TESOL

Qualification Overview

The Ascentis Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is an initial qualification for people who have little or no prior experience.  It is an Ofqual regulated qualification and is made up of 7 mandatory units.  The qualification covers the teaching of English to both adults and younger learners. It is designed for people who wish to teach English both nationally and internationally.  This qualification will provide trainee teachers with a firm basis for delivering English to Speakers of Other Languages and will cover the background knowledge as well as the skills necessary to be an effective teacher.  The qualification includes language awareness, English language systems, second language acquisition, planning and teaching skills and professionalism.  The qualification includes experience in delivering ESOL and applying theory to practice, with feedback on how teaching skills are being developed. Teaching practice and assessment by observation are therefore an important part of this qualification. 

The qualification is available in England and also to centres to deliver internationally. 

There are several features of this qualification that make it very appropriate for trainee teachers: 

• Unit certification is available for each of the units 
• RPL of other qualifications or parts of other qualifications will be considered. Centres need to complete Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) form from the Ascentis website. 
• Verification and certification can be offered throughout the year, allowing maximum flexibility
  for centres 
• Can be delivered either as a classroom-based course, a blended learning programme or online 
• Evidence is generated partly within practical teaching experience allowing the qualification to directly relate to individual trainee teacher’s circumstances 
• Detailed assessment guidance is provided, and centres can tailor assessment tasks to meet the needs of trainees and their specific situation. 

Aims

The aims of the qualification are to enable trainees: 

• To understand and correctly use English language systems and structures. 
• To understand the challenges involved with teaching ESOL learners. 
• To be able to plan and deliver effective ESOL lessons to a variety of learners. 
• To be able to select and use appropriate resources for ESOL delivery, including digital tools. 
• To be able to select and use appropriate methods to assess learners 
• To understand the professional responsibilities of being an ESOL teacher. 
• To be able to reflect on own performance and create opportunities for further development. 

Target Group

This qualification is aimed at a range of people, including:  

• Those who would like to teach English to Speakers of Other Languages but have limited or no experience of this. 
• Those who have some experience of delivery of English to Speakers of Other Languages, but who need a formal qualification. 
• Teachers who are qualified to teach in a different subject who wish to broaden their skills into a different area.

Assessment Method

Assessment for the Ascentis Level 5 Certificate in TESOL is by a mixture of centre devised tasks and assessment of practical teaching to meet all assessment criteria for all the 7 units.  All units are mandatory. 

The assessment for the Ascentis Level 5 Certificate in TESOL consists of the following: 

• Minimum of 6 hours observations of experienced ESOL teachers.
• Minimum of 6 hours of assessed teaching practice with learners at two different levels of ESOL.
• Assessed teaching practice on a minimum of 8 separate occasions. 
• Completion by the trainee of all centre devised assessment tasks to meet the criteria for all units.