The Academy for Innovation in Pedagogy (AIP) Foundation is proud to announce the launch of a new Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programme for French-speaking teachers, developed in collaboration with the University of Sunderland and the Institut International de Lancy (IIL).
This innovative programme has been developed to extend opportunities for trainee teachers and ensure parity between English and French speaking teachers in the bilingual school community. It will begin in March 2026. The AIP Foundation has already been offering the English version of the PGCE since March 2025.
Francisco Benavente, Director of the AIP Foundation, said: “This new French-delivered programme fully addresses the growing need for teacher training within our international, often bilingual, schools. We are delighted by the University of Sunderland’s responsiveness in adapting the PGCE to the French-speaking context, and we are pleased to support the new generation of teachers throughout their entire professional journey.”
The official launch of this programme was marked by a visit from representatives of the University of Sunderland to Geneva on October 1, 2025, to finalise the partnership with the AIP Foundation and IIL.
This visit also coincided with the official inauguration of IIL’s new B25 building. This state-of-the-art learning center, equipped with multimedia classrooms, digital spaces, and well-being areas, has been made available by IIL as part of its partnership with the AIP Foundation and provides an ideal learning environment for PGCE students.
Dr Ben Middleton, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Education, Society and Creative Industries at the University of Sunderland, said: “This programme represents a significant step in our international teacher education partnership. By creating a French-medium PGCE, we are ensuring that aspiring teachers can access Sunderland’s high-quality teacher training while developing their practice within IIL’s outstanding bilingual setting.”
This international partnership between the AIP Foundation, the University of Sunderland, and IIL marks a major advancement in bilingual teacher training, offering innovative opportunities tailored to the demands of today’s international schools.
The Academy for Pedagogical Innovation Foundation (AIP) is a Swiss non-profit organisation dedicated to adult education and school support. Created in partnership with the Institut International de Lancy, the foundation leverages the expertise of its Geneva-based partner, which has over 120 years of educational experience. The AIP
Foundation offers initial teacher training, tailored school support programmes, and adult education courses.
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