Cambridge DELTA Diploma Course: Barcelona, Spain

DELTA Course general information, Barcelona

The Cambridge Diploma (DELTA) that we offer in Barcelona is the most prestigious and widely recognised qualification in English Language Teaching. It is intended for candidates who have substantial experience of teaching English.

Delta Aims:

To offer candidates who have substantial experience of teaching English to adult speakers of other languages the opportunity to:

1. deepen their understanding of the principles and practice of teaching the English language to adults;
2. examine their current practices and beliefs;
3. apply the results of their learning and reflection to their current teaching position and more senior roles.

DELTA Entry Criteria for Barcelona

Candidates are expected to be graduates or to have qualified teacher status. Some basic ELT training, for example the CELTA or its equivalent, is considered essential.

As a rough guide, two years' broad and full-time experience of teaching English to adults in class is the minimum prerequisite in terms of teaching experience.

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DELTA Course Syllabus

The DELTA course aims to ensure a balance between the demands of practical application and understanding of the theoretical background. As well as a detailed consideration of key theoretical issues, it includes classroom observation and supervised, evaluated teaching practice.

DELTA syllabus overview:

• 1. Understanding, Knowledge and Awareness of Language
  • 1.1 The nature of communication and the role and functions of language
  • 1.2 Concepts and terminology used in ELT for describing formal features of English and English language use
  • 1.3 Differences between English and other languages
  • 1.4 Language as content in the ELT classroom
  • 1.5 Language used by teachers and learners
  • 1.6 Reference materials for language awareness

• 2. The background to teaching and learning English at adult level
  • 2.1 The educational context and cultural impact of ELT
  • 2.2 The history and development of language teaching to adults
  • 2.3 Major theories of language learning and acquisition
  • 2.4 The contexts within which learning and teaching take place
  • 2.5 Designing teaching programmes to meet the needs of adult learners in different contexts
  • 2.6 Implementing teaching programmes to meet the needs of adult learners in different contexts

• 3. Resources and materials
  • 3.1 Knowledge of available published and non-published resources and materials
  • 3.2 Evaluating and selecting resources and materials for different purposes and contexts
  • 3.3 Adapting, developing and creating materials
  • 3.4 Using aids and equipment effectively
  • 3.5 Using self-access materials and learning centres
  • 3.6 Managing resources

• 4. Working in the classroom
  • 4.1 Classroom procedures and techniques for use with adult language learners
  • 4.2 Classroom management with adult learners
  • 4.3 Classroom observation and research

• 5. Evaluation, monitoring and assessment
  • 5.1 The evaluation of courses and programmes
  • 5.2 Monitoring learners' progress and giving feedback
  • 5.3 Selecting and evaluating classroom tests and other forms of assessment for different purposes
  • 5.4 English Language tests, accreditation schemes and public examinations
  • 5.5 Preparing candidates for specific tests and examinations

• 6. Professional development
  • 6.1 The relationship between underlying principles and classroom practice in ELT
  • 6.2 Working with people
  • 6.3 Personal development in a professional context
  • 6.4 Support systems for continuing development

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DELTA Course Modules

The new Cambridge Modular DELTA offered in Barcelona

Since September 2008 the DELTA has been assessed slightly differently than before and there are some small syllabus changes in the assessed components.

Module One

Understanding language, methodology and resources for teaching

This module is assessed by a written examination comprising two papers each of 1 hour 30 minutes in length.

Module Two

Developing professional practice

This module is assessed through a portfolio of course-based practical teaching and written assignments including one lesson and assignment which is externally assessed.

Module Three

Extending practice and ELT specialization

This module is assessed through an extended written research project. It is externally assessed.

The DELTA Courses that we offer at the Training Center in Barcelona integrate Modules One and Two and prepare candidates for Module Three. Course participants are free to enter for assessment of whichever of the three components they choose whether this be all three or just one or two.

It is our view that professional practice is primarily developed (Module Two) through a growing understanding of language, methodology and resources (Module One). For this reason, DELTA Modules One and Two are integrated.

The syllabus for Module Three consists of areas which are essential to teaching in general and are therefore included throughout the course syllabus. However, specific guidance is given on the preparation of the Module Three extended assignment. Guidance and practice is also given in preparation for the written examination.

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DELTA Course Length, Barcelona

The full-time course lasts eight weeks with a daily schedule of three hours' input and two hours' teaching practice.

The part-time course operates two mornings a week over approximately 20 weeks (a total of 120 hours);
Participants on both the part-time and the full-time course have an extended written task to complete and examination practice tasks for the period between the end of the course and the written examination.

