Re-training to be a french teacher for primary schools

[Frenchgirl]

With dd starting school in September, I have decided I want to go back to work but don't want to be a horrible lawyer anymore...... I would like to do the PGCE and become a french teacher for primary schools, as I understand there is growing demand for langage teachers in primaries. I am french with a 2 year degree in English and Spanish, and a postgraduate degree in law. Would I be able to get a place on the one year training course? Any advice on the training and the subsequent work?

thanks for your help!!!

Frenchgirl, I have links to Liverpool Hope College which is a major teacher training college in the north-west. They now offer a PGCE course specialising in modern foeign languages for primary schools as liverpool council is planning on introducing language lessons in all primaries from 7+.

The first thing you need to do is get as much classroom experience as possible as they will not accept you for a pGCE course without it. I'm guessing that you would want to start in Sept 2004 which gives you plenty of time to get a foot in the door at your DD's school, try and help out with the whole range of age groups and do as many different activities with the kids as you can.

You will also need to get a certificate of equivalence saying that your degree is acceptable, you can get more info from www.naric.org.uk

I'd start getting prospectuses ASAP if I were you.
If you have any specific questions I will help as much as i can, otherwise visit www.hope.ac.uk as it has a whole section on PGCEs and the basics apply, regardless of where you want to study.

HTH

Give your local training centre a call - getting a place at this stage for September depends on whether they've filled all their places or not. Primary is much more competitive than secondary to get onto. If you train for secondary, you are also qualified to teach in primary, but would probably have to do a conversion course to get a job. Little children are much more rewarding to teach languages to than teenagers who really don't want to be there...it's all a game to the little ones!
Try the CILT web page for more info

Wow, thanks for all the info and advice to both of you, I am hoping to get a place for sept 2004, in Bristol. I will definitely ask at dd's school to see if i can get some experience there, and I'll check out those websites and ask Bristol Uni for more info. I am so keen!!!!!

Not much help but ds' nursery (with attached primary school) starts French at 3 which I think is fantastic and should be in all primary schools so good for you in making it possible! Good luck.

Thanks for the encouragement Harrysmum!!