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Graduate case studies

Graduate case studies
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Joanne - 
Principal Teacher of Modern Languages

Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

About the job

Main responsibilities

Principal Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages.
Leading staff in the delivery of French and Spanish to 11-16 year olds, up to GCSE level.
Monitoring and evaluating performance.
Intervention for pupil groups under performing.
Raising the profile of MFL in our school, local area.
Leading our Curriculum Area's Self Evaluation and reporting to senior staff and governors.

Typical day

Teaching a heavy timetable, KS3 and KS4.
Supporting members of my department.
Meetings.
Training.
Marking.

What do I enjoy about my job?

That every day is different.
I get to speak French and Spanish every day.
I get to work with young people, which is very rewarding.

Challenging aspects

Dealing with discipline.
Evaluating performance and putting strategies in place that will help the GCSE results improve.
Being accountable to senior staff and governors - great when things are going well, but not so great when pupils have underperformed.
Juggling leading a Curriculum Area with motherhood.

Why did this area of work appeal to me?

I wanted to continue to use my languages and inspire young people to love them, as I do.

Skills/qualifications I use in my job?

My languages and knowledge of the methodology associated with language teaching and learning.

Training I receive as part of my job

In house training - GCSE requirements, what makes an outstanding teacher, behaviour, intervention, pupil monitoring and pupil groups.


Career information

Brief history since leaving University

PGCE in MFL - 2002-2003

Where do I see myself in the future?

In eductaion.


Advice to students

My piece of advice to students

Be passionate about languages and don't accept the saying 'Everybody speaks English,' because they don't.


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Last updated: 28 Jan 2014