International House Newcastle

Cambridge ESOL Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults

(CELTA)

Dates 2016
1 February – 26th February
st

29th February – 25th March

4th April – 29th April
6th June – 1st July
15 August – 9th September
th

14th November – 9th December

(fees: £1300)

1. Course description
This is an introductory course designed primarily for inexperienced teachers and is mainly concerned with
the "how" of teaching. It is considered to be a solid foundation for teaching English as a foreign language.
The course is recognised by EFL organisations worldwide and the certificate is the most highly respected of
its kind in the world.

The Cambridge ESOL Certificate requires an attendance of a minimum of 120 hours over 4 weeks. The
course offers methods of English language analysis which will develop the EFL teacher's ability to make the
language more meaningful to foreign learners at all levels. The course also aims to develop and broaden
the prospective EFL teacher's knowledge of language skills, correction techniques and pronunciation. In
addition, it gives the teacher an ability to supplement and adapt available textbooks and materials, and to
create their own. The presentation and practice of new language items are dealt with in detail and give the
EFL teacher confidence in a variety of methods. Syllabus and timetabling are also covered on the course.

Teaching Practice and Observation

Teaching practice (TP) is an integral part of the course and takes place every day. It is related to the areas
covered in the input sessions. Trainees work in groups of six with small classes of students to get
experience of teaching at different levels (beginner to advanced). Lessons are discussed by TP groups and
tutors after TP. Tutors give both verbal and written feedback on each assessed lesson. Trainees also
observe at least 6 hours of lessons given by qualified teachers.

Additional time is required for lesson preparation and written assignments. As the course is full-time and
very intensive it is impossible to have any other commitments during the period of the course. Candidates
will find they have to work in the evenings and at weekends; a minimum of 80 hours is required by
Cambridge ESOL for all CELTA candidates.

2. Grading
Assessment is carried out on a continuous basis and there are two assessed components: assessment of
teaching practice, which includes professional development, and written assignments. There is at least one
individual tutorial (mid-course), where trainees have a chance to discuss their progress to date with a tutor.
The Certificate is awarded to candidates who have satisfactorily fulfilled all the requirements of the scheme.
Candidates must be present for at least 80% of each component of the course in order to pass, although
100% attendance is expected.
Candidates are reminded that it is illegal to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance while taking the course and time
off for signing on will not be granted.
A "Pass" is awarded to candidates whose performance overall in the teaching practice and on the written
assignments meets the specified criteria. These criteria are available for inspection at International House.

A "Pass (Grade B)" is awarded to candidates whose performance on the written assignments meets the
specified criteria and who have demonstrated in their teaching practice a level of achievement significantly
higher than that required to meet pass-level criteria in relation to classroom teaching skills and
professionalism.

A "Pass (Grade A)" is awarded to candidates whose performance on the written assignments meets the
specified criteria and who have demonstrated in their teaching practice a level of achievement significantly
higher than that required to meet pass-level criteria in relation to planning for effective teaching, classroom
teaching skills and an awareness of teaching and learning processes.

These standards are set by the Cambridge ESOL Examination Board, which sends an outside assessor to
evaluate each course. International House will also supply a written report for each candidate to indicate
specific strengths and areas needing development. IH will send out provisional grades a few days after the
course. These will be confirmed on receipt of the official certificates from Cambridge within two months
after the course. Where candidates wish to query their results, there is a complaints procedure. Complaints
must be received by Cambridge ESOL within six weeks of the dispatch of the result to the candidate. It is
important to note that the offer of a place does not in itself guarantee success in obtaining the certificate.

3. Application for the course

The application form and pre-interview task must be completed and returned to the school for consideration
by the Teacher Training Department before any arrangements can be made for an interview. Due to the
popularity of the course we recommend early application as there are limited places on each course.

4. Course requirements
Applicants for the course should have an awareness of language and a competence in English, both written
and spoken, that enables them to follow the course and complete the assignments. They should have a
standard of education that would allow them entry to Higher Education in their country. Candidates must
usually be 20 years old at the start of the course. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding
eligibility.

5. Fees
As soon as you are accepted on the course you should pay your course fees. We cannot reserve a place
on the course until the full payment has been received.

