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Greenwich Community College95 Plumstead RoadLondonSE18 7DQ

Tel. 0208 488 4800

Dear Applicant

Here is all the information you need to begin the process of becoming a qualified English Language Teacher.

Here you will find an application form, answers to commonly asked questions, a thumbnail sketch of the course tutors, and the current course dates. Please be aware that this is a level 5 course – equivalent to the second year of an undergraduate university degree. You must have a good standard of education which would at least allow entry to higher education, eg ‘A’ levels.

To schedule your interview, please email me at johns@gcc.ac.uk or phone me on 020 8355 3923. Please bring your completed CELTA application form from this pack to the interview. At the interview, we will answer any questions you have about the course, talk you through how the course operates, and you will be required to do a written task. The written task focuses on general approaches to language and language teaching. It tests knowledge of parts of speech, the names of all the tenses, locating word stress, and correction of errors of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It also includes a piece of extended writing to show the ability to organise ideas and write accurate standard English. Allow about 2 1/2 hours for the whole process.

The fees for 2012-13 are as follows:

Full fee: £790 (£635 plus £45 enrolment fee plus £110 Cambridge fee)

Inactive benefits (not looking for work): £225 (£70 plus £45 enrolment fee plus £110 Cambridge fee)

Inactive benefits (unemployed and looking for work): Free

Active benefits: Free

Upon acceptance after interview, you will be required to enrol and pay a deposit of £100 for inclusion on the course (unless you qualify for full fee remission).

The assessment of the course is continuous with no final examination and is based on Teaching Practice and the completion of four Written Assignments.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any help or further information.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

John ShepheardCELTA Tutor & Co-ordinator

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Who is the course for?This course is intended for people who want to teach ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) and/or EFL (English as a Foreign Language) to adults. The scheme is designed for those with little or no previous teaching experience. However, teachers with existing experience usually find they gain a great deal from the course in terms of their own development. The course aims to give participants a highly practical initial training in teaching English to second language learners.

Equal Opportunity Statement 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. This principle is promoted in all aspects of CELTA, including: • statements of eligibility for entry to all courses that are based solely on professionally relevant criteria • the methods of recruitment, selection, briefing and training of all those working for or on behalf of Cambridge ESOL Teaching Awards • language assessment criteria based on the use of English in ESOL classrooms worldwide. The Cambridge ESOL Teaching Awards’ procedures ensure that all aspects of practice are and remain non-discriminatory. How useful and well recognised is the qualification?

CELTA is recognised by the British Council and in the UK and around the world by employers of English language teachers. It provides entry to the profession in teaching ESOL in FE Colleges in the UK, teaching in private language schools and teaching abroad.

CELTA can also be taken as Module One of the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS), which is a qualification for teachers who want to specialise in teaching English in Further, Adult, and Community Education in England and Wales. CELTA graduates can find employment in Further, Adult, and Community Education but would be required to commit to taking DTLLS within their first two years. Those who decide to teach in the private sector in the UK or abroad would not take the DTLLS course but could go on to study for the Cambridge Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA).

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COURSE INFORMATIONCambridge CELTA

Cambridge Certificate in EnglishLanguage Teaching to Adults

What are the entry requirements? Candidates must be at least 18 years old CELTA is a level 5 qualification – equivalent to the beginning

of the second year on a university first degree course. Candidates must have a good standard of education which would allow entry to higher education

Candidates must have a good command of English, both written and spoken, to enable them to complete the course successfully

Anyone not educated in an English-speaking environment should be able to demonstrate an appropriate competence in English, for example, a pass at Cambridge Proficiency or equivalent

Do I need a degree?To obtain a post as an ESOL tutor in a Further Education college is becoming increasingly difficult without a degree.

In the private sector and overseas some institutions and employers require a university degree for job applicants. There seems to be a lot of variation in this depending on country and place of work. In the UK some private language schools expect a degree but not all. The following information is based on a recent online survey:  

In the Republic of Ireland, all teachers of EFL / ESOL / ELT need to have a primary degree plus a CELTA qualification in order to teach either in the state sector or in a private language school. The Advisory Council for English Language Schools (ACELS) holds regular inspections within the recognised private sector to ensure that staffing qualifications are being met.

In the UAE it is generally better to have a degree to get a job locally, although people do sometimes manage without.

The British Council requires a degree plus a CELTA.

In Greece to legally work in a language school (which will be privately owned), teachers need to apply for a teaching licence at the Ministry of Education. They require all non-Greeks to have an undergraduate degree.

In Switzerland a degree is not generally required in the private adult sector, though it may be required in some contexts (eg some private further education colleges). In the state sector (primary and secondary), one usually needs the appropriate Swiss qualifications - CELTA usually isn't recognised there, and a UK degree alone isn't enough. Some temporary or supply work may be obtained without the Swiss teaching qualification(s) but this is exceptional. Rregulations and actual practice may vary from canton to canton.

