CELTA

University of Cambridge ESOL

Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults

Information for Candidates

York St John is delighted to offer the face to face and the online CELTA

At present we are only offering the online version of the course to a closed group and it is not available to external applicants. We are currently considering 2012 course dates for the online CELTA. Please send us an email If you are interested in doing the online CELTA with us and we can keep your details on file and notify you of the course dates.

Please be aware that although a good proportion of the online course is done using the internet, it still contains some face to face elements such as teaching practice, teaching practice preparation and feedback. This does necessitate some time spent with all candidates being present together at York St John University. Hence, such courses would only be suitable for overseas candidates if they were willing to travel to us for these parts of the course.

What is CELTA?

CELTA is an initial qualification for people who want to start English language teaching anywhere in the world. You do not need to have any previous teaching experience or qualifications. Because CELTA is awarded by Cambridge ESOL, part of the world-famous University of Cambridge, you can rely on its quality and recognition.

Over 10,000 people successfully complete a CELTA course each year.

How does CELTA relate to TEFL/TESOL?

'TEFL' or 'TESOL' are terms often used to describe qualifications for English Language teachers. CELTA, the most widely taken initial TESOL/TEFL qualification of its kind in the world, was previously known as CTEFLA and the 'RSA certificate'.

What does CELTA involve?

YSJ offers a full time CELTA course run over 4 weeks on the following dates:

Wednesday 6 June (following the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holidays) – Tuesday 3 July 2012

The course will:

teach you the principles of effective teaching
provide a range of practical skills for teaching English to adult learners
give you hands-on teaching practice

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 is continuous throughout the course, with no final examination. An external assessor, appointed by Cambridge ESOL, moderates each course. There are two components of assessment:

1. Teaching practice

You will teach for a total of 6 hours, working with classes at two levels of ability. Assessment is based on your overall performance at the end of the 6 hours. The classes will be made up of volunteer international students.

2. Written assignments

You will complete four written assignments each focusing on one of the following areas:

Adult learning
The language system of English
Language skills
Classroom teaching

To be awarded the certificate you must pass both the teaching practice and written assignment components. There are three grades — Pass, Pass 'B' and Pass 'A'.

Who recognises CELTA?

CELTA is accepted throughout the world by organisations which employ English Language teachers. The Cambridge CELTA has been accredited by Ofqual (the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework for England. Cambridge ESOL also works with international ELT organisations to ensure the acceptance of CELTA globally.

Who can apply for CELTA at YSJ?

You should:

have a standard of education equivalent to that required for entry into higher education
be aged 20 or over (YSJ may accept strong applicants who are 19)
have a standard of English which will enable you to teach at a range of levels

Why take CELTA at YSJ?

YSJ is an ideal place for you to take the CELTA course. YSJ International offers:

Spacious classrooms equipped with computers connected to the internet and interactive whiteboards or projection screens
A wide range of teaching resources to help you prepare for your lessons
Experienced CELTA tutors
Experienced EFL teachers for you to observe
A pool of international students for you to teach

How do I apply?

Please complete an application and pre-interview task (available on request). Return both to the YSJ International Reception desk on the 1^st floor of Holgate or email to e.taylor@yorksj.ac.uk. A member of the CELTA team will review your application. If your application is successful, you will be contacted for an interview. You will need to be successful at the interview stage in order to be offered a place on a course.

How much is the course?

The course fee for the face to face CELTA in 2012 is £1100 (online CELTA course fee to be confirmed at a later date). This amount includes the University of Cambridge ESOL fee and all course materials.

*Content adapted from http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/teaching-awards/celta.html