In the case of cancellation made later than four weeks before the start of the course, requests for refund of
fees can only be considered if we have been able to fill the place at short notice. If a cancellation is made at
least four weeks before the start date of the course, we will be able to refund course fees minus a £50
administration charge.

Total course fees: £1300 (including VAT)

6. Accommodation
This can be arranged on request. We recommend homestay accommodation for Teacher Training students
– this is available on a self-catering (£130 per week) or half-board basis (£150 per week). Self-catering
accommodation is also available at Charlotte House student apartments, a five-minute walk from school
(£110 per week). (Self-catering accommodation is subject to availability.)

7. Recommended books
A Course in English Language Teaching - Penny Ur (CUP)
Teaching Practice Handbook - Gower and Walters (Heinemann)
*Learning Teaching - Scrivener (Heinemann)
A Practical English Grammar - Thompson and Martinet (OUP)
*Practical English Usage - Michael Swan (OUP)
*English Grammar in Use - Raymond Murphy (CUP)
*Highly recommended
It is advisable to buy your own copies of Scrivener, Swan and Murphy prior to the course. Additional books
will be available for reference at International House.

8. Pre-course task
The CELTA course is very intensive and it is important for CELTA candidates to spend time before the
course on reading and tasks to ensure that they are prepared. For this reason, we provide all candidates
with a pre-course task. The task aims to develop your language analysis skills and awareness of classroom
approaches for adult learning contexts. It also focuses on ways teachers can help learners develop their
language skills. Previous candidates have found this pre-course work very helpful and we recommend
candidates spend a minimum of 10 to 15 hours completing the task.

9. After your course

Finding a job
It has been estimated that more than one billion people in the world today speak, or are learning to speak
English. The range of locations and situations in which English language teachers are in demand is
enormous.

Working with IH
IH World Recruitment Services recruits hundreds of teachers each year to work in IH-affiliated schools.
Most contracts with IH schools are for one year. Salaries are locally appropriate and are usually payable in
the local currency. Return air-fare, paid holidays and assistance with accommodation are offered on most
contracts outside the UK. IH is perhaps unique in the world of TEFL in offering an international career
structure to its staff. Now interviews can be held in Newcastle for jobs throughout the world for newly
qualified and transferring teachers. Just contact us at:

International House Newcastle, 7-15 Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4SG
Tel: 0191 232 9551
Fax: 0191 232 1126
Email: tt@ihnewcastle.com

Please attach
OFFICE USE ONLY
Date of application: photo here
Interview? YES / NO Interview date: or email a
Comments re interview: digital image
with your
application
 Application form for Cambridge ESOL
Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults
Please fill in this form fully and carefully and submit it to the email address of our teacher training department:
tt@ihnewcastle.com
Please ensure that you return the language awareness task (attached) with this form.
You may also submit your application by post or in person if you do not have access to a computer. If you submit your
application electronically, we do not require a hard copy.

I wish to apply for the UCLES Certificate Course

Starting on: (1st choice) …… /…….…/ ….…… (2nd choice) …… /….…… /……….

1. Personal details
Mr Mrs Miss Ms Surname: First name(s):
This is how your name will
appear on your certificate
Date of birth: Place of birth:
Mother
Nationality:
tongue:
If you are not a UK national, please attach a copy of your passport and current visa/leave to remain

Current address:

Telephone Mobile
number: number:
Email:
Permanent
address/telephone
number:
(if different from
above)
Present
occupation:

General health:
Name Relationship to you Mobile number and email
Emergency
contact/next of
kin:

2. Education
 Dates;
Subjects Grades
University/College

O Levels/GCSEs

AS/A Levels

Degree(s)

Which languages do you speak/read/write?

Please comment on your level of proficiency.
 3. Training/work experience
(Please include any experience you may have, so that our trainers know more about your background.)
Do you have any formal training as a teacher? YES NO

Do you have any experience of teaching:

a) English as a foreign language? (Please give dates, schools and details of levels, etc.)

b) Other subjects?

What work experience do you have?

Do you have any professional training?

4. Are there any health factors which may affect your ability to complete this course?
(It is important that you let us know of any such conditions before booking the course.)
 5. Any other information which you think relevant to this application.

6. Write briefly about why you want to follow the course and why you think you would
be suited to teaching English.

7. Do you need help regarding accommodation?

(Please email info@ihnewcastle.com for an accommodation application YES NO
form.)
8. How did you hear about our courses?

