Interested in becoming a Mandarin teacher in the U.K.?

Interested in becoming a qualified Mandarin teacher in the U.K.?

Interested in becoming a Mandarin teacher in U.K. secondary school?

If so, I hope this post is helpful for you!

If you already have a degree, consider a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). A PGCE course mainly focuses on developing your teaching skills, and not on the subject you intend to teach. For this reason, you are expected to have a good understanding of your chosen subject(s) – usually to degree level – before you start training. – Department of Education

PGCE  is a qualification that needed for people who want to become a teacher in U.K. state schools. (This is not usually compulsory in independent school)

GTP is another type of teacher training. (Click here)

I have completed my PGCE Secondary in Teaching Mandarin Chinese and EAL in the Institute of Education, University of London back in September 2011.

It was a full time course (i.e. 1 year).

I was required to complete:1. Two pieces of M-Level Assignment, around 10,000 words.

2. ARF (Assessment Record File)

3. Two school placementsFrom now on, I’m going to talk about how I feel about my PGCE life.Okay, so, My PGCE was… A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!!!

Believe me, it was really really amazing. I would say it was the best period in my life time. o(^–^)o

I wanted to become a teacher since I was small. However, I was struggling in making my decision when I was completing my degree – Early Childhood Studies. I couldn’t tell if teaching is the right one for me. I decided to take it after all, because I truly believe becoming a teacher is part of my life mission!

I enjoyed my PGCE very much because it was a practical course. I always looked forward to have practical tasks. When I did my degree, I was so confused how do I actually apply all the theories I learnt in lectures in my future life. And PGCE has shown me all of it.

Yes, PGCE was tired, but it was fulfilling. I had to complete my assignments and my school teaching at the same time. Marking, lesson planning, after school club, parent’s evening, reports, readings, replying email…etc. Fortunately, I had a great time management for myself, so that I didn’t mess up everything. (I even managed to eat Yo!Sushi. once in 2 weeks when I started my second placement . Haha.)

In my PGCE year, I met many new friends, not only in the university, but also in my school placements, SSAT course & conference and Hanban training. Different teachers. Different teaching. Different stories. They are all INSPIRING! (Don’t miss any training, as they are all wonderful!)

Of course, there is always time when things doesn’t go smoothly, especially when you are a trainee teacher. It happened on me, I still remembered it was back in December 2011. I lost. I teared. I cried. But it didn’t stop me from moving forward. SGI President, Daisaku Ikeda once said, “If you failed yesterday, strive to win today. If you were defeated today, strive to win tomorrow.” I still have this quote in my room now. It really keep me making my step forward. 🙂

I think one of the good things as a trainee teacher is you are forgivable when you make mistake because you are trained to become a professional. Ah, and you are allowed to make experiment in the classroom (I meant like trying new teaching style, games/activities. Not bombing the classroom please -___-;;)
ADVICE: Most of the PGCE Mandarin students that I met during my PGCE year were mothers (i.e. they have their own children). It was quite struggling, as they not only need to looking after their family, they also need to plan lesson, work on their assignments…etc. But anyhow, WE ALL GRADUATED SUCCESSFULLY after one year! (^—^)

If you have questions about PGCE Mandarin, please leave a comment. I will try my very best to reply you a.s.a.p. Tada~~~! **