The course focuses on 5 main units:

• Learners, teachers and the learning teaching content
• Language analysis and awareness
• Language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing
• Planning and resources for different teaching contexts
• Developing teaching skills and professionalism

The course is highly practical, placing a considerable emphasis on candidates’ performance in observed teaching practice sessions. There is a ratio of up to 6 candidates to one tutor on courses. Teaching practice takes place in groups of up to 6 trainees with volunteer groups of English language learners at two different levels.

Candidates are also required to complete written assignments covering the following topics:

• English language systems
• Reflection on classroom teaching
• Adult learners and learning contexts
• Analysis of teaching/learning material

Attendance

The course consists of 4 weeks of full-time study. A high level of commitment is required of candidates and the course is very demanding. Candidates are expected to attend 100% of the course, with an absence allowance for illness or exceptional circumstances. Those people considering following a course should ensure that they are free of other commitments during the time of study.

Course Timetable

At Languages International, we run the Cambridge CELTA as an intensive course from Monday to Friday, from 8.45am until approximately 5.00pm. On top of that, most trainees will have around two to four hours’ work to do every day in the evenings and weekends.

Assessment

All aspects of the course (teaching practice and written assignments) are internally and continuously assessed. Candidates’ course work is also externally moderated by an assessor who is approved and appointed by Cambridge. The final certificate is issued by Cambridge.

The certificate at Pass level is awarded to candidates who meet the course requirements and whose performance meets the criteria in all components. Those whose classroom teaching skills reach a level significantly higher than pass-level criteria are awarded Pass B; those whose classroom teaching skills and planning skills are exceptional, are awarded Pass A. The centre will also write an individual report on each candidate’s performance and progress during the course.

Further information about the Cambridge CELTA course can be found on the Cambridge Assessment English website.

The course focuses on 5 main units :

• Learners, teachers and the learning teaching content
• Language analysis and awareness
• Language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing
• Planning and resources for different teaching contexts
• Developing teaching skills and professionalism

The course is highly practical, placing a considerable emphasis on candidates’ performance in observed teaching practice sessions. There is a ratio of up to 6 candidates to one tutor on courses. Teaching practice takes place in groups of up to 6 trainees with volunteer groups of English language learners at two different levels.

Candidates are also required to complete written assignments covering the following topics:

• English language systems
• Reflection on classroom teaching
• Adult learners and learning contexts
• Analysis of teaching/learning material

Attendance and commitment

At Languages International, we run the 100% Online Part-time CELTA over 13 weeks. A high level of commitment is required of candidates and the course is very demanding: candidates have to ensure that they are able to attend 100% of the synchronous (live) sessions and commit around 10 hours per week to asynchronous (recorded) and offline learning. There is an absence allowance for illness or exceptional circumstances.

Course Timetable

There are two kinds of course sessions:

• Asynchronous (recorded) sessions: Input sessions, where tutors guide you through the acquisition of new knowledge and skills, are accessed online in your own time. Candidates also have to watch a number of recorded lessons taught by experienced teachers.
• Synchronous (live) sessions: These consist mainly of the Teaching Practice (TP) and subsequent feedback that takes place between 4 and 6pm NZT, Tuesday to Friday. A TP lesson for one candidate is 45 minutes long and each candidate teaches for a total of 6 hours over the course. Candidates are also required to observe the TP lessons and feedback of the other candidates in their TP group. Additionally, there is a 1-hour group (‘live room’) tutorial every second week with a tutor to discuss progress. The live room sessions are on Mondays from 4 to 5pm NZT. Finally, candidates have to observe a number of live classes taught by experienced teachers. Synchronous sessions take up 5.5 hours per week on average – note that the amount of time per individual week varies: some weeks have 7 live hours, others have none.

Candidates also need to spend time offline:

• Preparation for TP lessons: this varies but 3 to 4 hours per lesson is common.
• Completion of written assignments.

Assessment

All aspects of the course (teaching practice and written assignments) are internally and continuously assessed. Candidates’ course work is also externally moderated by an assessor who is approved and appointed by Cambridge. The final certificate is issued by Cambridge.

The certificate at Pass level is awarded to candidates who meet the course requirements and whose performance meets the criteria in all components. Those whose classroom teaching skills reach a level significantly higher than pass-level criteria are awarded Pass B; those whose classroom teaching skills and planning skills are exceptional, are awarded Pass A. The centre will also write an individual report on each candidate’s performance and progress during the course.

Further information about the Cambridge CELTA course can be found on the Cambridge Assessment English website.

CELTA is based on the principle of open and equal opportunity for all, irrespective of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, creed, colour, race, ethnic origin, age or disability. Acceptance on a course, however, is not automatic.

All applicants should download a copy of the CELTA Application form and complete this as instructed. Following assessment of the application and the task, applicants are selected for interview at Languages International. Applicants are assessed on their suitability to complete a CELTA course successfully. Particular attention is paid to aptitude for language analysis and clear communication. In matters concerning the assessment and suitability of prospective candidates, the decision of the Director of Teacher Training is final.

Those candidates who are offered a place on a course must pay a $300 deposit in order to secure their place. The balance of fees is due three weeks before the course starts. Failure to pay the fees may mean that applicants forfeit a place. Once course fees have been paid in full, they are not refundable. It may be possible for applicants to transfer their application to a future course, but only if their place on a course can be filled.