CELTA Courses

If you want to become a teacher of English as a Foreign Language, you need a recognised, practical qualification to get you started and to help you find a good job with a reputable employer.

The Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) is the most highly regarded and widely recognised qualification for new English language teachers. It is awarded by Cambridge ESOL which is part of Cambridge University.

Next course starts 02 June 2008
More dates

• Locations - Where can you take the course.
• Course facts
• Course syllabus and structure
• Course assessment
• Dates and fees
• How to apply

Where can I take the course?

We run our CELTA courses at our centres in:

Cambridge, UKBedgebury, Kent, UK

Course facts

Bell International is your ideal partner as you develop your TEFL career. All Bell tutors who work on CELTA programmes are qualified teacher trainers with a wide experience of teaching in the UK and abroad. Some of them are also Assessors for the Cambridge English Language Teaching qualifications. Many of our courses include more hours of tuition/supervision than the minimum required, improving your chances of success.

Course overview
This is an introductory course for people who have little or no previous experience of teaching English. It is also a very useful course for teachers who have been teaching for some years but have obtained no formal qualification.The primary focus of the course is on the basic techniques of English language teaching and their practical application in the classroom.

Who is eligible to apply?
CELTA regulations require all trainees to have a standard of education equivalent to that required for entry into higher education. At Bell, our course participants vary widely in experience, education and age. Most have a university degree (or another further/higher education qualification) in addition to a fluent standard of English which enables them to cope with the demanding nature of the course, and teach effectively. Acceptance is conditional upon a satisfactory interview.

Course syllabus

The course follows the CELTA syllabus set by Cambridge ESOL. The syllabus covers:

• Language awareness
• The learner, the teacher and the teaching/learning context
• Planning for effective teaching of adult learners of English
• Classroom management and teaching skills for teaching English to adults
• Resources and materials for teaching English to adults
• Professional development

Course structure

The course is structured as follows:

Teaching practice and feedback
You teach 6 hours of classes attended by volunteer adult learners of English. After each teaching practice there is a feedback session to discuss the lessons taught. You receive individual verbal and written feedback from tutors on all your lessons.

Observation
You will observe a minimum of 6 hours of classes. Observation can include 2 hours of watching videos.

Input sessions
There are about 60 hours of workshops and seminars. These focus on language awareness, phonology, language learning, teaching methodology and professional development.

Lesson preparation
Lesson preparation is included, initially supervised by the course tutors, but you are encouraged to work more independently as the course progresses.

Written work
You are required to complete four written assignments on aspects of the language, teaching and learning. You must expect to spend a considerable amount of time outside course sessions in lesson planning as well as on written assignments.

Tutorials
You have at least one private tutorial with a tutor to discuss assignments and review your progress. Extra tutorials are given if it is felt necessary.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is continuous and covers all aspects of the course. There is no written examination.

Please note that completion of the course does not guarantee the award of the Certificate. The Certificate at ‘Pass’ grade is awarded to trainees who have satisfactorily fulfilled all the requirements of the scheme, and have shown potential for further development and an awareness of language learning problems and of classroom techniques.

‘Pass A’ or ‘Pass B’ grades are awarded to trainees who have demonstrated in their teaching practice a level of achievement significantly higher than that required for the ‘Pass’ grade. All Bell trainees receive an individual report from their centre, whether or not they receive Cambridge Certification.

Dates and Fees

All prices are in GB pounds sterling (£). Currency converter ®

Full-time courses

Part-time courses

Please note that the above fees do not include accommodation or the candidate entry fee which is approximately £93.

How do I apply?

Download a registration form (please use the links below), complete it and return to the school where you would like to take the course.

• CELTA registration form
  (PDF, 64KB)
• CELTA registration form
  (MS-Word, 554KB)

You will need to supply us with a short essay in your own handwriting on a subject relevant to the course you are applying for. We will then contact you to arrange an interview.

If your application is successful, you will need to pay a deposit of £150 within 7 days of being notified to reserve your place.

Bell reserves the right to change course arrangements and fees if necessary.

More information

Do you have a question or enquiry? Our resident CELTA specialist can help you. Use our online information request form to ask a question or request further information.

Student comments

 I felt from day one that the course was excellent value for money. I think I have learnt skills and ideas that will not only be crucial for development as a teacher in the next year, but whatever I do thereafter. 

 I was really impressed by the way our trainers guided us through what could have been a much harder course. Their knowledge and professionalism was second to none. 

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