, including: pre-20th-century and modern literature; literature reflecting a wide variety of cultural influences; media and moving image; print-based information texts; ICT and electronic text.

You're taught to appreciate a wide range of teaching approaches through practical workshop sessions and seminars. We deal in detail with the planning and evaluation of lessons, assessment, marking and examination syllabuses.

What you study

In the autumn term, two days of most weeks are devoted to the College-based English Method programme. These subject sessions have a seminar/workshop format. After an introduction to the National Curriculum and other recent developments, you explore issues around: writing, reading, speaking and listening; culture and prejudice; assessment and marking; public examinations; classroom organisation and management; bilingualism; the place of Drama, Media Studies and IT in the English classroom; teaching English to different age ranges; literacy; language awareness teaching; and how best to meet different needs and interests in mixed-experience classrooms, including those of bilingual and bidialectal pupils, and pupils with Special Educational Needs.

Teaching practice is in two main blocks, each in a separate school. During the school-based weeks of the autumn term, there are opportunities to observe teachers, to ask questions, and to speak with your school-based mentor – either the head of the English department in the school or another experienced member of staff. Much of the spring and summer terms is devoted to school-based work. Normally, two English students are located at each school so that, as well as teaching classes on your own, you may also be able to undertake joint teaching, including joint preparation and marking.

A key feature is the inclusion of specialist Drama, Voice and Media Studies workshops, enabling you to develop a broad repertoire of teaching skills and experiences.

Methods of assessment in English focus primarily on individual written work, but also take into account group tasks, presentations and video work. Formal assignments explore aspects of: planning and selection of resources; assessment practices; and current debates about English as an academic/school subject.

Register your interest

If you register your interest in this programme we will keep you informed about open days and send you relevant further information.