In New Zealand there are academic standards governing private English language schools. It is possible for a teacher with CELTA and enough experience (but no degree) to work in an English New Zealand school but schools often prefer their teachers to be graduates.

For your interest, here is the English New Zealand Standard for a teacher:

In Germany it varies a lot from place to place. Language schools with native English-speaking Directors of Studies will go for CELTA and DELTA - a big advantage - but may employ people without. Schools (language, business, adult education) run by native Germans and all universities will expect a degree.

Private industry tends to give priority to native speakers, whatever their qualifications.

In Austria a few of the private language schools ask for a teaching certificate like CELTA or equivalent, but many have no requirements.  A degree is not necessary either.  At primary/secondary school, a teaching degree (PGCE) is necessary  (as for other EU countries) but there are jobs as assistants in bi-lingual schools.

Schools in Halifax, Nova Scotia , Canada, require an undergraduate degree and a CELTA certificate.

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In Slovenia very few private language schools ask for a teaching certificate like CELTA or equivalent but many have no requirements. In many private schools a degree is not necessary either. Since CELTA is now offered in Slovenia more and more private language schools have become aware of CELTA and teachers with this qualification have priority in getting the job.

What about computer literacy?All English language tutors who want to work in Further Education colleges in the UK are required to have ICT skills. If you have never used a computer, you could do an IT course at the College. To find out further information about the IT beginners course please either e-mail (info@gcc.ac.uk), telephone, or call into Advice and Guidance at the Plumstead centre to have a discussion or complete an application form and return it to: Admissions, Greenwich Community College, 95 Plumstead Road, London, SE18 7DQ. What is the level of commitment?The courses are very demanding intellectually and emotionally, whether you decide to take the part-time evening or day options or the intensive 4 week version. In addition to the demands of the course you can expect to spend around 80 hours outside the course on reading, lesson preparation, and written assignments. We advise trainees to try to keep their lives as free of other commitments as they can during the period of the course.What are the key components of the course?

Methodology: procedures and techniques for helping learners with grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, listening, speaking, reading, and writing

Language analysis and awareness A total of 6 hours classroom teaching practice (usually nine

short lessons) with actual learners Written assignments; four classroom-related assignments of

750 -1000 words focussing on the learner, language, the four language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening), and reflections on classroom teaching

The course consists of around 120 contact hours to include input, supervised lesson planning, teaching practice and feedback, tutorials, and observation of lessons given by peers and experienced teachers.How many people will there be on the course?We accept a maximum of 10 or 12 trainees on our courses depending on the course format. Trainees work with two course tutors for input, teaching practice, and tutorials.How is the course assessed?There is no final examination. Assessment is continuous and integrated. 100% attendance is expected and the assessment is based on two areas – teaching practice and four written assignments. Candidates need to develop awareness of learning and teaching issues in teaching practice and develop teaching competence over the period of the course. Trainees are informed of their progress at tutorials and receive oral and written feedback on each of their teaching practice lessons. The Cambridge Certificate is

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awarded to those who complete the course successfully. There are three grades of pass on the CELTA certificate:

Pass - where candidates meet the overall criteria in teaching practice and the written assignments

Pass B - where in addition candidates excel in classroom skill Pass A - where in addition candidates excel in planning,

teaching, and awareness of learning/teaching issuesHow can I prepare for the course?

We will supply a Pre-course Preparation Task with a Key. The Task is not assessed and is intended for self-study. It is aimed at getting trainees thinking about some of the key areas which will be covered on the course.

You should also read Teaching English as a Foreign Language by David Riddell (Hodder: ISBN 0-340-86856-2). It is a highly accessible book written by a CELTA Tutor with trainees in mind and links very closely with the course content. You should also read Learning Teaching by Jim Scrivener (MacMillan ISBN 1-405-01399-0). It is full of ideas and materials and the latest edition as a DVD with excerpts from lessons .The Oxford ESOL Handbook by Philida Schellekens (OUP ISBN 978-0-19-442281-9) offers an ESOL angle for those wanting to teach ESOL in FE.

For help with grammar we recommend Practical English Usage by Michael Swan (OUP; ISBN 0-19-442098-1). Experience shows that trainees who have not begun to develop their language knowledge are at a serious disadvantage on such a short course. We will be looking at language in some sessions but we will not be providing an in-depth survey of grammar as time doesn’t allow it. We will focus more on teaching methods and techniques. You need to work hard on becoming a language expert. One idea is to dip in to Practical English Usage (Michael Swan) 15 minutes a day to gradually tune into the language system.

New and used copies of some or all of the above titles are usually available at a lower price on www.amazon.co.uk. You can also borrow these titles from the College library (LRC). Can the College help with accommodation?You can contact the following at the estate agent used by the College:Shelley ClarkeEmail: Shelley@britanniatravel.comBritannia Student Services 1 Rathbone PlaceLondonW1T 1HHTelephone: +44 (0)20 7436 7738Fax: +44 (0)20 7436 7739

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General: info@britanniatravel.comWebsite: www.britanniatravel.com

Can I get fee remission?If you are in receipt of means-tested benefits your tuition fees are either free or reduced. You will be required to pay a registration fee of £45, unless you are an asylum seeker or refugee not in receipt of benefits.

