International House (IH Dubai), the language division of knet has achieved accreditation from the University of Cambridge (UK) to offer its internationally recognised English Language teaching qualification, CELTA - the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults commencing November 2005.
CELTA is an initial qualification for individuals considering a career in English Language teaching, who may have little or no previous teaching experience. CELTA is also ideal for individuals considering a career change or break, or for graduates who want a qualification that provides a sound basis in the fundamentals of language teaching practice. The qualification is extremely popular, with over 10,000 people completing a CELTA course each year, which can provide entry into a teaching position in another country, with the opportunity to live and work abroad.
Additionally, the CELTA qualification can be used by teachers and trainers who have had limited formal training or work experience in a second language environment. The programme will develop teaching practice methodology and ability, improving future career prospects of participants. Prospective candidates should have a standard of education equivalent to that required for entry into higher education, be aged 20 or over and have a standard of English which will enable teaching at a range of levels. Candidates may still be accepted if they do not have formal qualifications at this level but can demonstrate that they would be able to complete the course successfully.
CELTA is accepted throughout the world by organisations which employ English Language teachers. The Cambridge CELTA has also been accredited by the UK Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) at level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework.
IH Dubai will offer the CELTA course starting in November. It is offered on a full time basis, over a four week period and teaches the principles of effective teaching, providing a range of practical skills for teaching English to adult learners, whilst giving hands-on teaching practice to build confidence. The five main units of learning are:
- Learners and teachers, and the teaching and learning context
- Language analysis and awareness
- Language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing
- Planning and resources for different contexts
- Developing teaching skills and professionalism
Assessments are made throughout the course considering two fundamental components: teaching practice and written assignments, and there is no final examination. Assessments are conducted by an external assessor, appointed by Cambridge ESOL, who moderate each course.
Abdulqader Al Khaja, Chief Executive Officer, knet said “IH Dubai has clearly demonstrated its high standards and quality of teaching to achieve the prestigious CELTA accreditation. We are now able to expand the range of English Language qualifications available through IH Dubai and are justifiably proud of this achievement.”
About IH Dubai:
IH Dubai is part of The International House World Organisation (IHWO) founded in 1953 by John and Brita Haycraft, designed to raise language education standards worldwide and provide an innovative approach to language learning. Today, IHWO has a network of 130 schools in 40 countries and is globally recognised as having the highest standards for teachers - both as recruits and as graduates. All centres adhere to strict quality standards, in systems and procedures that both promote student and teacher welfare and satisfaction. IHWO is at the forefront of development in the field of language teaching and in the training of language teachers, training over 225,000 students and 2,500 teachers worldwide annually. IHWO has recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
