CELTA

The CELTA is an introductory teacher training course designed for candidates with little or no previous English language TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teaching experience.

It is also suitable for teachers who have teaching experience but who have had little or no formal teacher training. It is considered to be a solid foundation for teaching English as a foreign language. The CELTA teacher training course is recognised by EFL organisations worldwide and the certificate is the most highly respected of its kind in the world.

Applicant Profile

Applicants for the CELTA course should have an awareness of language and a competence in English, both written and spoken, that enables them to follow the course and complete the assignments and teach English at a range of levels.

They should normally have a standard of education that would allow them entry to Higher Education in their country. Candidates must usually be 20 years old at the start of the CELTA course (although candidates from the age of 18 may be accepted at the centre’s discretion where it is confirmed that they have the potential to develop the necessary skills to become effective EFL teachers and that the course is suitable for them in terms of their background and their career plans).

Assessment Overview

The CELTA is awarded to candidates who have completed the course and met the assessment criteria for all written and practical assignments.

By the end of the course candidates should show that they are able to:

• assess learners’ needs and plan and teach English lessons which take account of learners’ backgrounds, learning preferences and current needs

• demonstrate language knowledge and awareness and appropriate teaching strategies

• demonstrate knowledge about language skills and how they may be acquired

• plan and prepare lessons designed to develop their learners’ overall language competence

• demonstrate an appropriate range of English language teaching skills at this level and show professional awareness and responsibility

Teaching Practice and Observation

Teaching practice is an integral part of the course and takes place every day. It is related to the areas covered in the input sessions. Trainees work in groups of six to plan, observe and give feedback to each other on the teaching they have done. Candidates teach at least two different levels of students on the course to get experience of teaching at different levels. In feedback on teaching, all lessons are discussed by TP groups and tutors.

Tutors give both verbal and written feedback on each assessed lesson. Trainees also observe at least 6 hours of lessons given by qualified teachers.

Additional time is required for lesson preparation and written assignments.

As the course is full-time and very intensive, it is impossible to have any other commitments during the period of the course. Candidates will find they have to work most evenings and at weekends on course-related work.