DTE(E)LLS (Diploma in Teaching English (ESOL) in the Lifelong Learning Sector)

Overview

DTE(E)LLS is a 360-hour programme taken part time over two years. You also need to complete a 150-hour teaching placement, eight hours of which are assessed. CELTA is embedded in the syllabus and is an entry requirement for the full programme, which consists of a further 240 hours after CELTA.

During the DTE(E)LLS course, you complete a number of oral and written assignments and take a language knowledge test.

DTE(E)LLS Units

Unit 1	ESOL and the learner: backgrounds and contexts
Unit 2	Understanding language and language learning
Unit 3	Understanding, developing and integrating skills
Unit 4	Assessment and planning for learning
Unit 5	Curriculum development for inclusive practice
Unit 6	Teaching preparation, practice and evaluation
Unit 7	Continuing personal and professional development
Unit 8	Wider professional practice

Benefits of taking DTE(E)LLS

DTE(E)LLS will help you:

• develop knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning theory with specific reference to language teaching and learning theory
• develop understanding of the backgrounds, needs and contexts of ESOL learners
• acquire an appropriate depth and breadth of subject knowledge
• acquire generic and subject-specific pedagogic knowledge and understanding
• develop your teaching skills and ability to perform wider roles.

A step towards qualified teacher status

A qualification is just one of the requirements for qualified teacher status, which for this sector is called Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS). As well as the DTE(E)LLS qualification, you need to register with the Institute for Learning and complete a programme of professional formation. You may also be required to take national external tests in literacy, numeracy and information and communication technology (ICT).

DTLLS and DTE(E)LLS

The Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS) is a generic qualification and does not include subject specialist knowledge or subject specialist methodology. If you want to teach ESOL as a main subject, then DTE(E)LLS is the best route as training includes a key focus on ESOL.

Delta and DTE(E)LLS

If you already have Delta, you can take a faster pathway through the DTE(E)LLS programme. You will need to attend parts of the course and to complete some of the assignments but will not have to repeat assessments already covered by Delta.

Generic teaching qualifications and DTE(E)LLS

If you already have a generic DTLLS qualification, you need the Additional Diploma in Teaching English (ESOL) in the Lifelong Learning Sector (ADTE(E)LLS). This can be taken either as a separate course or as a pathway through DTE(E)LLS.