Training Center

Cambridge CELTA Courses

CELTA Course Dates for 2009: January 19th — February 13th, 2009 — finished March 16th — April 10th, 2009 — finished June 1st — June 26th, 2009 — full July 6th — July 31st, 2009 — full August 3rd — August 28th, 2009 — full September 14th — October 9th, 2009 — full October 19th — November 13th, 2009

CELTA course fees:

CELTA course contents:

The CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is the most widely recognized initial qualification for those wishing to follow a career in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), a division at the University of Cambridge holds responsibility for validation and certification of the courses as well as approves the tutors who run BKC-International House Moscow's CELTA courses. An external assessor for each course is provided by Cambridge.

Useful websites for more information about CELTA and other Cambridge courses: www.cambridgeesol.org, www.celta.ru.

The CELTA course aims

This is a highly practical course that provides training in the teaching of English as a foreign language to adults. CELTA aims to provide teachers with a firm foundation on which they can build with experience. CELTA deals with levels from Beginners/Elementary to Late Intermediate (Cambridge First Certificate).

The CELTA course presents a view of the principles underlying language teaching and deals extensively with the analysis of English from a learner's perspective. At BKC-International House Moscow this CELTA course is run as an intensive four-week course (120 hours, 12.00 - 20:00).

Candidates, who successfully complete the Cambridge CELTA Сourse receive the Cambridge Certificate and a certificate-report from BKC IH-Moscow. The report describes the candidate's performance in some detail and serves as a useful reference for employment.

Selection & Enrolment:

Selection criteria

1. Cambridge CELTA regulations state that candidates must:
   
   

   • be at least 20 years old by the end of the CELTA course;

   • have an awareness of language and a competence in English, both written and spoken, that enables them to undertake the CELTA course;

   • have the potential to develop the necessary skills to become effective teachers and to successfully complete the written assignments and practice teaching.

   
   

2. The recommended minimum entry requirement is that candidates should have formal qualifications, which would allow entry into higher education in their own country. Many CELTA candidates will be postgraduate level, and most CELTA candidates will have experienced learning a foreign language.

3. In all matters relating to the suitability of candidates for courses, the decision of the Director of Teacher Training, BKC-International House Moscow shall be final.

4. CELTA Candidates for the course are selected initially by written application and then by interview. Acceptance at either stage is not automatic. In cases of unsuccessful application BKC-IH cannot enter into correspondence or discussion concerning the reasons for an interview or a place on the CELTA course not having been offered. The rigorous selection process is undertaken in the interest of CELTA candidates to ensure a high level of success on the CELTA course.

The selection process

1. Applicants for the CELTA course must complete an application form and submit it to BKC-IH Moscow Teacher Training Centre by e-mail/fax or in person. It should be filled in fully and carefully, with the use of grammar reference books where necessary. As places on the CELTA courses are limited, please send your application well in advance.

2. We will acknowledge your application as soon as possible and if your written application is satisfactory we will arrange an interview for you: preferably face-to-face. If you are a long way away from Moscow we will ask you to phone the interviewer at a pre-arranged time.

3. Acceptance into the course is determined following the interview.

Enrolment

1. If, following the interview, you are accepted for a CELTA course, you should pay your deposit immediately. We cannot reserve a place on the CELTA course until the deposit has been paid. Deposits cannot be refunded under any circumstances.

2. The balance of the fees must be paid at least four weeks before the start of the CELTA course. If you have not paid your fees by that date, you may lose your place.

3. In the case of cancellations made later than four weeks before the start of the CELTA course, requests for refunds can only be considered if we are able to fill the place at short notice. The deposit and Cambridge registration fees are not refundable.

4. Please note that in the event of a CELTA candidate being unable to complete the CELTA course for whatever reason, BKC-International House cannot refund fees or offer the candidate a place on a subsequent course without payment of further fees.

Assessment & Certification

Please read these notes very carefully so that you are quite clear about the basis of assessment.

1. Assessment on the Cambridge Certificate Course is continuous. Teaching skills are of the greatest importance but all aspects of performance and work done on the courses are taken into consideration, including the candidate's punctuality, professionalism, written work, and potential as a member of staff in an EFL context.

2. CELTA Candidates are informed of their progress during the CELTA course by written commentary on their teaching practice and by tutorial. This is not usually formulated in terms of passing or failing.

3. BKC-International House Moscow Teacher Training issues a graded certificate-report three days after the course. The grades are Pass A, Pass B, Pass or "No Certificate Awarded". In certain cases a letter of attendance will be issued instead of a report.

4. CELTA Candidates who successfully complete the course will also be awarded the Cambridge Certificate. All tutors working on the courses collaborate on the internal assessment and decisions are unanimous. International House Teacher Training and BKC-International House Moscow cannot enter into either discussion or correspondence concerning results or assessments.

