Cambridge DELTA Diploma Course: Cape Town South Africa

Teacher Training in Cape Town, South Africa

Introducing the Cambridge DELTA Course

Delta (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is a postgraduate level qualification from Cambridge University ESOL for teachers with an initial TEFL/ TESOL teaching qualification (e.g. CELTA) and at least 1200 hours of EFL/ ESL teaching experience.

The course aims to improve teachers’ awareness of more theoretical aspects of language teaching and learning as well as developing their teaching skills.

It is an essential qualification for those wanting to apply for managerial jobs (e.g. Director of Studies) or teacher training positions (e.g. CELTA Trainer).

DELTA Course Structure

There are three modules that DELTA is structured around, and in Cape Town, candidates can take the DELTA through the following combination of modules:

Taking:

• DELTA Modules 1, 2 & 3 preparatory course
• DELTA Modules 1 & 2 preparatory course
• DELTA Modules 2 & 3 preparatory course
• DELTA Module 2 preparatory course

Note: Because Module 2 preparatory course is important and extensive, DELTA Modules 1 and 3 cannot be taken in Cape Town independently without including Module 2.

The course for Module 2, or Module 2 in combination with Module 1 and/or 3, runs over a period of 8 weeks and it is held only once a year.

Each Module is assessed independently and is separately certificated. The Module 1 written exam can be taken at the Teacher Training Center in Cape Town in June or December or, if you are not in Cape Town at that time, at any other accredited DELTA examination center around the world.

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DELTA Course Content

Course syllabus

The course programme focuses on the following areas:

Module One

• Theoretical perspectives on language acquisition and language teaching.
• Different approaches and methodologies including current developments.
• Language systems and learners’ linguistic problems.
• Language skills and learners’ problems.
• Knowledge of resources, materials and reference sources for language learning.
• Key concepts and terminology related to assessment.

Module Two

• The language learner and the language learning context.
• Preparation for teaching English language learners.
• Evaluating, selecting and using resources and materials for teaching purposes.
• Managing and supporting learning.
• Evaluation of lesson preparation and teaching.
• Observation/evaluation of other teachers’ lessons.
• Professionalism and opportunities for professional development.

Module Three

• Research into specialist areas.
• Syllabus design: principles, influences on, methodological effects of, and major syllabus types as applied to the specific learning context.
• Designing syllabus and teaching programmes to meet the needs of learners in the specific context of their selected specialism.
• Course design and development in the specific context of their selected specialism.
• The principles and practice of testing and assessment and application to the candidate’s specialist area.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and quality of courses and programmes of study.

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DELTA Entry Requirements

DELTA candidates will:

1. normally hold an initial TEFL teaching qualification enabling them to teach English in their own context (e.g. CELTA Certificate)
2. have at least a total of 1200 hours of English teaching experience post their initial TEFL qualification
3. have a range of experience of teaching different levels in one or more contexts
4. have a level of written and spoken English which enables them to teach advanced level students
5. be able to research and present written assignments to the required standard

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DELTA Course Assessment

DELTA Module One

The DELTA Module 1 is assessed through an exam.

The exam consists of two 1.5 hour papers with a 30-minute break in between. Paper 1 has five tasks and Paper 2 has four. All tasks are compulsory. There is no minimum or maximum word length and answers can be written in continuous prose, bulleted lists, notes, grids or tables. There are a total of 200 marks available. Timings for each task give an indication of the number of marks available.

The exam can be taken at the Teacher Training Center in Cape Town in June or December or, if you are not in Cape Town at that time, at any other accredited center around the world.

Results are awarded as Pass with Distinction, Pass with Merit, Pass or Fail

DELTA Module Two

The DELTA Module 2 is assessed through various assignments which are completed during the Delta Module course.

Candidates complete:

1. a two-part Professional Development Assignment.
2. two Language Systems Assignments.
3. two language Skills Assignments.

The Professional Development Assignment includes two parts:

1. Reflection and Action (2,000-2,500 words).
2. Experimental Practice (2,000-2,500 words).

Each Systems/Skills Assignment includes:

1. a background essay (2,000-2,500 words) in which the candidate explores an area of language systems/skills and considers related teaching and learning issues.
2. planning, teaching and evaluation of a lesson related to the chosen area.

Results are awarded as Pass with Distinction, Pass with Merit, Pass or Fail.

