CELTA FAQs - Learning - British Council

	CELTA - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


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		I have never taught before and I am nervous about standing up in front of a class for the first time. Is CELTA a suitable course for me?

	Yes. CELTA is a beginners’ course, designed for those who have never taught before. It gives you the basic skills needed to teach English to adults. You will get a lot of support from your tutors at the beginning of the course.

		I have been teaching for 10 years but don’t have a formal qualification. Can I do CELTA?

	Yes. Many experienced teachers come on CELTA courses. If you have a CELTA qualification, you can work in accredited language schools across the world. Since the course emphasizes group work you may find your experience is useful to others on the course. You will certainly add new techniques to your repertoire and build on your existing skills.

		How can I find out if my English is good enough to do a CELTA course?

	You need to be a near native speaker of English. That means English does not have to be your first language but you should be able to speak and write English almost as well as you can your first language. Ideally you should be an IELTS band 8 or 9. If you are not sure, fill in an application form. You will only be called for interview if your English appears to be of the required standard.

		What can I expect at the interview?

We normally conduct group interview with between three and five candidates. This is because on a CELTA course you need to be able to work with other people. At the interview, you will do some group discussion activities so that we can see how you interact with others, who may not share your views. You will also do a piece of writing, so that we can make doubly sure your written English is of the right level (even if you’re a native speaker). You will also have the opportunity to speak to the tutor(s) alone to discuss any personal issues you have in relation to the course.

		I work full-time. My boss has said I can have Sundays/Mondays off to do the course, but will I have enough time to complete the assignments, lesson preparation etc?

	Some people work full-time while doing a part-time CELTA course. However, it is very challenging. You need to have adequate time to complete written assignments and prepare your lessons as well as meet with your group to discuss lesson planning. As part of the course, you need to observe experienced teachers for at least six hours. You need to make time for this too.

		There is one Sunday and one Monday during the course that I will not be able to attend. Can I still register for the course?

	No. You must attend 100% of the course. If you have to be absent due to illness, you will need to provide a doctor’s letter. All absences are recorded and must be accounted for.

		I am coming to do the course from outside Sri Lanka. Can the British Council arrange accommodation for me?

	We cannot guarantee to find you accommodation but we will do what we can to help.

		1,700 GBP is a lot of money! Are there any scholarships/discounts available?

	No, unfortunately not! The British Council sometimes provides free places to lecturers from Sri Lankan universities as part of our outreach programme. There are cheaper CELTA courses in other parts of the world but when the cost of living is compared, Sri Lanka is a good option. Don’t forget that having a CELTA will enable you to find work almost anywhere in the world.

		Can I pay in Sri Lankan rupees?

	Yes

		What does the course fee include?

	All course materials, library membership for the duration of the course, a free book, a British Council certificate and the Cambridge certificate.

		Who are we going to teach?

	British Council students at Elementary and Intermediate levels, who register for extra classes free of charge. They are usually aged approximately 18 to 25, though there may be some who are older. Most of them are Sri Lankan, though there may be a few foreigners. They are highly motivated and co-operative, making Sri Lanka one of the best choices for a CELTA course!

		Can you tell me about a typical day on a CELTA course?

Teaching Practice (TP) starts at 9 O’clock so if you are teaching, you will probably arrive between 0800 and 0830. From 0900 to 1100 between two and four trainees will be teaching (for between 30 minitues and one hour each). Those who are not teaching will be observing their peers. After TP there is a short break, during which those who have taught reflect on their teaching in preparation for Feedback. Feedback lasts about an hour, and involves everyone – those who have taught, the observers and the tutor – reflecting on the lessons and suggesting improvements.

After Feedback, those who are teaching the following course day meet the tutor to get help with their preparation (the amount of help decreases as the course goes on).

Next is lunch, which is often a rushed sandwich, and Input sessions begin around 1400. There are two input sessions every day, except the first day of the course, when there are four but no TP. Input sessions are on an area of language, skills or methodology. They are usually very ‘hands on’ and trainees are encouraged to participate actively.

Input finishes around 1700. There are three tutorials during the course (one of which is optional) and these will often take place after 1700.

		If I don’t like it, can I get a refund?

	No. That’s why we interview potential trainees very carefully and provide as much information as possible, so that you know exactly what you are getting into!

		Is there an exam?

	No. You will be assessed on TP (including lesson planning), assignments and professional conduct.

		What grades are awarded at the end?

	The possible grades are Pass A, Pass B, Pass, Withdrawn or Fail. It is very rare to get an A and not that common to get a B. The majority of candidates get a Pass.

		But no-one fails, do they?

	Yes, they do! You will fail if your teaching has not reached the standard specified by Cambridge. You can also fail if you don’t pass three out of four assignments. Candidates who withdraw, but who do not do so in writing, will also be given a Fail.

		Will the British Council give me a job if I successfully complete the course?

	The minimum requirement for British Council teachers is CELTA plus two years teaching experience. In exceptional circumstances, a teacher with a grade B at CELTA and slightly less experience may be offered part-time work.

		Will the British Council find a job for us with another school?

We will provide successful trainees with a list of local schools that have employed our ‘graduates’ in the past. We will also put you in touch with our former trainees so that they can offer you advice, and keep you informed of any suitable vacancies locally. Trainees from overseas should be advised that salaries are typically low in Sri Lankan schools and institutes. The British Council cannot guarantee that CELTA ‘graduates’ will find suitable positions in Colombo.