NOTE: In both cases, the work load is heavy and candidates are advised not to take on commitments that might prejudice their chances of participating fully in the course.

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DELTA Course Fees and Dates 2013, Barcelona

* The full-time course lasts eight weeks with a daily schedule of three hours' input and two hours' teaching practice.

** The part-time course operates two mornings a week over approximately 20 weeks (a total of 120 hours)

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DELTA Course Fees 2013

Course Fee 2013: 2,740€

DELTA Exam fees 2013

• Module 1 (written exam): 132€
• Module 2 (coursework): 162 €
• Module 3 (extended assignment): 94€

When and how paying your DELTA exam fees

Before your course begins, you have to pay the fees for Module 2, which includes the externally-assessed practical assignment.

The fees for Modules 1 and 3 are paid to the centre at which you enrol to take them, when you decide to take them. That centre can be, but does not have to be, the Training Center in Barcelona.

The Training Centres at a worldwide level will have deadlines for enrolment on the exams.

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DELTA Course + Spanish Course

The Teacher Training Center is also linked to a long established (i.e. 1972) Spanish language school in Barcelona , the school is located in the same building as the training center.

If you are planning to look for teaching work in Spain or South America after completing your course, and your Spanish language skills are limited, we suggest you to consider taking a Spanish language course before or after completing your teacher training course.

The most popular Spanish course being offered is the 'standard' Spanish course; it consists of 20 hours tuition per week with classes normally held from 09.30-13.30, Monday to Friday.

The Spanish course is offered at any level , with international groups of students with other language learners.

Start dates

New courses start every week.

If you already have some knowledge of Spanish and you are not an absolute beginner, you can start your course on any Monday of the year (except public holidays *).

* In 2012, in the weeks of April 9, May 28 and September 24 our Spanish classes will start on the Tuesday due to public holidays.

* In 2013, in the weeks of April 1, May 20 and June 24 our Spanish classes will start on Tuesday due to public holidays.

If you have no previous knowledge of Spanish, please, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it about specific starting dates, there are two possible starting dates each month for the “total beginners”.

Prices

• 1 week: €205 / 2 weeks: €410
• Discounted price per week when booking 3 or more weeks: €195

What's included in the price?

The price of the course includes booking , the pre-course level test, all course materials, our programme of social and cultural activities , our student card (and the discounts it entitles you to) and access to all the school's facilities , including free Internet usage.

Note that there is no registration fee for our courses or any other hidden extra costs.

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How to Apply for the DELTA course in Barcelona

If you believe you cover the minimum entry requirements for the DELTA course offered in Barcelona ask for the DELTA application package indicating the DELTA course starting date that interests you the most.

DELTA candidates should complete the application package and return it via email to the Programmes Coordinator, preferably by the end of April for the full-time July/August DELTA course, and by early September for the part-time DELTA course. Late applications will be accepted provided there are places remaining on the course.

The DELTA applicants need to include an updated copy of their CV.

DELTA Applicants who have satisfactorily completed the DELTA application package for Barcelona will be invited to attend an interview shortly after this date with the main course tutor, face to face at the Training Center, or on the telephone (at their own cost) if you are not residing within the Barcelona region.

After the interview, all successful DELTA applicants will receive an offer of a place on the DELTA course of their choice immediately, if there is a place available.

After receiving an offer of place, you will have one week (7 days) from the moment they offer you the vacancy to pay a non-refundable deposit, as part of the total fees, in order to secure your vacancy on the course.

Remember that you should not make any payment until you have received an offer of place (by e-mail).

6 weeks prior the course commencement you will have to pay the balance.

The demand for vacancies on the DELTA courses in Barcelona is very high. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance before the starting date, although there are occasionally places available due to last-minute cancellations.

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How to pay for DELTA, Barcelona

Payments (deposit & balance) can be made directly to the School via Bank Transfer, Bank Cheque, VISA or MASTERCARD.

Please note that you will be responsible for any bank charges or credit card transaction fees, even if you have already paid bank charges in your own country. So please, when paying make sure that the payment to the School is “free of charges” since the School has to receive the whole net amount in EUROS.

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Cancellation Policy

In all cases of cancellation the School will retain 10% of fees paid to cover administrative costs.

In the case of cancellation six weeks or more before the course starting date, 20% of the total fee will be retained.

With less than six weeks' notice, 50% of the fee will be retained.

If cancellation occurs in the final ten days before the starting date the total fee will be retained.

However, in certain exceptional circumstances the School will consider transferring the fees to another course. No transfer is made if notice is insufficient to allow for the finding of a substitute candidate.

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