Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA)

Summary

The Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) is the most widely recognised qualification for those entering the field of teaching English as a foreign language. It is recognised by language schools around the world. This qualification provides the skills needed to begin a career teaching English as a foreign language and makes finding work in a language school easier. There are five main units of learning: Learners and teachers, and the teaching and learning context, Language analysis and awareness, Language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing, Planning and resources for different contexts, Developing teaching skills and professionalism. Assessment: You will be assessed throughout the course, with no final examination. An external assessor, appointed by Cambridge English, moderates each course. There are two components of assessment: Teaching practice: The course is very practical in nature with a heavy emphasis placed on performance in observed and assessed teaching practice sessions. Candidates teach six hours of assessed lessons over eight to nine lessons. Teaching practice is completed at two different levels with candidates teaching volunteer groups of students. Assessment is based on overall performance at the end of the 6 hours. Written assignments: There are four written assignments with a total word count of 3000 words: one focusing on adult learning; one on the language system of English; one on language skills; and one on classroom teaching. Requirements: This course ideally suits people who: have a standard of education equivalent to that required for entry into higher education; are 20 or over; have a standard of English which will enable you to teach at a range of levels. If you do not have formal qualifications at this level but can demonstrate that you would be likely to complete the course successfully, you may still be accepted. At the course organiser's discretion, applicants aged between 18 and 20 may on occasion be accepted.