Important: Please note that acceptance on a course does not mean a place has been reserved for you. A
place cannot be reserved until the full fees have been paid. The full fees must be paid before the start of
the course. Courses may become fully booked well in advance of the start date. Fees are non-refundable.
I confirm that the above information is correct.
Signature:

Please note:
1. Do not include a CV with this application.
2. Remember to attach a recent photo (or send it as a separate attachment).

Thank you. Now complete the language analysis task which follows.
 Cambridge ESOL Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults
Language Awareness Task

Name:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Please write your answers in the spaces provided.

Please remember that you may be asked to deal with the contents of this task in greater
depth during the interview.

Part One: Grammar

Questions 1a-1e
Look at the verbs underlined in the following incorrect sentences. In each:
(i) correct the sentence;
(ii) name the correct tense;
(iii) say why this correct tense should be used in the example.
The first one is done for you.

(i) I'm reading a book at the moment

Example:
(ii) Present continuous
I read a book at the
moment. (iii) Used for an action happening now

(i)
1a) He's getting up at
eight every (ii)
morning.
(iii)

(i)
1b) I've been to France
(ii)
two years ago.
(iii)

1c) Can you come for a (i)

drink tonight?
Sorry, I'll play tennis (ii)
with my sister.
(iii)

(i)
1d) At the station I
realised I left the (ii)
tickets at home.
(iii)

(i)
1e) I’m in England
(ii)
since last week.
(iii)
 1f) How would you help a foreign student with the difference in meaning between these two
examples?
He’s been to Paris/He’s gone to Paris.
The student’s command of English is limited. (Think how you could demonstrate using visuals, the
whiteboard and/or mime rather than explanation.)

Part Two: Vocabulary

A foreign student at elementary level asks you the difference between the following pairs of words.
How would you convey the difference in meaning? Remember, the student’s command of English is
limited.

2a) borrow/lend

2b) skinny/slim

2c) win/beat
Part Three: Pronunciation
Say the following words aloud (try them in a sentence) and then mark the syllable that takes the
main stress.
 o
Example: hospital understand

allow prediction controversial prefer preference

photograph photographic photographer record (noun) record (verb)

Part Four: Functions

Look at the exchange below and the labels on the right
A) Would you like to come to the cinema tonight? Inviting
B) Yes, I’d love to Accepting an invitation
These labels are known as FUNCTIONS. It is another way of categorising language, this time thinking
more about what the language is actually doing.
Look at the dialogue below and label the function of each utterance.
Put your answers on the right.

A) Hey Bob

B) Yeah?

A) Give us a hand with this suitcase could you?

B) Sorry, but Jenny’s waiting for me

A) O.K. Never mind.

This is clearly an informal conversation, between two friends. Write a similar dialogue with the same
number of lines and using the same functions between two people who do not know each other.
Part Five: Approaches to Teaching and Learning

5a) You have a group of adult beginner students. You want to teach them “Would you like…” as in
“Would you like a cup of coffee?”
What would you do?

5b) Think of two different learning experiences in your life (not languages), one of which was
successful and one of which was not.
Describe each experience and list three main factors which made the experience successful or
unsuccessful.
Successful Unsuccessful

Experience:

Three
factors:

5c) Now think of your own experience as a learner of languages at school or elsewhere. What
conclusions would you draw regarding what makes a good language lesson?
Write a minimum of 200 words on a separate page. We prefer all applications to be sent electronically so if
you write the answer by hand, please submit a scan or photograph.
The application procedure
Please read this carefully before submitting your application.
This is to inform you about the application procedure for the CELTA and of what we are looking for
in prospective participants for this intensive course.
The application is scrutinised carefully by at least one experienced teacher trainer. We look for
evidence that:
Applicants meet entry requirements for the scheme (e.g. are a minimum of 20 years old.
Applicants can be considered from the ages of 18 to 20 in some circumstances.)
Applicants show evidence of language awareness.
Applicants show some awareness of learning processes.
Applicants show competence in written English.
Where applicants are not successful at this stage, the reasons for this will be outlined. In some
circumstances candidates will be asked to resubmit applications.
Where applications are of an acceptable standard, candidates will be invited for an interview.

If you have questions about any aspect of the application procedure, please contact us at
tt@ihnewcastle.com or on (0191) 232 9551.