Teachers holding this qualification demonstrate a very high level of expertise indeed and we’re delighted by this acknowledgment from Ofqual. This reflects the quality standards associated with the Delta qualification which is great news for teachers and the millions of students around the world learning English.
DELTA
About the Delta
International House Milan offers you chance to take the Delta course, suitable for existing teachers working in any teaching context. This is the ideal course if you want deepen your knowledge and understanding of English language teaching and hope to take your teaching career to another level.
Under the old syllabus DELTA was an acronym for the Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults, but since 2008, when the modular scheme was introduced, Delta has no longer been an acronym. The qualification has, however, remained the same! The modular course (updated version – Delta) differs from the older version in that it is no longer just for teachers of adults, but for all learners. This is because the Delta course is aimed at experienced and qualified teachers from a range of teaching and learning contexts.
The Delta is, in fact, a widely recognised and highly regarded qualification for teaching English. It is accredited at Level 7 of the UK government’s Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF), by the Office of Qualification and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual – the exams regulator of the UK government). Ofqual has confirmed that Cambridge ESOL’s Delta qualification for teachers is at the same level as a Master’s degree or a professional diploma in the European Union. making it the only English language teaching diploma currently included at this level.
N.B. The Delta on its own does not constitute an MA qualification but is considered to be at the same level, which makes holders eligible for exemptions, credits, and fast track options in a variety of UK based universities if they are considering further education options. However, applicants should always check with the individual institution, as they do change their requirements, and these may differ for individual applicants.
International House Milan and San Donato offers you the chance to take the any/all of the modules included in the Delta course. This is the ideal course if you want to deepen your knowledge and understanding of English language teaching and hope to take your teaching career to another level. It is suitable for practising teachers working in any teaching/learning context.
What is DELTA:
- It is proof of your skills and expertise – at the same level as a Master’s study
- It is a highly respected qualification from Cambridge English, part of the University of Cambridge
- The course consists of three different modules that can be taken simultaneously or independently
- Separate certification is awarded for each module
- It is flexible: each module can be taken independently
- Once you have completed all three modules successfully you will become a qualified DELTA teacher
About the modules
The Delta consists of three different modules and it is flexible: You can decide whether you would like to take each module independently at different times (and in no particular order), or simultaneously. There is a separate certification for each module and once you have completed all three modules successfully you will become a qualified Delta teacher.
All three modules include a focus on theory and practice:
Understanding Language, Methodology and Resources for Teaching. This module focuses on extending and developing candidates’ knowledge, and understanding of teaching and learning English in a range of contexts.
- Next exam: 2 June 2021, enrolment closing date 28 April 2021. External candidates accepted. Contact teachertraining@ihmilano.it for more information and to enrol
- Next course: 20 January 2022 – 19 May 2022
- Frequency: Thursday (9am – 1pm)
- Assessment: written examination – two papers – each 90 minutes long. You can find sample tests in the Delta Handbook for tutors and candidates. These sample tests show you what a full test paper will look like and the types of questions that will appear. The examination report describes how candidates performed in these tests and offers you guidance on how to prepare for your examination. For more detail, you can download the summary of how each module is assessed.
Developing professional practice. This module focuses on developing awareness and expertise in the principles, and professional practice of teaching English in a range of contexts.
- Next course: 29 October 2021 – 13 May 2022
- Frequency: Friday (the course modality is still being defined, lessons will be held in the morning if online, in the afternoon if face to face)
- Assessment: a portfolio of coursework, including lesson observations. Module Two requires attendance on a course run by an approved DELTA centre so that your teaching can be supported and assessed. For more detail, you can download the summary of how each module is assessed.
- Next submission dates: 7 June 2021, 6 December 2021. Contact teachtraining@ihmilano.it for more information.
- Option 1: Extending Practice and ELT Specialism. You will carry out an independent investigation, leading to the design of a course programme.
- Option 2: English Language Teaching Management. You will carry out an independent situation analysis, leading to the design of a change proposal looking at an area of management.
- Assessment: extended written assignment (4000-4500 words) externally assessed. For more detail, you can download the summary of how each module is assessed.
To take the Delta course the following specific requirements are essential:
- you must be a proficient English user (high level C1 or C2 and above)
- you must have at least one year’s previous English language teaching (ELT) experience (the more experience you have the better), in a varied, full time context.
- you should have a recognised initial Teaching English qualification (such as CELTA or equivalent).
Before contacting the centre, please check you meet the following criteria:
- Is your English good enough to teach at a range of levels? You should have a minimum CEFR Level of high C1.
- Do you have at least one year’s experience of teaching English full time and in a variety of teaching/learning contexts?
- Do you have an initial English language teaching qualification, such as CELTA?
N.B. The centre may still accept you on to the DELTA course without an initial teaching qualification if you can demonstrate that you would be likely to complete a course successfully, for example by giving evidence of previous successful study. If you are interested in applying for Module Two and you do not have an existing teaching qualification, then you would need to be observed by a qualified course tutor before being accepted onto the course.
Meet the course tutor
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Stephanie Holme
How long were you an EFL teacher, and how long have you been a teacher trainer? I have been an EFL teacher for 28 years and still teach. I have been a teacher trainer since 2006.
Did you have a different career before EFL? Before my career in EFL, I was a French and PE teacher in secondary schools.
What are your hopes/aspirations for your trainees? My aspiration is to bring out the very best in each and every one of my trainees.
When you were an EFL teacher what did you like most, and how do you bring that into the classroom for your trainees? I love seeing my learners make progress and enjoy learning English. I am passionate about my job and try to transmit this on CELTA courses.
What advice would you give your trainees for successfully completing the course? I would advise trainees to come prepared to work hard, to be as organised as possible, to be open to constructive criticism and to always ask if something is not clear.
What advice would you give your trainees for an interesting and rewarding career? Teaching is learning. It’s important to be willing to keep on developing as a teacher to meet learners’ needs and feel rewarded.
I am so grateful to you: thank you for pushing me beyond my boundaries, for your encouragement, for your guidance and support. It’s been a gruelling learning path, but definitely worth the pain.