Course Outline

Basil Paterson's CELTA course is designed to test all aspects of your teaching, combining 120 hours of contact time with over 80 hours of individual learning. In particular, the course comprises the following core elements:

Instruction... Active participation in task-based workshops, lectures and practical activites focusing on learner awareness, language analysis, phonology, career development and methodology. In other words, how to teach.

Teaching Practice... Trainees teach classes of overseas students and gain genuine experience of the teaching and learning process.  Tutors provide help with lesson preparation, and by the end of the course trainees will have taught at two levels and have completed a total of six hours of teaching (in compliance with Cambridge guidelines).

Observation... When not teaching, trainees usually observe their colleagues, contributing to group feedback with the tutor once the lessons are over. In addition, trainees also observe and learn from experienced teachers for a total of six hours of lessons, a proportion of which is done through video observation.

Assessment... While there is no examination, assessment is continuous and is carried out by the course tutors, with a visit from a Cambridge assessor who ensures that tutors work consistently and in accordance with guidelines. Teaching practice and assignments are assessed. Each trainee will have at least one tutorial during the course and will be given an indication of his or her progress.

Commitment... The CELTA course is very intensive and Cambridge requires that trainees attend every aspect of the course. It is advisable that other commitments are kept to a minimum.  All trainees will be heavily involved in lesson preparation and writing assignments in the evenings and at weekends too.

Professionalism... Trainees must demonstrate a professional attitude and work constructively with others.

Finding Work in TEFL

TEFL is now very popular and there are very few jobs in the UK for inexperienced teachers, except during the summer. We therefore recommend that applicants anticipate going abroad after their course. During the course, information will be available to assist trainees in finding employment in TEFL. Once the course is over, trainees are encouraged to keep in touch with the College to assist their development.

Testimonials

"This is a fantastic course. Do it to make new friends and have your horizons widened. I feel like I can go anywhere in the world now!" (Anna, Duns)

"Well presented by good, professional teachers. They provided good materials for the techniques we were supposed to use." (Ian, Edinburgh)

"I am really satisfied with the course and had a lovely time studying here." (Andrea, Nottingham)

"Doing my CELTA at Basil Paterson was amazing. Trainers were hilarious and very encouraging. A great atmosphere and brilliant students. Do your CELTA here!" (Julianna, Glasgow)

"I'm very happy I did my CELTA at Basil Paterson." (Jill, Brussels)

"I really enjoyed the course. It was tough and there were times where I thought I'd never get through it, but unbelievably glad I did it now!" (Ellie, Edinburgh)