CELTA Course structure

Five days per week for four weeks. From 12 to 18 participants.

A typical day

12:00	Feedback from previous day’s teaching
12:45	Lesson Preparation
13:30	Input Session (methodology, Language awareness)
14:45	Lunch
15:30	Lesson Preparation
16:15	Input Session
17:30	Break
18:00 – 20:00	Teaching Practice

Input session

Input sessions are often held in the form of a workshop or interactive lecture. Topics address the issues of language awareness, the learning/teaching context, planning, methodology, classroom management and areas of language analysis and presentation and professional development.

Teaching practice and Observation

Teaching practice is a major component of the CELTA course and takes place every evening. The programme is closely related to work done during the seminar sessions. Small groups (the maximum is six) obtain practical experience through working with classes at different levels. After each teaching practice session the lessons are discussed with the tutor. CELTA Trainees must liase with other members of their group outside course hours in order to produce a series of cohesive lessons.

The observation of practising teachers is an intrinsic part of the course and takes place outside course hours. We emphasise that this CELTA course is very intensive. It demands full commitment from participants over the duration of the course.

Additional work outside CELTA course hours

• Liasing with other course participants for timetabling and lesson planning.

• Observation of classes at BKC-IH Moscow for a total of eight hours.

• Optional viewing of teacher training videos.

• 4 written assignments during the course (total of 3,000 words).

• Occasional homework assignments related to input seminars.

Where to get an application form for CELTA

You can contact our Teacher Training Centre at the address:

125009 Russian Federation,
Moscow, Tverskaya 9, building 4.

tel. 7-495-234-0314
fax 7-495-234-0316

e-mail:t-training@bkc.ru

Or click here

Assistance upon request

Russian visa

You should make sure that you apply in good time, since late applications attract a much higher Consulate fee. It takes about one month to obtain the cheapest visa. The BKC Visa Manager will help you, and will start the process for you in Moscow. Detailed information can be obtained upon application.

Accommodation

A private bedroom in a flat shared with one other person is 600 Russian roubles per day. This also covers the cost of all bills except long-distance phone calls. Travel time from your flat to the school is between 45 and 60 minutes.

Meeting upon arrival:

A driver with our representative collects you at the airport or railway station and takes you to your accommodation at a considerably lower price than a taxi.

Meeting costs 1550 Russian roubles

Seeing off costs 1050 Russian roubles

CELTA course FAQ's

Is the CELTA course only for native speakers of English?
No. However, you must have a high level of English, awareness of language and competence in written and spoken English that enables you to follow the CELTA course. This competency requirement also applies to native speakers.

Is there an age limit for CELTA applications?
No, but you must be over 20 years old by the end of the course.

Will the CELTA help me in making teaching my career?
Yes. Most schools recognise the CELTA as the minimum specialist qualification for teachers of English as a foreign language.

Do I need a University degree to apply for the CELTA course?
No, but most CELTA trainees have a tertiary qualification. The minimum requirement is a qualification that will allow you to enter Higher Education in your own country.

What do I need to know about grammar?
You need to have a good understanding of the structure of the English Language and how it functions as a means of communication. In order to gain entry to the course you will need to demonstrate some familiarity with English grammar and pronunciation, and by the end of the CELTA course you should be able to identify aspects of form and meaning in the tense system of English.

Do I need to speak a foreign language?
No, but it will certainly help if you have had some experience in learning a second language and analysing its grammatical structure.

How can I teach without using the learners' native language?
You need to give clear demonstrations, use simple language in your instructions, clear explanations, and use visual aids and gestures where necessary. With low level learners you need to ensure your language is graded to their level, while still remaining natural.

Is personality important?
Everyone has a different teaching style. What is important on the course is being able to co-operate with and listen to other people, accept criticism, be flexible and be considerate to your fellow trainees.

Is the CELTA course stressful?
Yes. You will often be in stressful situations, since your lessons will be observed by your tutors and other trainees. You have to be able to meet deadlines in lesson preparation and written assignments. It helps to be organised and to be able to manage your time well.

How is the CELTA course assessed?
Assessment by the tutors is continuous, and you will be graded on your teaching practice, your written assignments and professional development. You will be given feedback after every lesson and there will be at least one progress tutorial during the course. Self-awareness and the ability to reflect on your teaching are important considerations. The CELTA course is also externally assessed by an assessor appointed by UCLES.

Will I enjoy the CELTA course?
The CELTA course is hard work, at times confronting, and often a transforming experience. You will learn a lot about yourself and about other people, and find yourself constantly challenged. The vast majority of trainees find the course immensely rewarding and worthwhile!

Can I apply for a teaching position with BKC after finishing a CELTA course?
Yes, we always welcome applications from successful trainees. The principal time for contracts to start is at the beginning of the academic year in September/October.