Teaching Arabic Language

This module is an introduction to up-to-date methods for the teaching of Arabic as a foreign and community heritage language drawing on Goldsmiths’ expertise in this area as well as that of professional partners. You will learn how to apply innovative pedagogical approaches in your classroom context and plan, teach and assess Arabic language.

A blended approach combining face-to-face and online teaching, supported self-study, and classroom practice will support your ongoing professional development and your ability to relate research with classroom practice. You are expected to be well organised, open to new ideas, and be able to reflect critically on your Arabic language and culture teaching.

During the module you will create a learning and teaching portfolio to help you reflect on your classroom practice and develop creative resources that are differentiated for pupils’ needs. You will be supported to carry out a classroom project and be able to report on your learning from the project.

The module provides excellent preparation for applying for the PGCE Secondary Languages programme at Goldsmiths.

Dates and sessions

• 27 Sep 2025: Induction and key terminology (face to face)
• 24/25 Oct 2025: Language skills and lesson planning (online)
• 5/6 Dec 2025: Differentiation and assessment (online)
• 31 Jan 2026: Creating resources and communicative approach (face to face)
• 27/28 Mar 2026:  Creativity and marking (online)
• 9 May 2026: Projects and celebration (face to face)

Face to face sessions are from 11am to 4pm with a one-hour break.

The online sessions are scheduled over the course of two days, with each session lasting two hours, time to be confirmed.

Entry requirements

This is a continuing professional development module for practising teachers of Arabic in schools in the UK. You need to have some experience in teaching Arabic as a foreign and/or community heritage language and fluency in English to be able to access study at foundation level.

Fees, funding and scholarship

The module fees are £1,000. Students are required to pay £200 and the Qatar Foundation International QFI has agreed to pay the additional £800 for each student.

Tutors

Luma Hameed - l.hameed (@gold.ac.uk)

Luma is an Associate Lecturer at Goldsmiths, the founder and author of the ‘Yalla Arabi’ active books, and the leader of the Arabic Teachers’ Council in London and Southern England. She taught Arabic and German language at schools in London and holds BEd, PGCE & MA in Education (Language, Culture, and Identity).

Sawsan Haffar-Saffaf - s.haffar (@gold.ac.uk)

Sawsan is an Associate Lecturer at Goldsmiths. She is an Arabic language teacher and trainer specialising in curriculum planning and assessment, content writing of Arabic materials and resources, and translation.