The Preparatory Certificate in English Language Teaching to Secondary Level Students (SQT)

Who are ATC?

ATC Language and Travel is the largest provider of summer schools teaching English to foreign teenagers in Ireland. We have centres in numerous locations throughout the country and have been running high quality courses for over 35 years. We are fully recognised as a reputable educational institute, having Dept. Education and Science recognition, and ISO 9001:2008 compliant.

Who is eligible to do the course?

This course is specifically for state qualified teachers (SQT) and for those in their final year of teacher training college.

What work options are available?

Most teachers doing this course will be teaching summer courses of between 2 and 8 weeks in July and August each year in schools all over Ireland. We have vacancies in our own summer schools, and we have contacts with other summer schools looking for summer seasonal teachers. We can organise job interviews on successful completion of the course.

Who are the trainers?

All trainers are highly qualified experienced teachers who have experience of both State school education systems and teaching teenagers in the TEFL industry. Each course has a minimum of two trainers, liaising to ensure the highest standards.

How is the course assessed?

There is no formal exam. However, during the course there are four tasks which will be assessed by the trainers. Some recording of assessed tasks may take place for internal trainer training purposes.

How is the course externally moderated?

ATC Language & Travel courses meet ACELS requirements (Advisory Council for English Language Schools). ACELS operates under the aegis of the Department of Education and Science in order to ensure the highest standards of education within the TEFL sector. ACELS carries out inspections of all recognised institutions and the courses they provide.

How much of the course do I have to complete?

All of it. Please note that in order to successfully complete the course, for certification purposes, participation in 100% of the course (i.e.: all 30 hours) must be completed and all four tasks must be assessed to a standard agreed by ACELS. If any part of the course is not completed no certificate will be issued.

When will I receive the certificate?

Once you have submitted your coursework and it has been corrected by your trainers it is then sent to ACELS for approval and certification. The average time to receive your certificate is approximately 2 – 3 weeks after course completion.

How do I prove I am a qualified teacher?

When you apply, you must send a copy of your qualification if you are already teaching, or a letter from your head of department to say you will complete your training before this coming July. This proof must be sent with the application form and course fee before acceptance onto the course.

How do I know when I am accepted onto the course?

You will be informed by phone and by letter, with details of the course and materials needed.

Do I need to prepare anything before the course begins?

You will receive a recommended reading list, as well as a pre-course preparation form, which involves doing some language awareness tasks.

If I have any other questions, who do I contact?

You can phone us at: 01- 284 5512 or email info@atcireland.ie. For purposes of accreditation, please contact ACELS at: 01-5292400 or www.acels.ie

Teacher Development Programme for Non-Native Speakers of English – FAQ

Who is eligible to do these courses?

These courses have been specifically designed for English language teachers who are not native speakers of English. We have three separate courses in the programme, one for teachers of English to Young Learners, one for teachers of English to Secondary Level Students (13 to 18 years old) and one for teachers of English to Adults. These courses are open to practising teachers who have the required level of English language proficiency.

What level of English must I have to join a course?

Participants are expected to have a minimum B1 level of English, as outlined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (see www.coe.int )

How is my English proficiency assessed?

A level test will be sent to you by email. In addition, a telephone interview may be arranged with the Director of Studies. You will also be asked to complete a self-evaluation form.

Can I develop my English on the course?

Yes! Our aim is to provide teachers with the opportunity to develop their English language skills; to expand their knowledge of current approaches and methods in language teaching; and to explore different practical teaching techniques for promoting language learning.

Our trainers will develop Language Awareness lessons in response to participants’ particular language needs.

Where is the course located?

In our Training Centre in the seaside town of Bray, Co. Wicklow.

How many places are available for each course?

15 maximum

Are the materials and resources included?

Yes

Is there any pre-course work to do?

Yes, there is a self-evaluation and needs analysis form. It will be sent to you once you have booked the course.

Who are the trainers?

ATC trainers are highly qualified and experienced teachers and teacher trainers, with much experience in teacher training and development, both for native speaker and non-native speaker teachers. Each course has a minimum of two trainers, liaising to ensure the highest standards.

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?

Yes, each participant receives a certificate and a progress report from tutors and the school.

Is there any follow up at the end of the course?

Yes, there is written feedback and an evaluation programme. You may email the tutors for a period of time after the course finishes, as part of our follow-up programme.

Are these courses eligible for grant-aided funding?

Yes. Please contact your local authority for more information on funding.

For those applying for Grundtvig funding for our course for Teachers of English to Adults, please note that this course is listed on the Comenius/Grundtvig Training Database. Our Reference Number is:

IE-2010-152-002. For more information please go to: http://ec.europa.eu/education/trainingdatabase/

All ATC Language & Travel programmes meet Department of Education and Science requirements and are recognised by ACELS (The Advisory Council for English Language Schools).

For information on the ACLES Inspection & Recognition Scheme please go to: www.acles.ie

ATC is ISO: 9001 - 2008 compliant.