Please keep in mind that the opinions posted on this blog are my own.

Everybody might have a different experience and opinions, and that's OK.

Crushing CELTA: Tips for Getting a Stellar Grade
Technically, getting a good grade from CELTA doesn't matter so much unless it's your lifelong dream (like mine was), you're ambitious and you want to push yourself to the limits. Getting an A from CELTA is not easy though, it requires a lot of thinking, self-criticism and work. So much work. It is definitely possible though, so here I come with some, hopefully useful, tips!

Know the Game

First things first, get to grips with what CELTA is all about. Familiarise yourself with the course structure, assessment criteria, and expectations. Knowing the game plan will help you navigate the CELTA journey with confidence.

Plan Your Attack

CELTA is no walk in the park, so organisation is key. Create a study schedule that works for you, balancing your time between input sessions, lesson planning, and assignments. Stay on top of deadlines and manage your workload like a pro.

Don't Leave Your Assignments to the Last Minute

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on CELTA is procrastinating on your assignments. Trust me, I get it – life gets busy, and it's tempting to put things off until the last minute. But here's the thing: rushing through your assignments will only lead to stress and subpar work. Instead, break down your tasks into manageable chunks and tackle them bit by bit. Start early, stay organized, and give yourself plenty of time to polish your assignments to perfection. Your future self will thank you for it!

Learn and Grow

Feedback is your best friend on CELTA. Embrace it with open arms, even when it feels like a punch to the gut. Use feedback from tutors and peers to identify areas for improvement and fine-tune your teaching skills.

Try New Things and See How They Work

On CELTA, experimentation is key. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new teaching techniques and approaches. Whether it's incorporating technology into your lessons or experimenting with different classroom activities, take risks and see how they pay off. Some things may work like a charm, while others may flop – and that's okay! The important thing is to embrace the learning process and use each experience as an opportunity to grow and develop as a teacher.

Be Self-Critical

Self-reflection is a powerful tool for growth on CELTA. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of teaching and overlook areas where you can improve. That's why it's essential to be self-critical and honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. Take a step back and evaluate your teaching critically – what worked well? What could have been better? By being self-critical, you'll identify areas for growth and take proactive steps to become a better teacher.

Collaborate and Conquer

You're not in this alone – your fellow trainees are your allies on the CELTA battlefield. Collaborate with your peers, sharing ideas, resources, and moral support. Peer observations and feedback can offer valuable insights and fresh perspectives.

Keep Calm and Carry On

CELTA can be intense, but don't let the pressure get to you. Stay calm, stay focused, and remember to breathe. Keep a positive mindset, and don't be too hard on yourself – nobody's perfect, and mistakes are all part of the learning process.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask

If you're struggling with a particular aspect of CELTA, don't suffer in silence. Reach out to your tutors for support and guidance. They're there to help you succeed, so don't hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification when needed.

Celebrate Your Wins

Finally, don't forget to celebrate your successes along the way. Whether it's nailing a challenging lesson or receiving positive feedback from your tutor, take a moment to pat yourself on the back. You're on your way to crushing CELTA – go you!

It all sounds cool, but what if I don’t actually get it? It doesn’t matter, you’re still amazing!

Even if you get a PASS or a B - you are still much more knowledgeable than you were before your CELTA, you still met some amazing people, and you are still a great educator!

After all, it’s just a grade!