DELTA Module Three

The DELTA Module 3 is assessed through a written assignment. A 4,000-4,500 word Extended Assignment (excluding appendices). There is no set time limit, but the assignment has to be submitted through an approved Cambridge ESOL Centre in time for the centre to submit it to Cambridge ESOL by the set submission date in either June or December. The assignment must be submitted electronically.

Results are awarded as Pass with Distinction, Pass with Merit, Pass or Fail.

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DELTA Dates & Fees 2013

There is only one course in 2013 and the course is limited to 12 participants, applying well in advance is highly recommended.

Note: Because Module 2 preparatory course is important and extensive, DELTA Modules 1 and 3 cannot be taken in Cape Town independently without including Module 2.

Apply now!

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DELTA Enrolment Procedure

If you believe you cover the minimum requirements to be considered as a candidate for any of the courses mentioned above ask for the application package of the course that interests you.

Prospective trainees must complete the pre-Interview task, fill in the application form and return them by email to the Programmes Coordinator well in advance prior the course starting date. When emailing the documents, attaching an updated version of the prospective trainees CV is also necessary.

Applicants who have satisfactorily completed the application package and tasks included in it may be invited to attend an interview shortly after this date at the school or on the telephone (at your own cost) or via Skype if you are not located within the Cape Town area.

Successful applicants will receive an "offer of a place" on the course of their choice immediately, if there is a place available.

After receiving an invoice from the School, a deposit, that it is part of the total tuition cost, must be paid within 7 days of the place being offered in order to secure your place.

The balance is due 4 to 2 weeks, at the latest, before the course starts, depending on the date of acceptance.

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DELTA Cape Town + Volunteer Projects in South Africa

We offer the possibility to join a Volunteer Project in South Africa to our DELTA students.

South Africa is a country with abundant natural resources and spectacular scenery. It is a country of fascinating people, rich in culture and history. At the same time it is a country where, for poor communities, daily life can be a struggle, and animals and their habitats are sometimes endangered. Many NGO's throughout South Africa are making an important contribution helping the poor, and helping to protect animals and natural resources.

Most organisations are understaffed and underfunded. Without local and international volunteers, they would not be able to deliver. Working as a volunteer in South Africa you can make a real difference.

Helping people in need or working in nature conservation can be a hugely rewarding experience. At times volunteering can be a real challenge, but you can connect to people and gain an insight into South Africa which would not be possible in any other way.

A number of projects are available in and around Cape Town, and there are also projects available in other parts of South Africa.

There are limits on the number of volunteers each project can accept. Most programmes are available all year round, except for those that are not available during school holidays.

We offer two different type of projects:

Social and Community Projects

For anyone with an interest in working with people, a wide range of NGO's work with communities, helping to improve the quality of their lives. All of these NGO's depend on the efforts and enthusiasm of the people who work for them. Many would not be able to cope without the additional help they get from volunteers, both local and international.

Choose your project out of the following:

• Children's Village
• House of care
• NOAH
• New Hope Community
• Jeffrey's Bay Kindergarten Project

If interested in receiving further information about these projects in general or one in particular let us know when applying for your DELTA course and we will include a pdf. with detailed information when emailing you the DELTA application package.

Animal and Conservation Projects

Disadvantaged communities are sometimes unable to care for their animals. Without help, these animals could develop illnesses or end up scavenging on rubbish heaps. Animal projects in Africa sometimes involve working with animals for the benefit of people; for instance, healing projects.

If you love animals and nature, and want to volunteer to help, then become an African conservation volunteer by choosing one of the following projects:

• African Horizon
• White Lion Project
• Garden Route Elephant Park
• Monkey Sanctuary
• Bird & Primate World
• Shark project
• Horse Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre
• Farm stays

If you are interested in receiving further information about these projects in general or one in particular let us know when applying for your DELTA course and we will include a pdf. with detailed information when emailing you the DELTA application package.

* Donations: Funding is a major concern for most projects. With every volunteer placement (Cape Town based projects only) a donation is payable that is passed on in full to the project. Therefore volunteers are also making an important financial contribution to their project.

If you are interested in receiving further information about these projects in general or one in particular let us know when applying for your DELTA course and we will include a pdf. with detailed information when emailing you the DELTA application package.

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How to Pay

Payments (deposit & balance) are to done directly to the Cape Town Teacher Training Center via Bank Transfer (in EUROS, USD or ZAR, depending on your location or where you are from), VISA or MASTERCARD.

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