Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector

PTLLS (ESOL Specialism)

What is PTLLS (ESOL)?

PTLLS (ESOL) is a 6-credit award designed to provide teachers with initial preparation to teach English to Speakers of Other Languages in the Lifelong Learning Sector.

Our PTLLS (ESOL) award is accredited by the OCR exam board.

The PTLLS (ESOL) programme at the ELTC aims to give trainees a good base from which to progress on to further qualifications, volunteer or gain initial employment in the Lifelong Learning Sector

Who is PTLLS for?

PTLLS is for new ESOL teachers in the sector or ESOL teachers who are unqualified.

You should have:
- a level of education and/or experience that will allow you to complete a level 3/4 programme
- and a level of language of around upper-intermediate or above (IELTS 6.5, CEF C1, ESOL Level 2 or FCE grade A or above).

These levels will be assessed on application and at interview.

For more information about teaching ESOL in the Lifelong Learning Sector see the links on the right-hand side.

What can I do after PTLLS?

From September 2007, all new entrants to teaching in the sector will be required to complete a new award which will prepare them to teach. This is a small introductory course which will give a threshold status to teach. It will be mandatory for any new teacher who teaches publicly funded provision. Those for whom teaching/tutoring/training is their major role, will be required to progress to a further qualification appropriate to role.

The award may also be suitable for those in the voluntary sector.

Candidates who successfully complete the award (at level 3 or 4) can use the completed unit towards Certificates in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector at level 4. The unit (if passed at level 4) may be used towards the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector at level 5 and above.

You may also use the award as an introduction to TESOL and progress on to other Certificates in TESOL, like the level 5 Cambridge ESOL CELTA.

What if I already have a CELTA or Cert. TESOL?

The ELTC is offering a short add-on course to enable CELTA/Cert. TESOL candidates to complete PTLLS assessment. The add-on course is only available to candidates who already have one of the following qualifications:

1) Cambridge ESOL CELTA OR
2) Trinity College London Cert. TESOL

No other qualifications can be accepted.

Click on the CELTA link on the left-hand side to find out more.

What does the PTLLS (ESOL) course involve?

The course last 30 hours and is spread over 10 sessions of 3 hours per week. The aims of the course covers the following areas:

- develop an understanding of roles and responsibilities in relation to teaching
- develop abilities to understand learners’ needs
- develop abilities to work with others in supporting learners
- selecting and implementing learning approaches
- develop abilities to plan and deliver learning programmes
- encourage and support the use of learning approaches to engage and motivate learners
- develop an understanding of the need to maintain records
- develop an understanding of the learning environment,including the impact of external factors and the national context
- develop a commitment to professional values and their ability to conform to professional codes of practice
- develop an understanding of the importance of reflection on practice and consideration to continuous professional development

The course is assessed by a portfolio of evidence and an observed micro-teaching session.

A further 30 hours (minimum) of independent study will be needed to complete the course successfully.

Grades are issued at Pass or Fail at either level 3 or 4 depending on performance.

When can I take the PTLLS?

We do not have any PTLLS courses planned for the coming months.  Please check this page for updates on any PTLLS courses we will run in the future.

How much does it cost?

The course costs £295 (not including OCR entry fee of £50).

This includes resources, tuition and assessment.

What do I do if I am interested?