CELTA courses

The Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) is a professional qualification, validated by the university of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate and recognised by the British Council and employers worldwide. Over 10,000 people successfully complete CELTA courses every year. We offer a 4 week intensive course designed to be a springboard for those wishing to teach. It is also suitable for those who have some teaching experience but need to gain a recognised qualification.

We are committed to providing a service that is guaranteed to meet your needs. All our trainers are highly qualified and have a wealth of experience, both in the UK and overseas. We aim to prepare trainees for work in the profession by giving an efficient service and providing this within a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. All courses are externally moderated by a Cambridge Assessor.

Eligibility

Candidates should be 20 or over by the start of course although the school will consider applicants between the ages of 18 and 20 at our discretion. They should have a good standard of education, e.g. university entrance and have an awareness and competence in written and spoken English to enable them to follow the course.

Course Components

Language Awareness

The LA component is designed to familiarise trainees with aspects of the English language. It focuses on grammar & structure (form), meaning in context (function) and the sound system of the English language (phonology).

Methodology of language teaching and learning

This involves the analysis and appreciation of various methods, styles and strategies for both language teaching and learning. You are also introduced to a range of teaching aids and classroom management.

Teaching practice

The course is very practical in nature. Under the guidance of your tutor, you will spend each afternoon either teaching or observing your peers. Course time is set aside for the preparation of these lessons and your tutor will assist and guide you throughout your time with us. You will gain experience in teaching at two distinct levels.

Classroom observation

During the course you will be timetabled for 6 hours of classroom observation. This will give you the opportunity to see experienced teachers in action. These observations are complemented by specific observation tasks, which will be referred to throughout the course.

Written assignments

There are 4 written assignments that you will need to complete. Again, these are practical in nature. These assignments range from formal language analysis to reflections on the whole experience.

Assessment

This is on a continuous basis in all areas of the syllabus. Particular emphasis is given to teaching appropriate lessons effectively and to foster effective learning. Your tutorials will tell you exactly where you are on the course so you will know what you need to do. Final grades are in negotiation with an external assessor from Cambridge. There are three grades - Pass, Pass 'B' and Pass 'A'.

For a detailed CELTA syllabus, please go to http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teaching/celta.

Enrolment Procedure

If you wish to apply for a place on the course, please complete the downloadable application form. Places are allocated on the basis of group and individual interviews. If you are based overseas or live some distance from the school, we are happy to arrange telephone interviews. As there is a maximum of 12 participants on each course, please return your completed application form as soon as possible.

Interview

Please allow two hours for you interview. As part of the interview, you will be given some language awareness tasks. This is designed to help us assess your ability to analyse your own language. It is not a test of your knowledge of grammar rules. If you don't feel particularly confident, you might want to look at 'English Grammar in Use' (Murphy) or 'Learning Teaching (Scrivener) for the more practical side of teaching. We will also give you some tasks to take home and complete so that you are fully prepared for the start of the course

Post Interview

If you are offered a place, we will let you think about it for a while by keeping your place for 48 hours. If you would like to take up the offer, you will need to send us the deposit within this time. We ask that you pay the balance of the course fees a minimum of 4 weeks before the start of the course.

Payment

You may pay either by:

1. Credit card
2. Switch, DELTA or other debit card
3. Cheque payable to British Study Centres Limited.
4. Bank draft sterling. Please indicate in the transfer document your name, the name of the course and date. As soon as you have arranged payment, please phone, fax or e-mail to say the payment has been made and fax us a copy of your transfer document.

Curtailment and Cancellation

Deposits cannot be transferred to another course, course date or candidate or refunded.

In the case of cancellation made later than 4 weeks before the start of the course, requests for refunds can only be considered if we have been able to fill the place at short notice. The deposit is not refundable.

Please note that in the event of a trainee withdrawing from the course once it has started, British Study Centres cannot refund fees or offer a place on a subsequent course without payment of further fees. The school can however offer you insurance to protect against this eventuality.

Further Information

Please feel free to contact is about any aspects of the course. We are very happy to help and advise.

Tired but happy and successful: a recent crop of brand new CELTA graduates celebrate on their last day!