Can the College help with childcare?Support with childcare is very limited. Apply to Karen Withers (KarenW@gcc.ac.uk, room D0-01) for creche and nursery places. Other ways to find help with childcare needs:

Care To Learn – for younger parents under 20 years of age. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/14To19/MoneyToLearn/Caretolearn/index.htmChildcare While You Train – a fund for learners who have a partner in work and with an income under £20,000 per year.http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/FinancialHelpForAdultLearners/DG_172003

What do previous trainees think?After 25% of the current CELTA course, these were some trainee comments in feedback:“Proved to be more intensive than expected but achievable with hard work.”“I feel I have already learned a lot.”“I have really enjoyed the course so far.”“The course has been great – the tutors have been great. Excellent.” “The course is demanding and essential for those who want to teach ESOL.”How can I find out even more about CELTA?You can visit Cambridge’s own website on: http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teaching/celta.htm

Cambridge CELTA Course Tutors

John Shepheard has 35 years experience in English Language Teaching. He has worked as a teacher in the UK and abroad, as a teacher trainer at CELTA and DELTA levels, and as a Director of Studies in private language schools. He is an Assessor for the CELTA scheme. He is the author of five publications for teachers and students, including The Anti-Grammar Grammar Book and Teach Yourself English Grammar. He has also written and presented radio programmes

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for the World Service of the BBC and directed an ELT teacher training video, Teach English. Linda Ruas has over 25 years experience in English Language teaching. She has taught and trained in Brazil, Japan, and the UK, where she has worked in both private language schools and FE colleges. Linda has worked as an academic manager and is

an Assessor for the CELTA scheme.

Ann Matsunaga has over 16 years experience in English language teaching in the UK and Japan. She has taught classes in the community, adult, further and higher education, and has worked with adults and children. In addition to training on the CELTA course, Ann teaches ESOL students at all levels and

is an Examiner and Trainer for the Trinity College London examination board.

In over 30 years in the field, Robin Summers has occupied numerous roles in the world of English language teaching. He has been Principal and Director of Studies of various schools in

the UK and abroad and designed courses for specialisations from English for literature to English for waste water treatment. After ‘discovering’ teacher training in the early 90s, he has concentrated mostly on that. He has taught over 60 CELTA courses in the UK and South Africa and toured Brazil with a series of one-week teacher training workshops.

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CELTA Course dates 2012-2013

College course code

Course type, length, datesHolidays

Course days

Course times

W1176611PL

Part-time evening20 weeks3 September 2012 – 6 February 2013

29 Oct-2 Nov 201224 Dec 2012– 4 Jan 2013

Mon & Wed

Mon 18.00 -21.00Wed 17.30 -21.30

W1176711PL

Part-time day10 weeks2 October – 13 December 2012

29 Oct – 2 Nov 2012

Tue & Thu

09.30 -17.30

W1176811PL

Part-time day10 weeks08 Jan – 21 Mar 2013

18 Feb – 22 Feb 2013

Tue & Thu

09.30 -17.30

W1176911PL

Part-time evening17 weeks11 Feb – 1 July 2013

18 Feb – 22 Feb 201329 Mar-12 Apr 20136 May 201327 May 2013

Mon & Wed

Mon 18.00 -21.00(extra hour on 11 Feb,25 Feb, 4 March, 11 March: 17.30-21.30)Wed 17.30 -21.30

W1177011PL

Part-time day10 weeks16 April – 20 June 2013

----------Tue & Thu

09.30 -17.30

W1176211PL

Full-time intensive4 weeks01 July – 26 July 2013

--------- Mon-Fri 09.30 -17.30

NB: During the July 4 week intensive course the Learning Resources Centre/Library is only open from 10.00-16.00 and is shut on some days. As the course hours are 09.30-12.30 & 13.30-17.30, this means that access to these resources (IT and books) is very limited. Please bear this in mind when choosing your course dates, eg if you don’t have ready access to a computer for writing assignments and planning lessons and producing teaching materials in the evenings and at weekends.

NB: the CELTA application form is at the end of this document...

Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults

Application Form

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

Course dates required: ____________________

Applicant name and address in full:

Nationality: ____________ E-mail: ____________

Tele(home): ____________ Tele(mobile): ____________

Date of birth: ____________ Age: ____________

Education (please give details and dates of secondary and higher education and any professional training and qualifications)

Present occupation

Outline any previous teaching experience, ESOL/EFL or other

Applicant Personal Statement

Why do you want to become an English Language teacher? Applicants should give the fullest possible information, including details of any teaching experience, immediate and future career plans, interests and any other information relevant to this application (approx.200-300 words)

How did you hear about the CELTA courses at Greenwich Community College?